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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ps. 133
Unity. It’s a major theme in the New Testament. We see it taught everywhere. Love one another. Live at peace with everyone. Abide in Christ. These are the things that cause us to live together in harmony. It is all the direct result of obedience to God’s law. Thus, it is where, as this Psalm states, we find life forevermore.
Ps. 106
Images of God’s redemption promise are everywhere in the Old Testament. These images often play out in the historical stories of God’s people. Sometimes, however, they are made even clearer in the poetic recounting of that history. I see a good example of that in this Psalm. “So He said He would have destroyed them – if Moses His chosen one had not stood before Him in the breach to turn His wrath away from destroying them.” (Ps. 106:23). Understanding that the Israelites and Moses are representatives of the world and Christ, respectively, this is the Gospel message. Jesus stood in the breach before a holy God on our behalf to turn God’s wrath away from destroying us. Amen!
Ps. 107
I heard a comment from a man named Alex McFarland that Job suffered to shut the mouth of the accuser. That really hit home with me. It is a truth I had never caught before. And honestly, what a great perspective to help me through my struggles! Satan can attack me all he wants, but he can never destroy the firm foundation on which I stand. If God chooses to use me to reveal that truth, so be it!
I mention this here because I see that same truth repeated in this Psalm. “But He lifts the needy out of their suffering…and all injustice shuts its mouth.” (Ps. 107:41a, 42b). People always ask why bad things happen to good people. This is one of several answers to that question. And I think all the answers point to the same truth. Without suffering, how would we know who God is and who we are? How would we know our need and what He can do? Through suffering, God reveals His glory, tests our faith, and separates truth from lie. And the best thing about all of that is that He personally took part in it. It is through Jesus’ own suffering that the mouth of the enemy will be permanently shut.