Psalm 90:1-17
A Prayer Of Moses the Man of God.
1 Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. 3 You turn man to destruction, and say, "Return, O children of men." 4 For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night. 5 You carry them away like a flood; they are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: 6 In the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers. 7 For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified. 8 You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. 9 For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh. 10 The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. 14 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! 15 Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil. 16 Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90 is known as a lament psalm in which the psalmist speaks of God's judgment and the frailty of life. However, even in the midst of sorrow, the people acknowledge the security they have in the Lord and pray for renewal. This is the only poem in the Book of Psalms attributed to Moses, who wrote two other poems recorded in the Exodu 15 and Deuteronomy 32. Psalm 90 has four sections: #1 an affirmation of the security of a life lived close to the Lord (vs. 1, 2); #2 a complaint about the brevity of life (v. 3); #3 a complaint about God's judgment on His people (v. 7); #4 a prayer for restoration (v. 13).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." The truth is, none of us know how much more time we have left. Realizing that life is short helps us use the little time we have more wisely and for eternal purposes. What the Psalmist needed was a new understanding of the meaning of his own life. Number our days: This is more than just having a sense of mortality; it means valuing the time we do have by using it for eternal good. Take time to number your days by asking, "What do I want to see happen in my life before I die? What small step could I take toward that purpose today?" This should make us value every day of our lives and spend each one in obedience to Him, and in such a way that it will count for eternity.
I pray that you would be aware that your time is short and that you would make the most of every opportunity that is set before you.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (KJV)
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, [21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 91:1-16
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."
Psalm 91 is known as a trust psalm. The psalm is suitably similar to Ps. 90, a psalm of Moses, that it might also be by him. However, the psalm itself does not list the author. This psalm has a very strong messianic drive, and God Himself speaks in v. 14. The development of the psalm is in four main sections: #1 a confession of confidence in the Lord (vs. 1, 2); #2 assurance that those who trust in the Lord need not fear evil (v. 3); #3 promises of God's protection to the coming One (v. 9); #4 a description of the Lord's protection of the coming One (v. 14).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 91:11 "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." Beyond this verse there are a number of examples of angels ministering in Scripture (1 Kings 19:5; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 18:10; Luke 16:22; Acts 12:7). Angels can also be God's messengers (Matthew 2:13; Acts 27:23-24). Angels are not visible, except on special occasions (Numbers 22:31; Luke 2:9). This verse along with verse 12 is the passage which Satan quoted to the Lord Jesus when tempting Him to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple (Luke 4:10, 11). Jesus did not deny that the verses applied to Him, but He did deny that they could be used as a pretext for tempting God. God had not told Him to jump down from the temple. If the Savior had jumped, He would have been acting outside the divine will, and then the promise of protection would not have been valid. One of the functions of angels is to watch over believers. Hebrews 1:14 reminds us: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" It is comforting to know that God watches over us even in times of great stress and fear.
I pray that you would trade all your fears for faith in Him. No matter what you may be facing or how intense your fears, remember He is your refuge. You must "dwell" and "rest" with Him. By entrusting yourself to His protection and pledging your daily devotion to Him, you will be kept safe.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 92:1-15
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, 3 On an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonious sound. 4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. 5 O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. 6 A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. 8 But You, Lord, are on high forevermore. 9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord, for behold, Your enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 10 But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. 11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; my ears hear my desire on the wicked who rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, 15 To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Psalm 92 is known as a psalm of praise. It celebrates the person and work of God in a lively way. The psalm also includes several wisdom themes. The title is unusual in that it attaches the designation "for the Sabbath day." The psalm has four sections: #1 an encouragement for the people to respond to God in praise and worship (v. 1); #2 a celebration of the wisdom of God in bringing judgment on the wicked (v. 5); #3 an acknowledgment of the mercy of God who has established the believer's present life (vs. 10, 11); #4 an anticipation of the mercy of God that will continue in the life to come (v. 12).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 92:1 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;" The wording of this verse has similarities to Ps. 33:1, 2; 147:1; 149:1. To give thanks means "to give public acknowledgment" or to praise God verbally in a public setting (35:18; 105:1). No one should ever deny the fact that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. It is good in the sense that the Lord deserves such gratefulness, and it is good also for the one who offers the thanks and for those who hear it. It is also good in the light of being chosen by God to give it. For example 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" To sing praises to the name of the Most High is about as appropriate an activity as anyone can engage in. And there is no lack of subject matter for praise. His loving kindness is an unending theme for the morning and His faithfulness is sufficient to occupy the nighttime hours-and then some. The Psalmist enhances the beauty of the psalm with an instrument of ten strings, the lute, and the harp, and with harmonious sound. The truth is no amount of sweet music is enough to praise the Lord for His wonderful works of creation, sovereignty, and redemption. Just to think of all He has done makes the heart sing with joy. The marvelous, elaborate plans of God, His deep designs and wise plans add fuel to the flame of praise.
