Highlights In Today's Reading:
Helpless? Cry to God (chap. 10), who is our refuge (chap. 11). Protection from a lying generation (chap. 12)! Sound familiar? Ever had to wait on the Lord (chap. 13)? The Bible says you're a fool if you don't believe in God (chap. 14). Look who abides in God (chap. 15)! Foretelling the resurrection (chap. 16). We can rely on God (chap. 17).
Although David may have thought of himself while writing this psalm, we find it exciting to read how the Holy Spirit foretold about our wonderful Lord as revealed about a thousand years before His birth in Bethlehem: For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (16:10-11). On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted from this psalm as a prophecy of Jesus' death and resurrection (Acts 2:25-28,31).
The Old Testament represents departed spirits as the "real self" dwelling in a region called Sheol or Hades. Jesus said that Sheol had two divisions that were separated by a great fixed gulf. One division was called Paradise, and Jesus told the dying thief He would meet him there that very day (Luke 23:43). This is where Lazarus went to be with Father Abraham and other redeemed ones awaiting the great redemption that took place at the time of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.
Jesus said there was another region where the "real self" of the departed unbelievers was imprisoned. This was the region described in the account of the rich man tormented in flames who cried out for one drop of water (16:19-31).
For death to be defeated, it was necessary for Christ's body to hang lifeless on the cross and that His "real self" should also go down to those who were dead. He went, not as a Victim, but as the Conquerer of death and as a Witness that His redemption has set the faithful free (Rev. 1:18). He also descended into hell to the unbelieving as the One they had rejected (I Pet. 3:19-20).
On that Resurrection morning, the stone was rolled away to reveal the resurrected Jesus — the Firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18). Others had been resurrected but soon died again. But Jesus will never die again. Yes, thank You Lord.
John also said: Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever (Rev. 5:13).
Thought for Today:
In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Ps. 16:11).
Christ Revealed:
In the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see decay (Ps. 16:10). This foretells the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39). When Jesus spoke His Revelation to John, He declared: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:
10:5 puffeth at makes light of; 10:13 contemn defy; despise; 11:3 foundations principles of society based on the Word of God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Robert Barrie • Government Officials: Rep. Mike Honda (CA), Rep. Jeff Miller (FL), and Rep. David Scott (GA) • Country: Singapore (4 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Chinese and Malay • Religious freedom • 54% Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese Traditional Religion; 15% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 3% Hindu; .5% Sikh; .2% Baha'i; 14.3% None/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself before the Lord (I Pet. 5:5-6).
Optional Reading: Philippians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:14