Esther

Devotional

Psalm 119

Introduction (I) :-

This psalm stands alone in all its majesty, soaring to previously unscaled heights, where all but two verses of the 176 exalt the Word of God (or some metaphor of it). The chief theme is the word of God and its excellence above all things. The 176 verses are divided into 22 blocks of 8 verses, each block corresponding to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with each verse of that block beginning with that same Hebrew letter. The author is unknown, though Ezra is favoured by some. He was a key man in the return from the exile in Babylon and was concerned less with the physical construction of the temple and walls of Jerusalem, but more that the people should be spiritually built up again by having a law (the Word) by which to live and to be identified with. To this end Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it; to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10). Thus, the Word of God became a foundation for God’s people. As the psalm progresses, it reveals a conflict between the world and the Word of God. But, it also reveals how the Word brings the heart to peace and victory. As with Christ Jesus, who is the embodiment of the Word, there is no greater assurance, nor better foundation to be laid in all of life, than the Word of God.

PRAYER :- “Lord, teach me the depths and truths of Your word.”

Introduction (II) :-

In the KJV, there are a number of metaphors for the Word of God and a brief explanation of these may be helpful :- a) The Law – God’s truth to aim for; b) the Way – our obedience and conduct in living, to be in unity with (a); c) Testimonies – remembrances, reminders and a witness, declaring to the world; d) Commandments – God’s authority, not to be compromised; e) Precepts – that which God entrusts to man; f) the Word – the mind, or ‘logos’ of God, bringing things to light; g) Judgments – reflecting the wisdom, or established government of God; h) Statutes – things which are engraved, fixed, or marked out. Likewise, there are a number of metaphors for sin to reveal how the conscience can offend a holy God. Transgression refers to deliberate rebellion, crossing a God-set boundary; sin is missing the mark, falling far short of God’s holy standard; while iniquity means an internal moral defect – a tendency to evil, while knowing that is wrong and a conscious inability to do what is right. This is highlighted in Romans 7:19 – “the good that I want to do, I do not; but the evil which I don’t want to do, I end up doing.” God’s word focusses in on these things but also helps us find an answer to the morass of sin and find a new way to live.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your word searches me to live by Your standards alone.”

Introduction (III) :-

Memory and meditation are mentioned many times in this psalm. It is said that David Livingstone when aged 9 years, won a prize for reciting, from memory, the entire psalm, with only five minor mistakes! Memorization really helps to fix God’s word in our minds, that we can come back to many times and so, further meditate upon it. The ‘LORD’ (Jehovah) is mentioned 22 times ; “walking” (in obedience), 9 times ; “speaking” (truth), 13 times. The Lord’s strength helps us walk in truth so that we may boldly declare His word. Finally, do not be daunted by the length of the psalm. Read it in sections and as you do, let it penetrate and feed your soul; from there, a respect, delight and love for this psalm (and for the whole Word of God) will emerge and grow. May the statement made by the father of Matthew Henry, the well-known Bible commentator of the 18^th century, become true for us:- “All grace grows as love to the Word of God grows.” I would encourage you to read the verses referred to, before moving onto the thoughts of the blog.

PRAYER :- “Lord, help me to value Your word above all things and that it should feed and greatly influence my life.”

Psalm 119:1-16 “Blessed are they who keep His testimonies” (v.2)

The first word of this great psalm is “Blessed”. There is no sense of curses, threats, punishments but a word which describes wholeness in every department of our lives. To whom does this apply? It is to the undefiled, the perfectly sincere and those whose hearts are undivided. Thus the emphasis from the outset is upon living and conduct, not just academic knowledge. We are to diligently hold onto God’s commandments (v.4) not to debate them into irrelevance. To honour all His commandments is the way to a clear conscience without shame. If there is any shame, or sin, the Word has an ability to cleanse the entire life and purify from all residual effects of unrighteousness. But the Word also has a power to safeguard from sin and direct the person toward holiness of life. This advice is directed toward young people, learners, who are still vulnerable and susceptible. The whole heart must be engaged in seeking; putting the best thing in the best place (as stored treasure) for the best purpose (v.11). This reminds us of the tablets of stone which were stored in the innermost place of the tabernacle. If this is the prime motive in our life, we can do no better. As we learn, His word becomes to us the best treasure and brings unbridled joy.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that there are such riches in Your word; help me to always hold firmly upon them.”