When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble. I pray that you would take the time to give praise to your creator, redeemer, justifier, satisfier, and provider. "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;"
Singing His Praises,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 93:1-5
The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. 2 Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting. 3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. 4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. 5 Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O Lord, forever.
Psalm 93 is known as a royal psalm. It is said to have been used in post-captivity temple services and may have been written during Sennacherib's invasion (2 Kings 18:13-19:37). The focus is on the reign of God over the earth. The psalmist denies Baal and shouts boisterously in praise of God. God is King of the universe. What are humans compared to Him? God is King of heaven. What are the gods compared to Him? God is King of all. The structure of the psalm is as follows: #1 the establishment of the reign of God as King of creation (vs. 1, 2); #2 the celebration of the stability of God as King of creation (vs. 3. 4); #3 the acknowledgment of the excellent nature of God (v. 5).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 93:1 "The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved." In this verse we hear loud a clear the Psalmist celebration of God as the Creator and the Mighty One. In other words there is no power on earth or in the universe that can take control of the earth from God. Unlike Baal, who was a recent "upstart" in the myths of Canaan, the rule of God is from the past, present and future. The living God is eternal and He reigns for evermore. Because the world is established by God it cannot be "moved". The word in Hebrew is mowt, (mote); It is a primitive root meaning to waver; by implication to slip, shake, fall :- be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, × exceedingly, fall (-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. The understanding is that God has set everything up so that nothing can be shaken or moved with out His permission and purpose.
I pray that you would be encouraged knowing that our God reigns. He is beautiful and He is only doing wondrous things, blessed be His glorious name forever.
Psalm 72:19 (KJV)
And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 94:1-23
O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs- O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth! 2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud. 3 Lord, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph? 4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things; all the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. 5 They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, and afflict Your heritage. 6 They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. 7 Yet they say, "The Lord does not see, nor does the God of Jacob understand." 8 Understand, you senseless among the people; and you fools, when will you be wise? 9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see? 10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge? 11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. 12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, 13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. 15 But judgment will return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. 16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence. 18 If I say, "My foot slips," Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. 19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. 20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You? 21 They gather together against the life of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood. 22 But the Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge. 23 He has brought on them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; the Lord our God shall cut them off.
Psalm 94 is known as a royal psalm, since the phrase "Judge of the earth" (v. 2) is equivalent to "King" (50:4). Justice is a major theme in this psalm. The psalmist praises God because He is just; he pleads for Him to intervene and bring justice where there is oppression and wickedness. The order of the psalm is as follows: #1 a call for the Judge of the earth to punish the wicked (vv. 1); #2 a description of the senseless acts of the wicked (v. 4); #3 a chiding of the wicked concerning their ignorance of God (v. 8); #4 a blessing on the righteous (v. 12); #5 a prayer for God's intervention in the psalmist's life (v. 16); #6 a prayer for God's defense of His own purposes (v. 20).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 94:12 "Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law," The word "instruct" in Hebrew is the word yacar, (yaw-sar'); it is a primitive root that means to chastise, literal (with blows) or figurative (with words); hence to instruct. It is translated in scripture as bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. The truth is at times, God must chastise (discipline) us to help us. This is similar to a loving parent's disciplining his child. The discipline is not very enjoyable to the child, but it is essential to teach him right from wrong. The Bible says that "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11). When you feel God's hand of correction, accept it as proof of his love. Realize that God is urging you to follow His paths instead of foolishly going your own way.
