Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll return to Psalm 119 which is all about the Word of God. The psalm looses something in the translation, not necessarily in meaning, but in the effort it took on the part of the author to write it. The psalm is broken up into sections of 8 verses. Each of those verses begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The NKJV and others show the symbol and english alphabet spelling for the symbol. It goes to show that great care and thought was necessary to put this great work together, under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Others through history have given us their thoughts, their theology with great effort. These works can also be of great benefit to us today. I think of Augustine's "Confessions" or "The City of God", Calvin's "Institutes", Martin Luthers' "95 Theses", and the list goes on to Jonathan Edwards, John Owens "Biblical Theology" and on to today's authors and pastors in word form or in sermons/lessons such as R.C. Sproul's "Dust to Glory".
Today's verse is Psalm 119:88 which fall right in the middle of this psalm of 176 verses.
Ps 119:88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. NKJV
Or from The Message:
Ps 119:88 In your great love revive meso I can alertly obey your every word.
David was obviously a "man of God", a "man of God's Word", yet in the middle of this great work which took so much thought and planning, David, is still calling for personal revival, that he can "alertly obey every word."
What does that have to say for you and me today? Are you developing "your theology" what you believe that you would know it in such a way? Is your desire not only to know it, but to seek revival in your heart that you may obey?
Take a few minutes this weekend and read the verses surrounding this verse in the midst of this great psalm, this work of David, this work of God.I'll post it in The Message and the NKJV. How does it speak to you?
In Christ,Mike
Ps 119:81-96
I'm homesick — longing for your salvation;I'm waiting for your word of hope. My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;how long must I wait for your comfort? There's smoke in my eyes — they burn and water,but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post. How long do I have to put up with all this?How long till you haul my tormentors into court? The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,ignorant as they are of God and his ways. Everything you command is a sure thing,but they harass me with lies. Help! They've pushed and pushed — they never let up — but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.
What you say goes, God,and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion;it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;that's what you ordered — you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn't delighted me so,I would have given up when the hard times came. But I'll never forget the advice you gave me;you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I'm all yours.I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,but I'm only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human,but the horizons can't contain your commands!
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.
Ps 119:81-97
81
My soul faints for Your salvation,But I hope in Your word. 82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,Saying, "When will You comfort me?" 83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke,Yet I do not forget Your statutes. 84 How many are the days of Your servant?When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85 The proud have dug pits for me,Which is not according to Your law. 86 All Your commandments are faithful;They persecute me wrongfully;Help me! 87 They almost made an end of me on earth,But I did not forsake Your precepts. 88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
89
Forever, O Lord,Your word is settled in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;You established the earth, and it abides. 91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances,For all are Your servants. 92 Unless Your law had been my delight,I would then have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts,For by them You have given me life. 94 I am Yours, save me;For I have sought Your precepts. 95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,But I will consider Your testimonies. 96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection,But Your commandment is exceedingly broad. NKJV
mikevw@bellsouth.nethttp://mikesvotd.blogspot.com/
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
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