BOOK REVIEW - "ANSWERING THE PSALMIST'S PERPLEXITY:NEW COVENANT NEWNESS IN THE BOOK OF PSALMS" (NEW STUDIES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY) BY JAMES HELY HUTCHINSON

It seems that one book of the Bible that has interesting theories are based on Psalms. I heard one person suggest that Psalms 90-100 belong to Moses' blessing on the 12 tribes in Deuteronomy 32-33. Another taught that if you stick "19" in front of the number of the first 99 Psalms is a prophecy of what would happen in relatively recent history (e.g., Psalm 38 tells events that happened in 1938, or that, since "He is coming" is mentioned twice in chapter '96 and once in Psalm 98, it implies the rapture would take place in 1997. Okay, at least one of these above is off.

A similar but much more likely theory is proposed by James Hely Hutchinson in "Answering the Psalmist's Perplexity: New Covenant Newness in the Book of Psalms." His thesis is that the Psalmist in Psalm 89 was struggling between the unconditional covenant with David and the fact that Judah was in exile with the Davidic throne empty. As a result, Psalms develops an answer, which is in the New Testament with Christ.

In the first chapter, Hutchison defends his method including using a single book to deal with a 66 book issue and an Old Testament book to establish New Testament teaching. This is followed up with looking at seven views of how the Old and New Testaments interact from the Westminster Confession model to dispensationalism. 

He launches into his theory in chapter 3. First, he deals with how Books 1-3 of Psalms (respectively Psalms 1-41, 42-72, and 73-89) sets the scene for "the Psalmist's Perplexity." Next, he looks at how the Book 4 (90-106) provides the building blocks for the answer. The outworking of the answer is covered in Chapter 5 through Book 5 (Psalms 107-150), before he focuses on the Law and the New-Covenant Believer's ethical life. He concludes by reviewing the spectrum of beliefs covered in chapter 2 and - surprise, surprise - he favors the one in the middle, though he is quick to point out this is not even close to being a salvation issue.

I found this book interesting, but not the strongest in the series. "Answering The Psalmist's Perplexity" is the 62nd in what is currently a 62 book series, and none have been out in the past year and a half (it was published in January, 2024). Additionally, D.A. Carson is listed as the series editor, except in this one, he shares billing with Benjamin L. Gladd. So I'm curious what the future is of the New Studies in Biblical Theology.

DEVOTIONAL ON PSALM 20:2

CEF International Headquarters, Warrenton, MO

"May He send you help from the sanctuary

And strengthen you from Zion."

Psalm 20:2, NKJV

What are my three favorite Psalms? Would you count me an infidel if the 23rd Psalm isn't that high? Believe it or not, it's 6th place? The top three consist of, in order, Psalms 84, 67, and 20. (For the curious, 4th and 5th, respectively, are 27 and 119.)

Today, I'm focusing on Psalm 20. Why do I place it so high? Is it verse 7, which says "Some trust in chariots and some in horses," and some paraphrase, "Some trust in Cadillacs and some in Porshes?" No, it's the first five verses.

Alex Darnall, worship leader at Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis, was doing a devotional series on the Psalms and commented on the 20th that it's in context of the King addressing his army. I didn't think of that, and it sounds good. But I looked at it as a great Psalm to pray for others, particularly the first 5 verses.

When I looked at this Psalm a couple of days ago, I felt I needed the prayer from verse 2 for me personally.

PRAYER: Lord, I need Your help; please send me help from Your Sanctuary in heaven. I need Your strength; please strengthen me from Zion. And Lord, please let me know of any brothers and sisters in You that need encouragement and need me to pray this Psalm for them.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 48 OF 48 - PSALM 23

 

The Good Shepherd Church sign, Indianapolis.

1   The Lord is my shepherd;
    I shall not want.
2   He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
    He leads me beside the still waters.
3   He restores my soul;
    He leads me in the paths of righteousness
    For His name's sake.
4   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil;
    For You are with me;
    Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me
5   You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
    You anoint my head with oil;
    My cup runs over.
6   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    All the days of my life;
    And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV

You may remember back in February I may have surprised you by jumping from Psalm 20 to 27, skipping the best known Psalm. To be honest, I debated on skipping it because 1) many of you can say this Psalm from memory and 2) what can I add to what has already been said to this wonderful Psalm?

