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Never Forget There Is Something Greater Than You

Psalm 110

First, remember that this writing is based on the New Living Translation study Bible.  Page A-19 urges readers to use this text as a beginning point and encourages deeper study.

Second, remember the psalmist was looking forward toward the unknown.  There are many things that are common knowledge to today’s Bible students that were unknowns to men like David.  The psalmist looked forward to unknown times.  You look back at ages that have long disappeared.  Never assume the writer’s perspective is your present perspective.

This psalm was quoted several times in New Testament writings.  In that usage there was God, another Lord, and King David.  The New Testament issue to the Jewish people was, “Who was the other Lord?”  The New Testament’s writers affirmed that it was the Messiah (or Christ) Jesus.

The issue for today’s Christian is this: was the psalm addressed to David or the other Lord?  Let’s assume it was written to the other Lord. The points would be:

1.      Your kingdom would begin at Jerusalem and would rule your enemies.

2.      As a warrior, your army will serve you by choice.

3.      You will have distinctive clothes and non-diminishing strength.

4.      You will be a unique, eternal priest—IT WILL HAPPEN!

5.      You always will be protected by God.

6.      You will destroy kings.

7.      God will destroy rulers through you and make you supreme over the earth.

8.      As the victorious one you will be continually refreshed everywhere.

If this is a proper understanding, it is the Christ that now sits at God’s right hand whom God addressed.

April 18, 2017  *  Fort Smith, AR

A Tribute To Israel's God

Psalm 111

Often today’s Christians’ attitude toward God is opposite this psalmist’s attitude.  Too often the Christians’ attitude (especially American Christians) is, “What has God done for me lately?”  Here, the psalmist focused on God’s praiseworthiness, not on his physical desires and ambitions.

Note the psalmist’s reasons for this high esteem for God.

1.      God’s people hold God in the highest esteem.

2.      God’s deeds are amazing!

3.      God’s deeds reveal His glory, majesty, and unfailing righteous.

4.      God motivated Israel to remember His works, graciousness, and mercy.

5.      God provided Israel’s food (physically sustained them) and kept His word.

6.      God kept His word and demonstrated His power by giving to Israel ungodly people’s territory.

7.      God was just and good, so Israel can depend on His teachings.

8.      God’s commands were true and deserved Israel’s trust and integrity.

9.      God paid Israel’s complete ransom and guaranteed to Israel His eternal covenant.

10.   God’s name is holy and awe-inspiring.

11.   Deep respect for and obedience of God were both the foundation of wisdom and the key to growing in wisdom.

In this psalm God was (is) the key to a righteous existence.  Israel was because God is.  The key to retaining what Israel had was God.  Thus the key to advancing was a proper relationship with God. 

The foundation of everything Israel had was God, not Israel.  Israel had opportunity because of God’s initial involvement.  Israel acted on the opportunity God provided.  Without the opportunity God provided, Israel was nothing.

Without God, what are you?  How much do you credit yourself?  How much do you credit God?

April 19, 2017  *  Fort Smith, AR

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