I pray that you would experience "blessings" as you submit to the instruction of the LORD. Remember you are loved if you are corrected, and you are walking in wisdom if you are teachable.
Hebrews 12:6 (KJV)
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 95:1-11
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. 4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. 5 The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: 8 "Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 When your fathers tested Me; they tried Me, though they saw My work. 10 For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, It is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways. 11 So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest."
Psalm 95 is known as a worship psalm. But it is also a royal psalm because of the way it acknowledges God as the great King (v. 3). The psalm has three movements, each reflecting a "mood" of the worshiping community: #1 the worship of God in a mood of celebration (v. 1); #2 the worship of God in a contemplative mood (vs. 6, 7); #3 the worship of God in obedience (v. 8).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 95:8 "Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness," This is a strong warning to us as the Psalmist reminds us that a hardened heart is useless and fruitless. This specific verse warns against hardening our hearts as Israel did in the desert by continuing to resist God's will. The word rebellion is literally "Meribah," a word that would remind the Israelites of the times they had doubted the Lord's provision for them (Ex. 17:1-7; Num. 20:1-13). The event of Meribah (the day of trial) was the rebellion of the first generation at Kadesh (Num. 14). By refusing to enter Canaan, the entire generation of Israelites lost their opportunity to enjoy the promises of God in the land of blessing. They were so convinced that God couldn't deliver them that they simply lost their faith in Him. When someone's heart becomes hardened, that person is so stubbornly set in his own ways that he or she cannot turn to God. This does not happen all at once; it is the result of a series of choices to disregard God's will and nature. When we know longer acknowledge God as creator and all powerful we set our selves up for hardness in our hearts that leads to uselessness and fruitlessness. Today we can see this hardening happening all through our nation - leaders hardening their hearts against God is causing no "rest" (v.11).
I pray that you would have an ear to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to the Church today: "Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness," God is providing a place of "rest" for you and me in our time of worship: "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."
Singing His Praises,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 96:1-13
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. 7 Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, give to the Lord glory and strength. 8 Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns; the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously." 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord. 13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.
Psalm 96 is known as a royal psalm where the Psalmist sings out his praise to God, as he is overwhelmed by all that God has done. The psalm emphasizes world missions. More specifically the prophetic fulfillment of the mission described by the Psalmist is referring to the provision of the Abrahamic covenant (Ps. 67), which ultimately is the coming of the Messiah. The structure of the psalm is as follows: #1 a call to praise God (v. 1); #2 a celebration of God the Creator (v. 4); #3 a celebration of God the King (v. 7); #4 a celebration of God the coming One (v. 11).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 96:13 "For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth." The Psalmist declares that He is coming to rule over the world. He will rule in perfect righteousness and in absolute honesty. We know from the book of John that Jesus said, for judgment have I come into this world (John 9:39; John 12:31), and declares that all judgment was committed to Him, John 5:22, John 5:27. When Pilate asked our Saviour, Art thou a king? He answered, for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth (John 18:37). His ruling and judging with righteousness and truth signify, that Jesus reigns and rules in the hearts and consciences of men. As a result those who walk in righteousness and truth will 1. Give the Lord glory and strength (v. 7); 2. Give to the Lord the glory due His name (v. 8); 3. Bring offerings to the Lord (v.8); 4. Come into His courts (v.8); 5. Will worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (v. 9). Anything less than this would put us in danger of missing out on the greatest gift of all.