But then, an idea hit me. Why not close out with this Psalm on New Year's Eve? Here are some thoughts to think on:

• How has God led you to green pastures and made you lie down by still waters this past year?
• What paths of righteousness did God lead you down in '23, for His name's sake?
• Did God walk beside you and comfort you in the valley of the shadow of death these past twelve months?
• Was there a table prepared for you in the presence of your enemies this year?
  

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 47 OF 48 - PSALM 149

 

Yavapai County Courthouse, Prescott, Arizona

1   Praise the LORD! 

    Sing to the LORD a new song, 

    And His praise in the assembly of saints. 

2   Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; 

    Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 

3   Let them praise His name with the dance; 

    Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 

4   For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; 

    He will beautify the humble with salvation. 

5  Let the saints be joyful in glory; 

    Let them sing aloud on their beds. 

6  Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, 

    And a two-edged sword in their hand, 

7   To execute vengeance on the nations, 

    And punishments on the peoples; 

8   To bind their kings with chains, 

    And their nobles with fetters of iron; 

9   To execute on them the written judgment-- 

    This honor have all His saints. 

    Praise the LORD! 

                        Psalm 149:1-9, New King James Version

Yes, I've talked about some of my favorite Psalms. But if I would pick one Psalm, gather together a half to a full dozen of my theologically minded friends, and discuss that Psalm and what it means and how to apply it, this would be that Psalm. Allow me to highlight three points of the Psalm that put it in this category.

1. Verse one tells us to sing to the Lord a new song, and to sing it to the assembly of the upright. What is meant by a new song? I'd love to hear the above mentioned 6-12 friends give me their interpretations, and I'm sure at least one would  give the meaning of the original languages and the cultural setting, but I'll suggest it might include those that God has given the talent to write songs may compose new songs. I also love the concept of the assembly of the upright.
2. Verse four is an encouragement - that the Lord takes pleasure in His people and will beautify the humble with salvation. Isn't that a wonderful hope?
3. The passage that I want to discuss with those 6-12 friends (could they be considered an assembly of the upright) is the last half of the Psalm. It starts out with them receiving glory and singing praise to God. But then in verse 6, it mentions letting the high praise of God be in their mouth (which is typical in the Psalms) and a sharp two edged sword in their hand (not typical for the Psalm). It goes on to say that they'll punish the nations, bind the kings and execute on them the judgment. It then adds, "This honor have all the saints. Praise the LORD."

Wouldn't that be an interesting discussion?

Note. This is part 47 of 48 of my Sunday Psalms series. However, I'm taking a four week break from this series, and will conclude it on New Year's Eve.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 44 OF 48 - PSALM 139

Swamp trail boardwalk, Ritchie Woods Nature Preserves, Fishers, IN

 1     O LORD, You have searched me and known me.

2     You know my sitting down and my rising up; 

       You understand my thought afar off.

3     You comprehend my path and my lying down, 

       And are acquainted with all my ways.

4     For there is not a word on my tongue, 

       But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

5     You have hedged me behind and before, 

       And laid Your hand upon me.

6     Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; 

       It is high, I cannot attain it.

7     Where can I go from Your Spirit? 

       Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8     If I ascend into heaven, You are there; 

       If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9     If I take the wings of the morning, 

       And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10   Even there Your hand shall lead me, 

       And Your right hand shall hold me.

11    If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," 

       Even the night shall be light about me;

12   Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, 

       But the night shines as the day; 

        The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

13     For You formed my inward parts; 

        You covered me in my mother's womb.

14     I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

        Marvelous are Your works, 

        And that my soul knows very well.

15     My frame was not hidden from You, 

        When I was made in secret, 

        And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16     Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. 

        And in Your book they all were written, 

        The days fashioned for me, 

        When as yet there were none of them.

17     How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! 

        How great is the sum of them!

18    If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; 

       When I awake, I am still with You.

19    Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! 

        Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.

20   For they speak against You wickedly; 

        Your enemies take Your name in vain.

21    Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? 

       And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

22   I hate them with perfect hatred; 

       I count them my enemies.

