Highlights:
In today's reading learn more about Jesus and the glories of the Messiah and His Bride, the Church (born-again believers in Christ who is Savior and Lord of their lives). See the similarities between David's trusted adviser Ahithophel (II Sam. 15:12) and Judas, one of the 12 apostles (Matt. 26:25).
It was foretold by the psalmist that the Messiah, our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ who is King of kings, would always uphold truth . . . meekness and righteousness (Ps. 45:4) in His reign. In contrast, earthly kings are known for being ruthless and oppressive. Because the Lord Jesus is the only begotten sinless Son of God, David was inspired to write: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of Thy Kingdom is a right (true) sceptre (symbol of the divine right to rule) (45:6). The Father had anointed Jesus and poured out abundantly on Him the oil of gladness (45:7) far above all others. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples: All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me (Luke 24:44).
The Apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 45 concerning Jesus as the Son of God, saying: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom. . . . God . . . hath anointed Thee with . . . oil (Heb. 1:8-9). Loving only what is right and hating all that is wrong is one of the numerous attributes of Christ.
Although we often fall short, those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior desire to express the same attributes of loving righteousness and hating lawlessness. Since Christians are the Bride of Christ, we desire to express the characteristics of the One we represent. The King sees only beauty in His Bride and we, in turn, recognize Him as our Lord and worship Him (Ps. 45:11). This means that He deserves to have our undivided allegiance.
In the midst of trying and uncertain circumstances, the Lord has assured us of His loving care over our lives. No Christian needs to fear what the future may be. We are instructed to trust the Lord for today's necessities and seek not . . . what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink. . . . For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek (desire) ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you (Luke 12:29-31). Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father. . . . Give us day by day our daily bread (whatever is needed for today) (11:2-3).
Thought for Today:
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (Matt. 6:6).
Christ Revealed:
As One who will do the will of God (Ps. 40:6-8). Jesus said that His purpose on earth was to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work (John 4:34; Heb. 10:7-9).
Word Studies:
40:6 ears . . . opened =b> open to obedience; 41:3 make all his bed in his sickness =b> sustain him in all his sickness; 42:1 panteth after =b> longs for; 42:11 health =b> salvation; 44:19 sore broken =b> severely crushed; 45:1 inditing =b> overflowing with; 45:6 right sceptre =b> righteous rule.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. At-Large Michael Castle (DE) • Country: Philippines (76 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Filipino and English • Religious persecution in some areas • 80% Catholic; 9% Protestant; 8% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 3% Other (Buddhist, Animist, non-Religious) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the Lord's blessings and peace upon His children (Num. 6:24-27).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34