It would be a tragedy if we failed to recognize the truth that comes from scripture. It would be even a greater tragedy if we recognized the truth but failed to pay attention to it. I pray that you would avoid a tragedy and do what the Psalmist declares: Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Continuing to Sing His Praises,
Alan J. Schrader
May 18, 2009
Psalm 97:1-12
The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad! 2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. 4 His lightnings light the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory. 7 Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods. 8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O Lord. 9 For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
Psalm 97 is known as a royal psalm that has a particularly apocalyptic tone in its description of God's final judgment on the wicked before He establishes His great kingdom. The arrangement of this psalm is similar to that of the two preceding psalms, and it may have been written at the same time. The structure of the psalm is as following: #1 a call for the praise of God the King (v. 1); #2 a vision of the coming judgment of the wicked (v. 2); #3 a prophetic statement about the end of idolatry (v. 7); #4 a promise of great joy for the righteous (vs. 10, 11); #5 a call for the praise of God the King (v. 12).
The verse that stands out to me today is psalm 97:10 "You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked." The word for "love" in Hebrew is 'ahab, aw-hab'; or 'aheb, aw-habe'; it is a primitive root meaning to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); to love, like, be a friend. This type of love is a choice. The word for "hate" in Hebrew is sane', saw-nay'; it is a primitive root meaning to hate (personal); enemy, foe. This too is a choice to reject. Since both are an expression of the will and not merely an emotion, the scriptures command both love and hatred. The truth is a sincere desire to please God will result in an alignment of your desires with God's desires. You will love what God loves and hate what God hates. If you love the Lord, you will hate evil. Unfortunately we are hearing the opposite from politicians and compromising ministers today. If you do not despise the actions of people who take advantage of others, if you admire people who only look out for themselves, or if you envy those who get ahead using any means to accomplish their ends, then your primary desire in life is not to please God and to walk in His ways. Learn to love God's ways and hate evil in every form?not only the obvious sins but also the socially acceptable ones.
I pray that you would exalt the LORD above all others today. I pray that you would take the opportunities you have to boast in His greatness and glory.
Praising the LORD who reigns,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 98:1-9
A Psalm.
1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. 2 The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. 5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; shout joyfully before the Lord, the King. 7 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord, 9 For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity.
Psalm 98 is known as a royal psalm that includes exuberant praise to God. This is a psalm that anticipating the coming of God to rule His people. Jesus fulfilled this anticipation when he came to save all people from their sins (Psalm 98:2-3), and he will come again to judge the world (Psalm 98:8-9). The structure of the psalm is as follows: #1 a call to praise God as the Savior (v. 1); #2 a call to praise God as the King (v. 4); #3 a call to praise God as the coming Judge (v. 7).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 98:2 "The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations." God has always had a plan to reveal His salvation to the nations. The English word "nations" in Hebrew is gowy, go'ee; a foreign nation; hence a Gentile; or heathen. The means in which it is to be revealed is "righteousness". In Hebrew it is tsedaqah, tsed-aw-kaw'; from Hebrew 6663 (tsadaq); rightness (abstract), subjective (rectitude), objective (justice), moral (virtue) or figurative (prosperity) :- justice, moderately, right (-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). In other words God wants the nations of the world to know that salvation only comes through His righteousness and that righteousness is meant to be lived out in and through the lives of believers. Deuteronomy 4:6 reminds us: Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' 7 For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? 8 And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? 9 "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb, when the Lord said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.' The Psalm pictures the Kingdom as having already come. His victory is by now well known. The nations have seen the faithful fulfillment of His covenant with Israel. When Jesus came the first time, Mary sang, "He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers ... " (Luke 1:54, 55). And Zacharias prophesied that He would "perform the mercy promised to our fathers and ... remember His holy covenant" (Luke 1:72).When He comes the second time, Israel and the church of Jesus Christ will sing: He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
I pray that you would rejoice knowing that God has made provision for you. Remember He keeps His promises:
2 Cor. 7:1 (KJV)
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 99:1-9
The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved! 2 The Lord is great in Zion, and He is high above all the peoples. 3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name- He is holy. 4 The King's strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool- He is holy. 6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel was among those who called upon His name; they called upon the Lord, and He answered them. 7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them. 8 You answered them, O Lord our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds. 9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.