23   Search me, O God, and know my heart; 

       Try me, and know my anxieties;

24   And see if there is any wicked way in me, 

       And lead me in the way everlasting.

                            Psalm 139:1-24, New King James Version

No, you're not imagining things. Yes, this is the largest Psalm I've quoted in its entirety. Yes, I'll be a nice guy and give you a short comment. 

It's obvious that this Psalm talks about God's greatness, His omnipotence, His omniscience, and His omnipresence. This Psalm is so full of God's praise. 

But am I the only one who notices most focus either on the first 18 verses or the final two? 

It is interesting me the sharp turn this Psalm takes in verse 19, moving the focus from a great and good God to the depraved enemies of Our Sovereign. And whoever sent the message that we're supposed to love everbody? Apparently King David, who wrote this Psalm, didn't get the memo. By the way, doesn't "perfect hatred" sound like an oxymoron? "Complete" would be a better word, or as the NIV puts it, "I have nothing but hatred for them."

And right after that, we have the awesome prayer for God to search our hearts in verses 23 and 24. We often remove it from the context as a godly prayer, but let's look at it in context. We get angry when we see and hear those opposed to our Lord and Savior, and we should. But that is when David asks God to search our hearts. "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him." (Prov. 26:4) We should respond to God's (and our) enemies with a heart purified by the Holy Spirit.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 43 OF 48 (REFORMATION DAY/ALL SAINTS DAY EDITION) - PSALM 101

 

Arlington Avenue Baptist Church, Indianapolis

1  I will sing of mercy and justice;
    To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
2  I will behave wisely in a perfect way.
    Oh, when will You come to me?
    I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3  I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
    I hate the work of those who fall away;
    It shall not cling to me.
4  A perverse heart shall depart from me;
    I will not know wickedness.

5  Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor,
    Him I will destroy;
    The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart,
    Him I will not endure.
6  My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land,
    That they may dwell with me;
    He who walks in a perfect way,
    He shall serve me.
7  He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house;
    He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.
8  Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land,
    That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.
                        Psalm 101:1-8, New King James Version

 Do we mirror the Psalmist (identified as David) in these following aspects covered in this Psalm:

• Godly behavior, including not setting anything evil before our eyes and not letting the work of those who turn from Christ cling to us (verses 2-4)?
• Not tolerating the presence of the proud, the dishonest, and other evildoers (verses 5, 7-8)?
• A desire to be surrounded by those faithful to God (verse 6)?

This is something to think about with Reformation Day (the name of the pagan celebration that shares the October 31st celebration date) and All Saints Day. Do we want a new beginning to our personal lives, our church, our society? Do we want to see reformation, restoration, spiritual awakening and revival? Would the above be a factor?

 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 42 OF 48 - PSALM 138

 

A millstone, with a plaque containing Mathew 18;6, at CEF Headquarters, Warrenton, MO.

1   I will praise You with my whole heart;
    Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
2   I will worship toward Your holy temple,
    And praise Your name
    For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
    For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
3   In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
    And made me bold with strength in my soul.
4  All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord,
    When they hear the words of Your mouth.
5   Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    For great is the glory of the Lord.
6   Though the Lord is on high,
    Yet He regards the lowly;
    But the proud He knows from afar.
7   Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
    You will stretch out Your hand
    Against the wrath of my enemies,
    And Your right hand will save me.
8   The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
    Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
    Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
                    Psalm 138:1-8, New King James Version

Another of my favorite Psalms. I find it interesting it says He exalts His Word above His name. Do you think this could refer to Scripture?

I also am encouraged by verses 3 and 7. The former says God makes me bold with strength in my soul - Don't we all need this kind of boldness? The latter talks about God reviving us when we walk in the midst of trouble (am I the only one who thinks of Psalm 23:4, "Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death?) and stretching out His hand against the wrath of our enemies.

One of my favorite songs, by one of my favorite singers, is based on verse six: "Tho He Be High" by Becky Ugartechea. This verse makes me think of Jesus saying that to enter his kingdom, we should become as little children (Matthew 18:4). This in turn makes me think of Child Evangelism Fellowship. In the front of the building is a millstone with a metal plaque reading Matthew 18:6:"But woe to those who make one of these little ones who believe in my name stumble, for it would be better for them if a millstone were tied around their neck and they were drowned in the midst of the sea."

