Bible Pathways - July 4, 2009
July 4
Highlights In Today's Reading:
In these psalms David contemplates some discouraging times in his life. The end of the wicked is contrasted with the peace of the godly. Then he speaks of the folly of the godless and longs for Israel to be restored. These are followed by prayers for deliverance from adversaries, the treachery of "friends," and relief from tormentors. He finishes with a plea for judgment of the wicked and then offers praise to the Lord for His protection.
King David was heartbroken over the revolt that was led by his rebellious son that ended with the death of Absalom. Since his own son had turned the people's hearts against David and declared himself king, David probably was surprised and heartbroken to discover that Ahithophel also had deceived him: Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. . . . For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me . . . But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the House of God in company (55:10-14).
When he discovered that Ahithophel, his friend and most trusted adviser, had not only joined Absalom but had also asked to personally execute him, he was shaken with grief. David's first reaction was a cry seeking escape from the wicked: Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest (55:6). He expressed his deep disappointment in the hypocrisy and treachery of this one whom he called mine equal, my guide (55:13).
But David did not have wings like a dove, and he could not fly away. Instead, he committed his sorrows to the Lord and trusted solely in Him as he had done from his youth. He had assurance that his God was able to sustain him in every trial and would accomplish His purpose for his life. Therefore, he concluded that psalm by saying: Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer (cause) the righteous to be moved (55:22).
David spoke out of the realization that those who were seeking his downfall were, in reality, opposing God. Just as Jesus had Judas, every servant of God probably has had similar experiences. Since we are the Lord's servants, we should not be greatly surprised when we are disappointed, deceived, or even betrayed by others.
Jesus warned His followers: If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world . . . therefore the world hateth you. . . . If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:18-20).
Thought for Today:
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me (Mic. 7:8).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who saves those who will call on Him (Ps. 55:16-17). It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21; also Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:13).
Word Studies:
53:3 filthy = sinful, corrupt; 55:4 sore pained within me = severely distressed within me; 55:9 divide their tongues = confuse and discredit their counsel; 59:10 The God of mercy shall prevent me = The Lord will help me in lovingkindness.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Officials: Rep. Sam Farr (CA) and Rep. Dan Maffei (NY) • Country: Spain (39.6 million) in southwestern Europe • Major languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan • Limited religious freedom • 85% Roman Catholicism; 1% Islam; .5% Protestant; .5% Jehovah's Witness; 13% Other (Mormon, Jewish, Secular Humanist) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to fill you with love for the unlovely (I John 4:7-8).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:20