Psalm 99 is known as a royal psalm that praises God as the King of His people. The psalm has three movements, each ending with the words "He is holy:" #1 praise to the Lord in the greatness of His glory (v. 1); #2 praise to the King in the justice of His rule (vs. 4, 5); #3 praise to the Lord who answers the prayers of His people (v. 6).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 99:8 "You answered them, O Lord our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds." The "them" in this verse is most likely referring to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel (v.6) who represented the nation of Israel, and that what was true of "them" was true of all God's covenant people. The Bible records several instances where Moses, Aaron, and Samuel cried out to God for help (Exodus 15:25; Exodus 17:4; Numbers 11:11-15; Numbers 12:13; Numbers 14:13ff; Numbers 16:44-48; 1 Samuel 7:5, 9; 1 Samuel 15:11). But God ... answered their prayers then, and the implied assurance is that He will continue to do so now. They called upon the Name of the Lord and were saved, and whoever will call upon Him now will also be saved. He was the God-Who-Forgives, though He didn't overlook their evil deeds. Though the penalty was forgiven, the consequences in this life remained. God's grace, for example, forgave Moses for his sin at the waters of Meribah, but God's government kept him out of the Promised Land.
I pray that you would know Him as the "God-Who-Forgives" and that know matter what consequences you have to walk through, as a result of your sin, you would know that His GRACE is sufficient for you today.
Forever Grateful,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 100:1-5
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 100 is known as a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. In general this psalm is a call on all the earth to give exalted praise to God, the creator, preserver, and benefactor of men. The phrase "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" refers to public acknowledgment of the Lord. The psalm has two major section: #1 That we are called to praise God and rejoice in Him (vs. 1,2, & 4). #2 We are given reason for praise; we must praise Him, considering His being and relation to us (v. 3) and His mercy and truth (v. 5).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 100:1 "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands". The Hebrew verb for make a joyful shout is a highly charged command for public praise. The command is addressed not just to Israel but to all the earth ("all you lands"). The Israelites were called to be a people who would attract the nations of the world to worship God. The same is true of the Church today; our expression of joy and thanksgiving to the LORD should cause others to be attracted to the creator of the heavens and the earth. Another great example can be found in Psalm 40:3 "He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord." In other words our deliverance results not only in praise to God but in testimony to others. It has been said, "Our happy God should be worshipped by a happy people; a cheerful spirit is in keeping with his nature, his acts, and the gratitude which we should cherish for his mercies in every land Jehovah's goodness is seen, therefore in every land should he be praised. Never will the world be in its proper condition till with one unanimous shout it adores the only God."
I pray this psalm over your life today that you would: Make a joyful shout to the Lord.....Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made [you], and not [you yourself]; [you] are ......the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
Making a joyful noise,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 101:1-8
A Psalm of David.
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 is known as a royal psalm as David the king declares his purposes and asks for God's help in maintaining righteousness. This brief psalm has a tone of strong judgment, indicating a desire not only to preserve the innocent and protect the needy, but also to maintain the reputation of God against the attacks of His enemies. The structure of the psalm is as following: #1 a determination to sing and praise the Lord (v. 1); #2 a determination to behave wisely (v. 2); #3 a determination to abstain from wickedness (v. 3); #4 a determination to discriminate between the righteous and the evildoers (v. 6).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 101:2 "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." To behave wisely means to act with skill. The strong form of the word indicates intense determination, not just a passing desire. David knew that to lead a blameless life ("perfect way") he would need God's help ("Oh, when will You come to me?"). We can learn some important lessons from David's focus on living with a perfect heart. He avoided: #1 looking at wickedness ("I will set before my eyes no vile thing," v. 3), #2 evil associates ("men of perverse heart," v. 4), #3 slander (v. 5), and (4) pride (v. 5). It is important to note that there is a difference between witnessing to someone who does not know the Lord, and what Psalm 1:1 declares: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful." One is befriending a lost soul and the other is friendship (James 4:4) with the world that leads to trouble.
I pray that God would grace you today with His presence so that you would know the joy of walking with a perfect heart. Remember our friends and associates can have a profound influence on our lives. Make sure to keep your eyes on those who are faithful to God and his Word.
