In many countries around the world, in order for a testimony to be accepted as true, one needs more than a single witness. Even the Bible itself testifies that two or more witnesses are needed before any legal testimony can be accepted (Deuteronomy 19:15). If we have two independent witnesses we can accept their testimony. In our psalm selection for this week we have two separate ways that God has witnessed to us of His Being. Let’s look into this psalm from the Bible.
Today’s psalm was written by King David, and was one he wrote for his chief court musician to perform. In this portion of Scripture David tells us that God reveals Himself to us in two very specific ways. He reveals Himself through His creation throughout the world and the heavens (vs. 1-6). God also reveals Himself through His Word, the Bible (vs. 7-11). Today God’s Word is available in most places around the world, however where it might not be available to read or hear, or if people can’t or won’t read the Bible, there is God’s creation to testify of Him. That is there for everyone to see, speaking loudly and clearly.
As God reveals Himself through nature we learn about His power and our finiteness. Creation’s design, intricacy, and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator. There are people who argue against God, and how it is not fair of Him to judge people who might never have been able to read the Bible or heard the message therein. However, God has given testimony and witness of His Being through His creation. The message of the created world extends everywhere, and people are without excuse in not believing in Him (Romans 1:19-20).
The testimony of the universe comes forth consistently and clearly, but sinful mankind persistently resists it. David describes the sun and other heavenly stars and planets giving their testimony to the Lord God’s greatness. It is as if they are God’s preachers in the sky who proclaim 24 hours a day the truth that God exists. In this psalm of David, though, neither the sun nor the heavens are deified, as is the case in pagan nations. Instead, we know that God is the Creator and Ruler over all creation.
As our psalm continues, we see that God reveals Himself through the Scriptures (vs. 7-11). There we learn about God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Here we read five different words used to describe God’s Word - law, testimony, statutes, commandments, and judgments. God’s Word can convert us and make us wise (vs. 7). It is right and true, it will enlighten us, and can bring us rejoicing (vs. 8). God’s Word will endure forever (vs. 9).
Many people scoff at the Bible, and say that it is a book that only tells us a bunch of do’s and don’ts, trying to hinder one’s life and happiness. God’s laws, though, are guidelines and light for our path, rather than chains on our hands and feet. God’s Word points at dangers we can run into throughout our life, and will warn us. It also points the way to find success, and will guide us if we are willing to follow the Lord.
As the psalm concludes, we read how God will work in our daily life, bringing us forgiveness and salvation if we turn to Him (vs. 12-13). David knew all about falling into sin, and needing the Lord’s forgiveness. God’s Word instructs us that when one does fall into sin, we need to deal with it and not deny that sin. If someone is standing on the edge of a cliff without any barrier, they need to be careful. It is best to not get too close. The same goes for when one is getting close to some sinful actions. It is best, too, that we not get too close to that sin, as we may lose our balance and go toppling in. We may think we won’t fall, but we often do, with ruined lives as the result.
David closes this psalm with a prayer that we can also take for our own (vs. 14). He asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. We all should pray that our words and thoughts will be something we can offer up without shame to the Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment