Ps. 119:1-88
Psalm 119 is about commitment to God’s law, also noted as His ways, His precepts, His testimonies, His commandments, His rules, His statutes, and His word. When this Psalm was written, the law and God’s word from the prophets was all they had. But now? Now we have Jesus; now we have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling in us, keeping us connected to Jesus. John tells us at the beginning of his gospel that Jesus is God’s living Word. And Jesus Himself tells us that He is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. So when I read this Psalm, I want to see past the Scribes and the Pharisees, spending every waking hour pouring over every jot and tittle of the Book of God’s Law, committing to memory every ‘do’ and ‘don’t’. Instead, as I put myself in this Psalmist’s place, I want to express my love, desire, and devotion to Jesus. Jesus tells us, “Abide in me, and I in you.” (Jn 15:4a) That is what I see expressed in this Psalm.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it [in Christ Jesus]. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from [my Savior].” (Ps 119: 9-10) “Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your Promise:” (Ps 119:41) God’s Promise is Jesus, and He has indeed brought His love and salvation to us through Him.
1 Thess. 5
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” (1 Thes 5:23-24) Wow – what a statement! If you ever needed assurance of salvation, there it is! It is God who makes our entire beings clean and blameless. It is not up to us! All that is required of us is to desire it. God calls, we answer, God saves. He is faithful; He will surely do it.