Bible Pathways 07/06/04

July 6

Read Psalms 67 - 71

In Today's Reading:

The blessings of God upon His people; His judgment upon His enemies; David's prayer in time of trouble; prayer of praise and thanksgiving

The psalmist encourages everyone to rejoice and sing for joy (Psalm 67:4). Furthermore, singing and giving praise to the Lord always brings satisfaction and peace of mind. While we await Jesus' return from heaven, the psalmist reminds us to rejoice: Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yes, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing to God, sing praises to His Name: extol (praise) Him that rides upon the heavens by His Name JAH, and rejoice before Him (68:3-4). JAH is short for the Name of Jehovah (Yahweh), who is ever in the present.

Let us join with the psalmist in a proclamation of praise and adoration for Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior and Lord, who generously pours out His blessings upon us.

The psalmist not only foretold death but also the resurrection of Christ. A numerous host of people now proclaim the glorious news of His victory. Jesus ascended on high, You have led captivity captive. . . . and to GOD the Lord belong the issues (deliverance) from death (68:18,20). All the kingdoms of the earth sing praises to the Lord (68:32) as they express their heartfelt worship. The Apostle Paul explained the meaning of this psalm as a prophecy concerning Christ, who ascended up on high, He led captivity captive. This means that He conquered death and Satan, who had held mankind in bondage (Hebrews 2:15) and gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8). These gifts were given to apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for equipping God's people to do His work, to help them mature and grow in the likeness of Christ (4:11-12).

Verily, verily, I say to you, He that hears My Word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life. . . . Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in . . . which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation (John 5:24,28-29).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who led captivity captive (Psalm 68:18). With His resurrection power, Jesus broke the captive power of Satan. When He led the Old Testament saints from paradise into heaven, He led captivity captive (compare Ephesians 4:8; also Galatians 5:1; Revelation 1:18).

Word Studies:

67:2 saving health = salvation; 68:4 JAH is an abbreviation of Jehovah - the Eternal, Self-Existent One - and corresponds to I AM THAT I AM; 68:13 pots = sheepfolds; 68:18 led captivity captive = led your captives captive - a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:8-9); 68:20 issues = escapes; 68:35 terrible = awesome, astonishing; 70:3 Aha, aha = an expression of scorn.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for BP Staff: Karen Hawkins · Government Official: President George W. Bush · Country: Hong Kong (7 million) in eastern Asia · Major languages: Chinese and English · Limited religious freedom · 90% Chinese religions; 10% Protestant

Prayer Suggestion: During times of trouble, pray constantly and ask for patience (Romans 12:12).

Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 5

Memory Verse for the Week: I John 4:18