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 102:1-28
A Prayer of the Afflicted,
When He is Overwhelmed and Pours Out His Complaint Before the Lord.
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You. 2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; incline Your ear to me; in the day that I call, answer me speedily. 3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned like a hearth. 4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread. 5 Because of the sound of my groaning my bones cling to my skin. 6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. 7 I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone on the housetop. 8 My enemies reproach me all day long; those who deride me swear an oath against me. 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, 10 Because of Your indignation and Your wrath; for You have lifted me up and cast me away. 11 My days are like a shadow that lengthens, and I wither away like grass. 12 But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. 13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come. 14 For Your servants take pleasure in her stones, and show favor to her dust. 15 So the nations shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory. 16 For the Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory. 17 He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer. 18 This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. 19 For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven the Lord viewed the earth, 20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed to death, 21 To declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem, 22 When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord. 23 He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days. 24 I said, "O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; Your years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. 26 They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. 27 But You are the same, and Your years will have no end. 28 The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You."
Psalm 102 is known as a penitential psalm. The title describes a person in distress but does not name him. The structure of the psalm is: #1 a cry to the Lord for deliverance (vs. 1, 2); #2 a description of the groaning brought about by guilt (v. 3); #3 a description of suffering that results from the laughter of enemies (v. 8); #4 praise to the Lord who rises to answer prayer (v. 12); #5 praise to the Lord who stoops to the needs of His people (v. 18); #6 a petition to the Lord to renew the strength of His servant (v. 23).
The verses that stand out to me today are Psalm 102:25-27 "Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. 26 They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. 27 But You are the same, and Your years will have no end." We understand from these verses that the world will perish, but God will remain. Hebrews 1:10-12 quotes these verses to show that Jesus Christ, God's Son, was also present and active at the creation of the world. We know it is God speaking here, because the words that follow are attributed to God the Father in Hebrews 1:10. Notice what God testifies concerning His Son: He was the Active Agent in creation: He laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of His hands. Creation will perish, but He will endure. Creation will wear out and, like a garment, be exchanged for something better. But Christ is unchanging and eternal. And not only is His eternity secure, but also that of His people and of their posterity. The children of God will dwell safely, and their descendants in turn will live under His protection.
Problems and heartaches can overwhelm us at times and cause us to feel that God has rejected us. But I pray that you would know that God our Creator is eternally with us and will keep all His promises, even though we may at times feel alone. He will be faithful to the end!
Rejoicing in Hope,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 103:1-28
A Psalm Of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. 19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 103 is known as a wisdom and praise psalm that is attributed to David. The psalm begins with the psalmist speaking in the singular (v. 1), but then moves to include the community, both angels and people (v. 20). The structure of the psalm is: #1 praise of the Lord for His many benefits (v. 1); #2 praise of the Lord for His ongoing mercy (v. 6); #3 praise of the Lord for His transcendent glory and gentle care (v. 11); #4 a comparison of the transitory nature of humanity with the everlasting rule of God (v. 15); #5 a call for heaven and earth to bless the Lord (v. 20).
The verse that stands out to me today is Psalm 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Just as "east is east, and west is west, and never with the two meet," so the believer and his sins will never meet. Those sins have been put out of God's sight forever by a miracle of love. This is a symbolic portrait of God's forgiveness?when He forgives our sin, He separates it from us and doesn't even remember it. We don't need to get stuck in the past, for God forgives and forgets. We tend to bring up the ugly past, but God has wiped our record clean. If we are to follow God, we must model His forgiveness.
