For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- 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. 49
The Psalmist points out that riches cannot save a person. Then he says, “since the price of redeeming him is too costly, one should forever stop trying, so that he may live forever and not see the Pit.” (Ps. 49:8-9). Stop trying so that you may live. That is what it means to enter God’s Sabbath rest. Whether we are trying to gain redemption through wealth, power and position, good works, or anything else, they will all fall short. It is those who are willing to let go, to lose what they think they have, who will gain what they thought they would lose.
Our efforts are like a kindergartener’s artwork. They have no real value, but our loving Father accepts them as the offerings of love that they are. So we don’t cease doing good, because that’s how we show our love to God. But we do, “Cease striving and know that [He is] God” (Ps. 46:10a, NASB). If God blesses us with wealth, He hasn’t given us salvation in that. Rather, He has given us an opportunity to love Him with what He has provided.
Ps. 84
In contrast to the uselessness of trusting in riches, this Psalm considers the blessings of trusting in God. “Happy is the person who trusts in you, LORD of Armies!” (Ps. 84:12). One statement that really struck me in this Psalm is in verse 2. “My heart and flesh cry out for the living God.” “Flesh” is the term often used in the New Testament to indicate our human nature and the destructive, God opposing desires that go with it. Our flesh – our natural tendency – desires self over God. So this statement tells me the results of wholehearted devotion to God. We see it elsewhere as well. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Ps. 37:4). When we give ourselves to God, He gives us a new nature and He becomes our new desire.
Ps. 85
“I will listen to what God will say; surely the LORD will declare peace to His people, His faithful ones, and not let them go back to foolish ways.” (Ps. 85:8). Surely God did so through Jesus Christ! All the heavenly host declared peace on earth at Jesus’ birth. And through Jesus, God gave us a new way to righteousness. No longer are we slaves to the foolishness of our own efforts through the Law. Truth came to earth so that, through faith, we can be restored to God’s righteousness.
Ps. 87
Zion – a city not established by men but by God Himself. Thus, it is the only city that will endure forever.