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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I say with David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Ps 103:1). You forgive my iniquity, you heal my diseases, you redeem my life from the pit, and you crown me with steadfast love and mercy. You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. I praise you today and bless your name. Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me more of David’s psalms. Psalm 109 teaches me that when someone repays my kindness with treachery, it is Christlike to pray against them. Indeed, Peter applied this psalm to Judas, “who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus” (Acts 1:15–20). David’s example is important. He didn’t seek personal revenge on those who betrayed him, and he didn’t take matters into his own hands (Ps 109:27). Instead, he called on you to repay the wicked according to their deeds: “He loved to curse; let curses come upon him! He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him!” (Ps 109:17). This is the spirit of Christ. It is your will that the sins of the unrepentant wicked should fall on their own heads in judgment. Psalm 110 is one of the most important Messianic psalms. It is quoted by the NT more than any other psalm. In this psalm, the Father speaks to the Son, whom David acknowledged as “my Lord,” and says, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool” (Ps 110:1). This shows that the Messiah is both Son of God and King of kings (cf. Matt 22:41–46). The Father goes on to declare, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Ps 110:4). This means that the Messiah is also a High Priest who will offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people (cf. Heb 7). How wonderful to know that your Son, Jesus the Messiah, is both King and Priest. He is able to save me from my sins, and one day He will rule the world in righteousness! Hallelujah! Reflection Can I say with David, “I will ponder the way that is blameless. I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I will know nothing of evil”? (Ps 101:2–4). Request Father, grant me help against my foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With you I shall do valiantly, for it is you who will tread down my foes. (Ps 108:12–13). Thanksgiving Thank you for not dealing with me according to my sin! You removed my transgressions far from me, as far as the east is from the west! As a father shows compassion to his children, so you have shown compassion to me. Praise the Lord! (Ps 103:10–13). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Rejoice, the Lord is King” — Charles Wesley. Meditation Verse: Psalm 103:19. |