Psalm 119:17-32 “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law” (v.18)

We are as pilgrims going through this world (v.19). How can we find the way? We should pray that God gives us insight to see the “wondrous things of His law” (v.18). This is a good prayer to pray each time we open and read the Bible. There is also the prayer to be protected from men of influence and authority (v.23) who would seek to oppose the way of godliness. When at lowest points (v.25,28), His word enlivens, counsels and gives strength to adhere to the resolution of verses 30 and 31. From being knocked down and laid low, His word will cause us to run (v.32) showing an eagerness and desire with no delay, or procrastination. This is the enlargement of heart that God wants to bring us to so that we say along with His Son, “I delight to do your will, O God” (Psalm 40:8).

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your word quickens and strengthens me to do Your will.”

Psalm 119:33-48 “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes” (v.33)

As the pilgrimage is continued, he finds that he is taught and is given grace to persevere against the enemies of covetousness, unjust gain, lust for power, etc. Eager desire for the truth of God stimulates us toward godly things and righteousness. He does not want to settle into the routine and staleness of religion, so there is an earnest plea for freshness to be always upon his lips and in his mouth (v.43). This gives godly confidence to freely speak to others, even those who may have authority over us without shame or fear (v.46). We love and delight in the law, because it comes direct from the Lawgiver. Knowing the source of the word and the fountain of life contained in it keeps us fresh in the life and power of Christ.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your word teaches us the way of life.”

Psalm 119:49-64 “Your word has quickened me” (v.50)

God’s Word brings comfort and strength in all forms of affliction. The intention of the proud is to divert from the Word of God. Many are the strategies the enemy will use to deflect us from the Word of God. They all seem so plausible and such common sense. You will be mocked if you stay true to Scripture. There are many temptations to deviate from it. There is great mental stress at those who cast the Word/Law behind them, thinking they no longer need it. Even at night in darkest times, the soul cannot go astray if it stays true to the Word of God and obeys it. To those who stay faithful, there is an inheritance (v.57). Obedience should not be delayed as there is a thief (v.61) who knows the importance of the Word and knows how to steal it; note the speed of attack in Matthew 13:19. But to those who obey, there is a fellowship (v.63), which helps one another in following the Lord and obeying His commands.

PRAYER :- “Lord, help me to remain faithful to Your word and to allow none to steal it from me.”

Psalm 119:65-80 “You have dealt well with Your servant” (v.65)

Afflictions come which can tempt us to be unfaithful. The testimony of the servant is that, even in difficulties, he has been well dealt with. He has no complaints. Servants can make mistakes, but the Lord still employs them. Though they may be unprofitable, He still pays well and though they may know so little, He will teach them. Trying circumstances can be like a hedge of thorns, keeping us within good pasture to feed upon (Job 5:17) and in a place where wounds can properly heal. Difficulties can teach us – so much depends upon our attitude. When humble, our sins of ignorance can be forgiven (Leviticus 5:18) and thus, we can move on. Self-indulgence brings inner decay, but the Word of God discerns, refines, sustains and fills. It is thus better to learn than rely upon the emptiness of riches. There is a precious humility in knowing that we have been made, so that we may learn from our Creator (v.73). There is no shame in this (v.80) as we live dependent upon His tender mercies (v.77) – this is the greatest motive of life. It is so good and blessed to know that our every breath is because of Him.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that You have made me that I may fully depend upon You.”

Psalm 119:81-96 “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (v.89)

The soul can faint as a result of weakness, become shrivelled and made low by the lies of discouraging thoughts. We are like a bottle in the smoke yet if the bottle is sealed, the smoke only stains the outside. The centre, the heart, where the statutes are kept, is therefore free from polluting influences. Patience is needed (v.84). Don’t ask the question, “How long?”; it is one of the pits that the enemy digs as they wait to destroy us (v.95). Instead, fix our thoughts on the Word of God, which never changes and is relevant for every situation, place, persons and time (see Luke 21:32). As it was first ‘written’ in heaven, it will not fail on earth, or be negated by men. All things that man makes and esteems ultimately fade, but the Word of God has no limits (v.96). It shines the brighter as darkness closes in. Therefore do not forget any of His words; they give life and save us from the corruption and decay of the world around us. O to live dependent upon His word and by the rhythms of His grace.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your unchanging word in my heart, keeps me from everything that would defile.”

