Bible Pathways - July 14, 2006

Psalms 108

In Today's Reading:

David's praise to God for His sovereignty over nations; His Righteousness endureth forever; exhortation to bless the Lord at all times

When Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He fulfilled the prophecy which the Holy Spirit had earlier inspired David to write: The LORD (God the Father) said unto my Lord (God the Son), Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool (Psalm 110:1). Jesus quoted this psalm as referring to Himself (Mark 12:36).

Israel, as a nation, rejected their Messiah King. But, the Stone (Christ) which the builders refused is become the Head Stone (Christ) of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. . . . Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the LORD. . . . God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light. David then gives praise to God and we too can say: Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee. O give thanks unto the LORD . . . for His mercy endureth for ever (Psalm 118:22-23,26-29).

Jesus quoted this psalm, saying: What is this then that is written, The Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that Stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever It shall fall, It will grind him to powder (Luke 20:17-18; Mark 12:10-11).

Paul quoted this psalm when he wrote to the Ephesians: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints (believers), and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner Stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:19-21).

After a miracle of healing, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit), said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel . . . Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole (well). Peter then quoted Psalm 118 when he said: This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:8,10-12).

Christ Revealed:

Christ quoted Psalm 118:22: The Stone which the builders refused — to the chief priests and the Pharisees when they rejected Him (Matthew 21:42-45).

Word Studies:

108:7 mete =b> measure; 109:23 declineth =b> fades away; 111:7 verity and judgment =b> truth and justice; 112:9 horn =b> strength, power; 114:8 standing =b> pool of; 116:3 compassed me =b> surrounded me, entangled me; 118:13 thrust sore at me that I might fall =b> pressed me to the point of collapse.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Rita Guerra Government Officials: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI) and Rep. Tom Latham (IA) · Country: China, Mainland (1.2 billion) in eastern Asia Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) Renewed persecution of the Church 18% Chinese folk-religionist; 6% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing · Prayer Suggestion: Pray without ceasing (II Timothy 1:3).

Optional Reading: I Timothy 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:3