I pray that you would find yourself doing what the Psalmist is doing as you realize how much you have been forgiven: Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 104:1-35
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, 2 Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. 3 He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, who makes the clouds His chariot, who walks on the wings of the wind, 4 Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. 5 You who laid the foundations of the earth, so that it should not be moved forever, 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 At Your rebuke they fled; at the voice of Your thunder they hastened away. 8 They went up over the mountains; they went down into the valleys, to the place which You founded for them. 9 You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, that they may not return to cover the earth. 10 He sends the springs into the valleys; they flow among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 By them the birds of the heavens have their home; they sing among the branches. 13 He waters the hills from His upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. 14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, 15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man's heart. 16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap, the cedars of Lebanon which He planted, 17 Where the birds make their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees. 18 The high hills are for the wild goats; the cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers. 19 He appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows its going down. 20 You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the beasts of the forest creep about. 21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their food from God. 22 When the sun rises, they gather together and lie down in their dens. 23 Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening. 24 O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions- 25 This great and wide sea, in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great. 26 There the ships sail about; there is that Leviathan which You have made to play there. 27 These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season. 28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. 29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. 30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth. 31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works. 32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord. 35 May sinners be consumed from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!
Psalm 104 is known as a wisdom and creation psalm. This psalm is a poetic summary of God's creation of the world as found in the first chapter of Genesis. What God created each day is mentioned by the psalmist as a reason to praise God. The wording of the psalmists and the prophets often reflects upon God's work in creation. The structure of the psalm is: #1 praise for God's great creation (vs. 1, 2); #2 the creation of the heavens (vs. 3, 4); #3 the creation of the earth (v. 5); #4 the waters of blessing (v. 10); #5 the fullness of the earth (v. 14); #6 the patterns of life (v. 19); #7 praise for God's great creation (v. 24); #8 an acknowledgment that all life is dependent upon the Lord (v. 27); #9 a prayer for God's glory (vs. 31, 32); #10 a personal response to God (v. 33).
The verses that stand out to me today are Psalm 104:5-6 "You who laid the foundations of the earth, so that it should not be moved forever, 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains." You who laid the foundations of the earth is a poetic way of describing how God created the heavens and the earth. The deep is the same term used in Genesis 1:2. It becomes evident as we move through the Psalm that we are re-living the days of creation in Genesis 1, although some of the days are not as distinctly referred to as others. The psalmist marvels at the providential arrangements of God for His creatures and especially for man. We also see very clearly that God is sovereign over all creation. God has supreme, unlimited power over the entire universe. He creates; He preserves; He governs. As we understand God's power, we realize that he is sufficient to handle our lives.
I pray that you would see loud and clear that God's act of creation deserves your praises. Take time to echo the Psalmist when he say's: I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord. (vs. 33-34).
Singing His Praises,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 105:1-45
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! 3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 4 Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore! 5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth, 6 O seed of Abraham His servant, you children of Jacob, His chosen ones! 7 He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. 8 He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, 10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, 11 Saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance," 12 When they were few in number, indeed very few, and strangers in it. 13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, 14 He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, 15 Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm." 16 Moreover He called for a famine in the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread. 17 He sent a man before them- Joseph-who was sold as a slave. 18 They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. 20 The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, 22 To bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom. 23 Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. 24 He increased His people greatly, and made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their heart to hate His people, to deal craftily with His servants. 26 He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron whom He had chosen. 27 They performed His signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they did not rebel against His word. 29 He turned their waters into blood, and killed their fish. 30 Their land abounded with frogs, even in the chambers of their kings. 31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and lice in all their territory. 32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. 33 He struck their vines also, and their fig trees, and splintered the trees of their territory. 34 He spoke, and locusts came, young locusts without number, 35 And ate up all the vegetation in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground. 36 He also destroyed all the firstborn in their land, the first of all their strength. 37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen upon them. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and He brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it ran in the dry places like a river. 42 For He remembered His holy promise, and Abraham His servant. 43 He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness. 44 He gave them the lands of the Gentiles, and they inherited the labor of the nations, 45 That they might observe His statutes and keep His laws. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 105 is known as a psalm of praise that focuses on the positive experiences of Israel in their early history. This psalm celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham in the lives of His people. The people needed to remember to be faithful to God, who had never forgotten to be faithful to them. The first 15 verses of this psalm are also found in 1 Chron. 16:8-22, where they are sung as part of the celebration of David's bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. The structure of the psalm is: #1 a call for praise to God (v. 1); #2 God's covenant with Abraham (v. 7); #3 the early experiences of God's people (v. 13); #4 the experience of Joseph (v. 16); #5 the experience of Israel in Egypt (v. 23); #6 the great deliverance from Egypt (v. 26); #7 the great provisions (v. 37); #8 God's promise to Abraham (v. 42).
