Observe What God Does To Be Wise

Psalm 107:1-43

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 107:1)

The theme of this psalm is that men ought to praise the Lord because he is always merciful, willing to give another chance when people are willing to acknowledge and make an effort to correct their sin. 

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.  They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.  Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.  Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.  And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Ps 107:9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:2-9)

God’s people ought to share how richly God has blessed them.  For four hundred years, Israel had been slaves in Egypt, abused and oppressed.  Ultimately there was an effort at genocide, with Pharaoh ordering that all male babies were to be killed, when efforts to work them to death failed.  Some had scattered into Libya, Ethiopia, Midian and Palestine in efforts to escape persecution, but were reunited under Moses leadership.  They spent forty years in the wilderness with no permanent home , living on Manna and the different waterholes they came to.  When they finally turned to the Lord, he brought them into the land of Canaan where he set out to bring them forty years before.   He had supplied everything they ever wanted.  They ought to praise the Lord for it.

“Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.  Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.  He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!  For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.” Psalm 107:10-16)

Israel had gone into slavery repeatedly during the period of the Judges because they would not obey God’s law, and thought his laws were too strict or unfair.  God caused them to be taken as slaves and forced to work for their enemies, and no one tried to set them free.  When they sought the Lord’s help he set them free.  They ought to thank God for repeatedly rescuing them and destroying their enemies. 

“Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.  Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.  Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.  He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!  And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. “ (Psalm 107:17-22)

Fools do not learn from their mistakes and keep doing the same things, with the result that the experience the same problems repeatedly.  They constantly complain no matter how much they have and keep doing the things that almost destroyed them before.   God responds even to the prayers of such people when they ask for help.  Thirteen times in the book of Judges alone, God answered Israel’s prayers and freed them from oppression by other nations, because his mercy endures forever.  They ought to be thankful God never gave up on them. 

“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.  For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.  They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.  Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!  Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” (Psalm 107:23-32)

Societies with am well developed infra structure are often unaware of how God’s power affects them.  They count on the government and infrastructure to Sailors, especially those in smaller ships, experience God’s power on an almost daily basis.   A storm can arise at any time, and directly affects what they do.  Huge waves raise them high in the air then bury them under a wall of water, threatening death at any moment.  They soon understand they have little or no control over what happens.  As a result they pray for God’s help, and he delivers them, so that they are no longer in fear.   Unfortunately many do not take the trouble to thank God when the danger is past.  How much better if they would share his blessings with others.

“He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.  He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.  And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.  He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.  Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.  He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.  Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.  The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.” (Psalm 107:33-42)

People who live in cities take little notice of the things God does every day.  They notice if the river supplying water goes dry or the wells stop pumping, or crop failure causes them to be unable to obtain food as a result of their wickedness.   That same God turns a desert into a pond and causes springs and seeps in dry land so that the hungry people flock to the area to plant and harvest crops where nothing grew formerly.  Other times he causes them to go bankrupt or lose their land due to political manipulations.  People lose respect for their political and business leaders, because they seem to make decisions with as little sense of what they are doing as a child lost in the desert, with no path to follow.  At the same time people who are considered intellectually and financially inferior are not greatly affected by the problems of the wealthy and powerful. 

“Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” (Psalm 107:43)

If a person is smart enough to look at what is going on, he can see how God blesses those who do right, and understand the value of serving God.  Foolish people ignore such things and blame problems on other things.  For example, they blame floods, droughts and weather extremes on Global warming resulting from burning fossil fuels, rather than on God’s power.  

God’s Wonderful Mercy

Psalm 106:1-48

“Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.   Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can show forth all his praise?  Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; Ps 106:5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.  We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. ” (Psalm 106:1-6)

In prior psalms, the focus has been on the miraculous actions God did in order to create the world and give Israel a land of their own.  In this psalm the focus is on the mercy of God for not destroying them as they deserved.  As he looks back at Israel’s actions it is humbling to realize how little they deserve God’s blessing, and yet a righteous and holy God has chosen to love and preserve them.  They should be thankful that his mercy endures forever. 

“Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.  Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.  He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.  And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.  And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.  Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.” (Psalm 106:7-12)

When they came to the Red Sea with the Egyptian army behind them the Jews pamicked, forgetting the miracles God had done in Egypt to set them free.  After crossing the Red Sea and seeing the Egyptian army drowned, the Israelites san Gods praises, believing his promise. 

“They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.  And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” (Psalm 106:13)

Shortly after crossing the sea, they ran out of food began to complain, forgetting his promise to supply.   God sent manna to feed them but before long they complained it wasn’t what they wanted, and they wanted something different.  He gave them quail, but they were never satisfied.   

