July 6
Read Psalms 67 -- 71
God revealed that His plan of redemption should be declared to all people throughout the world so that (His) way may be known upon earth, saving health (His power to save) among all nations. . . . O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for (He) shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. . . . God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him (Psalms 67:2,4,7).
Four times in this short psalm we read: Let the people praise You, O God (67:3,5). This is a reminder to worship our wonderful Lord, who has promised His blessing upon genuine, Holy Spirit-inspired praise: Let the people praise You, O God; let all the people praise You. The Hebrew word translated "praise" in all four instances in verses 3 and 5 begins with the Hebrew word for an open hand. This implies that hands are to be lifted upward, expressing thanksgiving to God who is merciful to us, provides salvation, answers our prayers, and judges all righteously. The prayer of this psalm is that one day all the people of the earth will lift up their hands as they praise the One True God of love, wisdom, and justice. This will be fully realized only when Jesus Christ, as King of kings, shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations. But, while we await His return from Heaven, let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yes, let them exceedingly rejoice (68:3).
The psalmist then foretold the resurrection of Christ and also His Church, saying: The Lord gave the Word: great was the company of those who published it. . . . You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive: You have received gifts for men (68:11,18). Paul quoted this psalm, but worded it: When He ascended up on high, He . . . gave gifts unto men; and then added: He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:8,11-12).
Let us join with the psalmist in a proclamation of praise and adoration for Jesus Christ, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. . . . My mouth shall show forth Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day (Psalms 68:19; 71:15).
All the Word of God is to be taught as Jesus commanded: Teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20). During Christ's triumphant millennial reign, all kingdoms of the earth will sing praises unto the Lord (Psalms 68:32). We too need to join with David, saying: Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad . . . and let such as love Your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified (70:4).
The Apostle Paul was inspired to write: The Holy Scriptures . . . are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is . . . profitable . . . That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Timothy 3:15-17).
Christ Revealed: As the One who led captivity captive (Psalms 68:18). When Christ physically rose from the dead, He broke the captive power of Satan (Gal. 5:1; Eph. 4:8; Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies: 67:2 saving health means 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 means sheepfolds; 68:18 led captivity captive means led your captives captive -- a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:8); 68:20 issues means escapes; 70:3 Aha, aha means an expression of scorn.
Prayer:
Government Official: President George W. Bush · BPM Staff: Diana Hash · Pray for Bible Pathway Prayer Partners · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Ardyce D. Bierly · Country: North Korea (22 million) in northeastern Asia · Major language: Korean · Violent oppression against all religions · 68% atheist; 31% Buddhism, Confucianism, and other Korean religions; 1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive you of all ill will, grudges, or hatred you may hold in your heart toward another person (Matthew 6:14-15).
Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 5:10-11,15