Finally, God will perfect - or complete - all that concerns us. Isn't it wonderful to know, as it says here and in Philippians 1:6, that God isn't through working on us yet?

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 36 OF 48: PSALM 119:153-160

Child Evangelism Fellowship Headquarters, Warrenton, MO

153   Consider my affliction and deliver me,
        For I do not forget Your law.
154   Plead my cause and redeem me;
        Revive me according to Your word.
155   Salvation is far from the wicked,
        For they do not seek Your statutes.
156   Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD;
        Revive me according to Your judgments.
157   Many are my persecutors and my enemies,
        Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
158   I see the treacherous, and am disgusted,
        Because they do not keep Your word.
159   Consider how I love Your precepts;
        Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.
160   The entirety of Your word is truth,
        And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
                Psalm 119:153-160, New King James Version

As you'd expect me to say, I absolutely love this section. Allow me to give two reasons.

1. The emphasis on revival. Yes, you probably noticed several appeals in this Psalm to "Revive me according to Your Word or something similar. Verses 33-40 have two. This section has three. Verse 154 asks God to revive us according to His Word; verse 156 asks for revival according to God's judgments (or justice), and verse 159 asks for Him to revive us according to His lovingkindness. We all need to be revived in all three.
2. I also love the concluding verse. What do you think it means to say "The entirety of Your word is truth?" I think it means that the entirety of God's Word is truth. That means Genesis to Revelation. It goes on to add that His righteous judgments endures forever. Now, how long is forever?  Yet I hear people who think our culture knows more than God. :'( I have one friend who believes in the four Gospels, period. Should I take his word or God's Word that all Scripture is truth and endures forever?
   

 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 35 OF 48 - PSALM 119:129-136

Cool Creek Park, Westfield, Indiana

 

129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
   Therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The entrance of Your words gives light;
   It gives understanding to the simple.
131 I opened my mouth and panted,
   For I longed for Your commandments.
132 Look upon me and be merciful to me,
   As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
133 Direct my steps by Your word,
   And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
   That I may keep Your precepts.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
   And teach me Your statutes.
136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes,
   Because men do not keep Your law.
       Psalm 119:129-136, New King James Version

Once again, another good Psalm, and one I want to focus on one part: the last verse. Do rivers of water run down from your eyes because men don't keep God's Law?

Think about this. How much entertainment reflects men not keeping God's Law? How much has us cheering those who don't keep God's Law? How often are we laughing at disobedience? How often does it grieve us?

Let's look at where we get our information. Is it unbiased? Or does it reflect a heart that does not keep God's Law? Are they sympathetic to those of faith, or do they look at traditional values (aka keeping God's Law) as backward at best and a danger at worst?

What about our relationships? When there is disobedience to God's Word, are we grieved? Or do we shrug our shoulders? Do we tag along when they're going places we as God's Law-keepers have no business?

Do rivers of water run down from our eyes because people don't keep God's Law? Do we believe what Psalm 12:8 says: "The wicked prowl on every side When vileness is exalted among the sons of men."

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 33 OF 48 - PSALM 119:113-120

 

Eskenazi Hospital, Indianapolis

113     I hate the double-minded,
         But I love Your law.
114     You are my hiding place and my shield;
         I hope in Your word.
115     Depart from me, you evildoers,
         For I will keep the commandments of my God!
116     Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
         And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117     Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
         And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
118     You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,
         For their deceit is falsehood.
119     You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;
         Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120     My flesh trembles for fear of You,
         And I am afraid of Your judgments.
                Psalm 119:113-120, New King James Version

Another great section from Psalm 119. I smile whenever I see the remark to the evildoers (v. 115). Note the Psalmist tells them to get lost because he'll keep God's commandments. Shouldn't we have that attitude to today's society?

I do find this section interesting. Besides that jab at the wicked, you have a lot of statements of confidence (v. 113-114), requests for God to keep him safe (v. 117), and a conclusion of being in fear of God and afraid of His judgments. Another different approach from today's norm, huh?