The verses that stand out to me today are Psalm 105:4-5 " Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore! 5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth," God rewards those who deligently seek for Him (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus promised, "Seek and you will find" (Matthew 7:7). The psalmist suggested a valuable way to find God?become familiar with the way He has helped His people in the past. The Bible records the history of God's people. The psalmist calls to memory what God did for His people in fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1; 13:14; 15:13; 17:7, 8; 26:3, 4; 28:13). Remember is the key idea of the psalm: the psalmist wanted to remind God's people of His goodness. In searching the scriptures we will discover a loving God who is waiting for us to find Him.
I pray that you would "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7). Be encouraged to take time to "remember" His marvelous works. He is the Faithful One!
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
Psalm 106:1-48
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise? 3 Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times! 4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation, 5 That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance. 6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, but rebelled by the sea-the Red Sea. 8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power known. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 The waters covered their enemies; there was not one of them left. 12 Then they believed His words; they sang His praise. 13 They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. 15 And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. 16 When they envied Moses in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord, 17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan, and covered the faction of Abiram. 18 A fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. 19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molded image. 20 Thus they changed their glory into the image of an ox that eats grass. 21 They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, 22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, awesome things by the Red Sea. 23 Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them. 24 Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His word, 25 But complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the Lord. 26 Therefore He raised His hand in an oath against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness, 27 To overthrow their descendants among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. 28 They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices made to the dead. 29 Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, and the plague broke out among them. 30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stopped. 31 And that was accounted to him for righteousness to all generations forevermore. 32 They angered Him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses on account of them; 33 Because they rebelled against His Spirit, so that he spoke rashly with his lips. 34 They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them, 35 But they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works; 36 They served their idols, which became a snare to them. 37 They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, 38 And shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus they were defiled by their own works, and played the harlot by their own deeds. 40 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people, so that He abhorred His own inheritance. 41 And He gave them into the hand of the Gentiles, and those who hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. 43 Many times He delivered them; but they rebelled in their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. 44 Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry; 45 And for their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the multitude of His mercies. 46 He also made them to be pitied by all those who carried them away captive. 47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise. 48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the Lord!
Psalm 106 is known as a wisdom psalm that goes over much of the same history covered in Psalm 105. The two psalms are companions, although their perspectives are different. Psalm 106 emphasizes the rebellion of the people despite the goodness of God. If Psalm 105 is about remembering, Psalm 106 is about forgetting-specifically God's people forgetting His mercies. The structure of the psalm is: #1 a call to praise God (v. 1); #2 a report on the status of the present generation (v. 2); #3 a recitation of the works of God on behalf of earlier generations (v. 16); #4 a concluding appeal (v. 44); #5 words of praise to conclude Book IV of the Psalms (v. 48).
The verses that stand out to me today are Psalm 106:44-45 "Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry; 45 And for their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the multitude of His mercies." For Israel, there was a long history of rebellion in the face of His gracious provision before God became angry with His people. Yet even in the midst of His wrath, God's merciful nature was evident. He remained faithful to His covenant with His people even during their rebellion. Whenever the people of God turned to Him in repentance, He looked down on them in mercy. Mindful of His covenant, He turned from judgment to display His steadfast love. This is a beautiful picture of God's great love for His people who deserved only judgment. Fortunately, God's compassion and mercy toward us are not limited by our faithfulness to Him. God was merciful to us in sending his Son to die for our sins.
I pray that you would be encouraged with the truth of God's word:
Romans 5:8 (KJV)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
While we were still sinners?these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because He loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God's love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. If God loved you when you were a rebel ("sinners"), He can surely strengthen you, now that you love Him in return.
Enjoying HIS Great Love,
Alan J. Schrader