Psalm 119:97-112 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v.105)

Jesus said, in effect, “Where a man’s heart is, there you will find his treasure” (Matthew 6:21). If we love the Word with all our hearts, it is a treasury to us that exceeds all the combined knowledge of academics, philosophers and opinion makers in this world. The Word of God gives us understanding and makes us wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). No word of man can ever do that. The word is not only wise, but also sweet (v.103), soothing & comforting. It encourages us to avoid evil in our daily walk and guides our every step, not as a light that dazzles the eyes, but a steady glow that illuminates the way ahead. Everything that contradicts the treasure of His word is to be hated. Sin is a great flatterer and will betray us. When health is restored and we are strong in ourselves, vows are soon forgotten, but those who love the Word will follow things through and see them established. There is no boasting in the humble request of v.108, for there is recognition of where things come from (see 1 Chronicles 29:14, last phrase and Hebrew 13:15). Life is fragile (v.109) but the Word of God is relevant for every stage of it. If we perpetually obey, the bait of temptation has no power to trap us (v.112) and it will keep us to the end of our days.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your word guides us through every circumstance and stage in our lives.”

Psalm 119:113-128 “I love Your commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold” (v.127)

The Word of God guards the heart from the folly of vanity causing it to separate from all the evil that would entice it. The way is often slippery and without help we would fall. However, we are upheld by something that is not of ourselves (v.116). The weakness of the flesh and vanity of the world is like dross and is only fit for removal. Dross obscures the glory of pure metal; likewise, trusting in anything of the world leads to deception and failure. Inadvertently, we may nullify God’s commandments. Therefore, it is time for God to revive and judge so that His Word may have its rightful place in our lives; even more than the finest gold, that is, the things which have all the appearance of looking good but lack that essential quality of spirit and life. May our churches abandon polished programmes and finely rehearsed services if His Word is not central and if the Holy Spirit is absent.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your Word is the greatest and sweetest treasure that a man can ever have.”

Psalm 119:129-144 “The entrance of Your words gives light” (v.130)

Here is a declaration of the powerful effect of the Word of God in our lives, which can give both light and understanding. The real key is for the His Word to enter. We must not hear only, but receive it and make it wholly ours. As understanding comes, the Word will order our lives aright, ensuring that no sin has dominion over us (v.133 – see also Romans 6:14). Pray that the Lord would honour us, but also keep us humble in mourning that we do not better obey His Word (v.136). True tears of repentance can lead us into better things (Psalm 42:3). The Word of God is pure having been severely tested repeatedly in history. It is upright, faithful and eternal; it gives strength, hope and stability in every trial of life (v.143 – compare 2 Corinthians 6:9,10).

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your word gives light in the darkest hours.”

Psalm 119:145-160 “I cried with my whole heart” (v.145)

We cry out when all seem against us. At such times, it is only the Word of God that gives comfort and hope. This is because His word is something we know intimately, deep down, established right from the beginning (v.152, 160); it is not something we are just casually familiar with. When we cry, we are to cry from the heart (v.145). To whom do we cry out, but only to the Lord (v.146); and when is the best time to cry? – before we are conscious of anything else (v.147). God answers and rescues us from our enemies by being near to us (v.151) – there is no greater comfort than that. The quickening effect of the Word, His righteous judgments and His tender mercies (v.154,156, 159) encourages when things are not going the way we think they should. These qualities of Christ all help in deliverance from all those who persecute and from all kinds of various trouble. Those who do not seek the God’s Word and obey it are classified as men who fall far short of God’s glory, blessing and intentions. Salvation is unknown to them and we grieve for them. They who know the value of God’s word, know that it will endure forever and never diminish (see Luke 16:17).

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your established word will outlive all the oppositions of men.”

Psalm 119:161-176 “I love Your testimonies exceedingly” (v.167)

Often, men in positions of authority will persecute and restrict, as far as possible, the declaration of the gospel. But the heart that knows God and respects His word, will stand. It is a joy and a wealth to him who finds the truth of it, like the man who finds the pearl and buried treasure (Matthew 13:44-46). The psalm reaches the climax with praise repeated seven times, the number of perfection and completion. This leads not only to peace, but great peace. It also brings joy and delight as all that he has longed for is finally coming into view and being realised. It is nearer now than when he first believed and began to walk in the way. Now, his desire is to declare boldly the gospel (v.171,172). It is a desire that arises from inner constraint as he knows personally that all His commands are true, right and perfect. Neither is he going all out in his own strength but is praying for the hand of God to be evidently helping him (v.173) for without God’s help we will end up running in vain. But, knowing that God is with him, he lives to boldly declare these great and glorious truths. No longer is he a lost sheep, but has something, that is, the Word of God, to live by, which he will never forget.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your word gives me something to live by and to live for.”

Esther

Devotional