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 31 OF 48 - PSALM 119:33-40

Cool Creek Park and Nature Center, Westfield, IN

33     Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
            And I shall keep it to the end.
34     Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
            Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35     Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
            For I delight in it.
36     Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
            And not to covetousness.
37     Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
            And revive me in Your way.
38     Establish Your word to Your servant,
            Who is devoted to fearing You.
39     Turn away my reproach which I dread,
            For Your judgments are good.
40     Behold, I long for Your precepts;
            Revive me in Your righteousness.
                            Psalm 119:33-40, New King James Version

Did you have parents who made you eat liver and spinach? Okay, it's hard to see hands over the internet, but I'm sure there are some. How many of you had parents that made you eat hot fudge sundaes? I don't see any hands now, because I'm sure you didn't need your parents having to encourage you to eat that delicious ice cream.

Now, take that thought into verse 35. The Psalmist is asking God to make him walk in the path of His commandments because the psalmist loves it! Like those wonderful sundaes, a true Christian loves keeping God's word and obeying Him. Yet there are times we live in a way that makes it appear we view following God's commands to be like eating liver. (I'll drop spinach, because I learned I loved it if you mixed bacon and onions with it, and I love spinach salad.) Do you have that experience?

Next verse. I can name a career that is focused on creating covetousness. Can you say "advertising?" It's great to have our heart leaning not toward desiring things we don't have (and more often than not don't need) but to the Word of God. That's one think I like about regularly reviewing memorized Bible passages.

I've always liked verse 37, asking God to turn our eyes from worthless things. Is there anything you can think of as worthless that we're tempted to look at? How about the entertainment we enjoy? Some of it is sinful like pornography. Some of it isn't evil but isn't good either. It may help us relax, but some of it (e.g. sports) can become an idol and take us away from what God has called us to do.

Finally, are we devoted to loving God? Do we long for His precepts?

 

 
 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 30 OF 48 - PSALM 119:25-32

Post Road, Indianapolis, across from Fort Ben State Park

 25   My soul clings to the dust;
      Revive me according to Your word.
26   I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
      Teach me Your statutes.
27   Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
      So shall I meditate on Your wondrous works.
28   My soul melts from heaviness;
      Strengthen me according to Your word.
29   Remove from me the way of lying,
      And grant me Your law graciously.
30   I have chosen the way of truth;
      Your judgments I have laid before me.
31   I cling to Your testimonies;
      O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32   I will run the course of Your commandments,
      For You shall enlarge my heart.
                    Psalm 119:25-32, New King James Version

Three points I want to make with this section.

1. First, a confession that I relate to the Psalmist's mindset in verses 25 and 28. How about you?
2. I love verse 26, and I find it an invitation, a promise, and a challenge. An invitation to tell God what's on our minds and our plans. A promise that He'll answer us. A challenge to ask God to show us His statutes. Do you think that prayer will be answered?
3. I love the two sides of the coin verses 29 and 30 show. The first could be said to be the Calvinist verse, asking God to remove the path of lying and to grant us His law graciously. The second is the Arminian counterpart, stating that we chose the way of truth and that we willingly are setting God's judgments before us.

What does this Psalm segment say to you?

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 29 OF 48 - PSALM 119:17-24

Log Church, Turkey Run State Park, Marshall, IN

 17     Deal bountifully with Your servant,
        That I may live and keep Your word.
18     Open my eyes, that I may see
        Wondrous things from Your law.
19     I am a stranger in the earth;
        Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20  My soul breaks with longing
        For Your judgments at all times.
21     You rebuke the proud--the cursed,
        Who stray from Your commandments.
22   Remove from me reproach and contempt,
        For I have kept Your testimonies.
23  Princes also sit and speak against me,
        But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24  Your testimonies also are my delight
       And my counselors.
                    Psalm 119:17-24, New King James Version

Isn't verse 18 a wonderful prayer to say before you do your Bible reading?

How about verse 19? Do you feel like a stranger on earth? If so, good for you, and you need to as a result grow more familiar with God's word. If you're a Christian who doesn't feel like a stranger on this depraved planet, then something's wrong!

You notice who's called "the cursed?" Yep, the proud. God doesn't think much of pride, does he? Pride is at the root of all rebellion against God, the source of all our disobedience.

Finally, is God's testimony our delight and our counselor? Or are we trusting in princes who sit and speak against God's people?

