In our exploration of Good Works as representing God, His work of grace within our hearts and the kingdom – we took a look today at our stewardship over wealth and abundance.
Continue readingA literal & relational exploration of Psalm 139
This is one Psalm I have been eager to study in preparation to teach, but which somewhat disappointed me once I got into it.
On the surface it appears a very intimate psalm. It opens with words that seem very personal, even warming, but evidently they are words which are used more generically of what God does with every human being.
So while there is a romantic notion of beginning this psalm as if David were making very personal claims of the exchanges he has with God, it is evidently to be taken as generalized statements which he experiences as an individual but which are not unique to him nor are they the result of being in covenant with God. They are truths respecting God’s knowing of His creatures, rather than personal statements of a Father with His son or a God with His beloved servant.
In summary, this Psalm is a poetic way of saying Hebrews 4:12-13 & Matthew 10:29-30.
Continue readingExalt His name above His word?
These Psalms include psalms of praise, psalms of thanksgiving for God’s mercy, a lament over captivity in Babylon but ending with faith filled assurance of their deliverance & finally a Psalm from David regarding God’s delieverance.
There are a couple of difficult sections in these psalms and one regards the title for this message.
The phrase “for You have exalted your Word above your Name” appeasr quite differently in various translations and we address that and the reasons why in this segment.
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