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 26 OF 48 - PSALM 116

Cool Creek Park, Westfield, Indiana

 

1    I love the LORD, because He has heard
     My voice and my supplications.
2   Because He has inclined His ear to me,
     Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
3   The pains of death surrounded me,
     And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
     I found trouble and sorrow.
4   Then I called upon the name of the LORD:
     "O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!"

5   Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
     Yes, our God is merciful.
6   The LORD preserves the simple;
     I was brought low, and He saved me.
7   Return to your rest, O my soul,
     For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

8   For You have delivered my soul from death,
     My eyes from tears,
     And my feet from falling.
9   I will walk before the LORD
     In the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore I spoke,
    "I am greatly afflicted."
11  I said in my haste,
    "All men are liars."

12 What shall I render to the LORD
     For all His benefits toward me?
13  I will take up the cup of salvation,
     And call upon the name of the LORD.
14  I will pay my vows to the LORD
     Now in the presence of all His people.
15  Precious in the sight of the LORD
     Is the death of His saints.

16  O LORD, truly I am Your servant;
     I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;
     You have loosed my bonds.
17  I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
     And will call upon the name of the LORD.
18  I will pay my vows to the LORD
     Now in the presence of all His people,
19  In the courts of the LORD's house,
     In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. 

     Praise the Lord!
                        Psalm 116:1-19, New King James Version

 

Two of my favorite singers, both of whom I know personally, have written and recorded songs based on this Psalm (Barry Kay, "I Love The Lord," from his "Beyond The Song" project, and Amy Shreve, "Psalm 116," which leads off her "Whisper" CD and is also on her compilation "The God of All Hope.")

This is an uplifting Psalm, but verse 15 is the one that stands out: "Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of His saints." I especially think of this verse in connection with ministries to the Persecuted Church like Voice of the Martyrs, Spirit of Martyrdom, and Vision Beyond Borders.

One thing I noticed is the repetition of the phrase "call on the LORD" or more frequently "call on the Name of the LORD." I read an excellent book on the Biblical Theology of Prayer titled Calling On The Name of the Lord by J. Gary Millar. He focuses on how men started calling on the name of the Lord after the birth of Adam's grandson Enosh (Gen. 4:26), and defines how this is throughout Scripture asking God to do what He promised.
 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 25 OF 48 - PSALM 115:1-3

Bald Eagles (obviously), Louisville Zoo

 1   Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
    But to Your name give glory,
    Because of Your mercy,
    Because of Your truth.
2   Why should the Gentiles say,
    "So where is their God?"
3   But our God is in heaven;
    He does whatever He pleases.
          Psalm 115:1-3, New King James Version

Just as obvious as the fact that the birds I pictured above are bald eagles, it should be obvious that 100% of the glory belongs to God and the remaining 0% belongs to us, on a good day - typically, less than that.

This is Old Testament. In the Jewish mindset, the Gentiles (aka the Nations) were the outsiders of the Kingdom of God. In the church age, the doors to the Kingdom opened wide to the Gentiles. So let's forget using this in context with a nationality but with those who have not asked God for permission to enter His Kingdom. 

Yes, God is still in heaven. Yes, He still does whatever He pleases. But it is our job to give God the glory so people will know He's in charge and not just a myth.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 24 OF 48 - PSALM 113

International Learning Center, Rockville, Virginia

 1  Praise the LORD!
    Praise, O servants of the LORD,
    Praise the name of the LORD!
2  Blessed be the name of the LORD
    From this time forth and forevermore!
3  From the rising of the sun to its going down
    The LORD's name is to be praised.

4  The LORD is high above all nations,
    His glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like the LORD our God,
    Who dwells on high,
6  Who humbles Himself to behold
    The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

7  He raises the poor out of the dust,
   And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
8  That He may seat him with princes--
    With the princes of His people.
9  He grants the barren woman a home,
    Like a joyful mother of children. 

    Praise the LORD!
                        Psalm 113:1-9, New King James Version

Doesn't this Psalm make you want to praise God?

And do I really need to add anything? 

Praise Yahweh!

Oh, and happy Father's day!

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 23 OF 48 - PSALM 111

 

White Handed Gibbon, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Park

1    Praise the LORD!
    I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
    In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2   The works of the Lord are great,
    Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3   His work is honorable and glorious,
    And His righteousness endures forever.
4   He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
    The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5   He has given food to those who fear Him;
    He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6   He has declared to His people the power of His works,
    In giving them the heritage of the nations.

7   The works of His hands are verity and justice;
    All His precepts are sure.
8   They stand fast forever and ever,
    And are done in truth and uprightness.
9   He has sent redemption to His people;
    He has commanded His covenant forever:
    Holy and awesome is His name.
10   The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
    His praise endures forever.
                Psalm 111:1-10, New King James Version

Aren't all of God's works wonderful? When we look at creation, we're seeing God's handiwork. Sorry, but I don't believe nature can create itself - things work so well together there must be a Creator.

This Psalm also gives the character of the Creator. He provides our needs, and He stands for truth and justice. 

How can we do anything but to praise Him for all He's done?

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 22 OF 48 - PSALM 94:20

 

Burns Development, Lawrence, IN, near Fort Benjamin State Park

 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
Have fellowship with You?
                    Psalm 94:20, New King James Version

 How many of you are familiar with this passage? What do you think of the concept of evil being devised by law? 

I know many who would say that Democrats are good at devising evil by law, such as the increase of ground gained by the LGBTQ lobby and the efforts to keep abortion legal. And those who disagree with my friends, remember that your disagreement with them doesn't mean my friends are wrong.

But before you put the black hat on the donkey and look for a white hat big enough to put on an elephant, can you make an argument that the GOP sometimes does the same thing in different ways? Do we allow for tax loopholes that make the rich richer? Is it moral to send our young people to a foreign country for the purpose of killing them? Is it just wishful thinking to think our party is really any more godly than the other?

You don't have to go far back to see examples of this both on the right side and on the left side. The former are the Nazis, the latter are the Communists. Millions of Christians have been persecuted and even killed because of the godly edicts of these two terrorist ideologies.

Of course, there are some that believe the greatest villain in Church History is Constantine, allowing the formerly persecuted Christians to become corrupted by being a favored lobby of the government. And that hasn't changed - there are believers of both parties who put trust in that anointed party to usher in their ideas of morality.

What's the point of today's post? Be watchful. Discern what is good of any view and what isn't. Realize that God can use the party you oppose, and also that the party you support is capable of rebelliously opposing the true Sovereign of the world.

Another point, which is harder to answer. Is it better to be a law abiding citizen of an evil government or a law breaker in a country that has breaking God's law part of its constitution? And are we called to stand up against a godless nation?

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 21 OF 48 (PENTECOST VERSION) - PSALM 67

Arlington Avenue Baptist Church, Indianapolis

 

1   God be merciful to us and bless us,
    And cause His face to shine upon us.
                                                    Selah
2  That Your way may be known on earth,
    Your salvation among all nations.
3  Let the peoples praise You, O God;
    Let all the peoples praise You.
4  Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!
    For You shall judge the people righteously,
    And govern the nations on earth.
                                                    Selah
5  Let the peoples praise You, O God;
    Let all the peoples praise You.
6  Then the earth shall yield her increase;
    God, our own God, shall bless us.
7  God shall bless us,
    And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
                                Psalm 67:1-7, New King James Version

 

This is my second favorite Psalm (we looked at my favorite a few weeks ago). One reason is this is a millennial Psalm, looking to the Kingdom when Christ reigns over all the earth from Jerusalem, Jew and non-Jew alike.

That theme makes it fitting for this Psalm to be looked at on Pentecost Sunday. Why? Because when the Spirit was poured out, the message started in Jerusalem and spread to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Revelation 7 mentions that every tribe and language will be represented before His throne. That is not true yet - there are thousands of languages and people groups (the Biblical equivalent of "nation", as opposed to our idea of nations).

Aren't you looking forward to that day?

 

 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 20 OF 48 - PSALM 92:1-2

Richie Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers, IN

 1  It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2  To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
    And Your faithfulness every night,
                Psalm 92:1-2, New King James Version

Another passage I don't really need to elaborate on. It is good to give thanks to God. And verse two gives a great idea - declaring God's lovingkindness in the morning, and His faithfulness at night.