“They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.  The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.  And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.” (Psalm 106:16-18)

A short time after leaving Mount Sinai, some of the people got jealous of Moses and Aarons positions and decided to seize power themselves, led by Korah, Dathan and Abiram.   They were swallowed up by an earthquake, and the next day the people accused Moses and aaron of murdering God’s people.  God sent a fire and burned up a bunch more. 

“They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.  Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.  They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.  Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.” (Psalm 106:19-23)

Just a few weeks after leaving Egypt and less than a month afte God met with them on Mount Sinai, The Jews Made a golden calf and credited it with having been the one who delivered them from Egypt, forgetting  all the miraculous things God had done, again.   As a result God told Moses he would destroy the whole bunch and Moses interceded for them. 

“Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.  Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.” (Psalm 106:24-27)

When they sent the spies into the land, they refused to go into the land and and decided to g back to Egypt, angering God, who told them they would die in the wilderness and their children would inherit the land.  Rebelling against his statement, they attempted to go across mount Seir to invade the land.  The Amalekites and Amorites from mount Seir  were able to defeat and stop them. Forcing them to spend forty years traveling through various countries. 

 

“They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.  Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.  Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.  And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.” (Psalm 106:28-31)

They allied themselves with the Moabites and worshipped their gods, resulting in god sending a plague among them.  Phinehas executed a couple who refused to stop, and thus ended the plague.  He was blessed as a result. 

“They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.” (Psalm 106:32-33)

When they returned to Rephaim where God had brought water from the rock and complained again Moses became so frustrated he said some things he should not have, and was told he would not be allowed to enter the land. 

“They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:  But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.  And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.  ea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.  ” (Psalm 106:34-38)

When they finally entered the land of Canaan, they ignored God’s command to kill the inhabitants, instead intermarrying with them and adopting their religion and culture, even sacrificing ther own children to the heathen Gods. 

“Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.  Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.  And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.  Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.” (Psalm 106:39-42)

Because of their sin, God allowed them to be defeated and taken into captivity thirteen times in the book of Judges alone.   They suffered greatly at the hands of those nations who they had taken the land from. 

“Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.  Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.  He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.” (Psalm 106:43-46)

Time after time God delivered them from captivity and each time they went back into their sin and were taken again.  In spite of that he continued to deliver them because his mercy endures forever and he remembered his covenant, even making their captors to have pity on them. 

“Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.  Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 106:47-48)

Knowing how great God’s mercy is, we can unhesitatingly ask for his mercy again, thanking him that he will forgive again.  He is a wonderful God and all the people should thank and praise him.  

God’s Blessings On Israel

Psalm 105:1-45

“O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.  Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.  Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.  Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.  Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.” (Psalm 105:1-6)

In the previous Psalms, the Psalmist had focused on personally praising god and and recounting his blessings.  Here he is advising others, specifically the nation of Israel to remember what God had done for them, because they were his chosen people and knew more of his blessings than others. 

“He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.  He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.  Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.” (Psalm 105:7-12)

A thousand years before, God had made a covenant with Abraham, promising to give the land of Canaan to his descendants.  He confirmed his promise to Isaac and to Jacob, even though there were only a few of them at the time. 

“When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” (Psalm 105:13-15)

For over  two hundred years, God protected Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their families from the people around them, settling conflicts with Pharaoh, over Sarah, with the Philistines and Amorites over the land, with the Sumerians when they captured Lot, and with Syrians when Jacob left Haran, warning them not to attack his people.   

“Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.  He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.  The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.  He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.  And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.  He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtly with his servants. ” (Psalm 105:16-25)

Two hundred twenty five years after God directed Abraham to Canaan, he caused a famine, that resulted in Israel going to Egypt.  Before they went, he sent Joseph as a slave.  In Egypt, Joseph was cast into prison for several years before being released by Pharaoh and appointed to manage the food supply.  As a result the Egyptian people became slaves to Pharaoh and his rulers learned to control their people.    Israel began to grow and the Egyptians turned against them, making them slaves. 

“He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.  They showed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.  He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.  He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.  Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.  He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.  He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.  He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.  He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number, And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.  He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.

He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.  Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.” (Psalm 105:26-36)

After four hundred thirty years in Egypt, god sent Moses to lead Israel back to Canaan.  He sent many plagues on the Egyptians to convince them he was God and that they should let Israel go free.  The Egyptians were so glad to escape from the plagues they gave the Israelites silver and gold to leave.  Though some were very old there was not a sickly person among them. 

“He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.  The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.  He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.  For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.  And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 105:39-45)

God lead Israel with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, supplying them with manna and quail to eat and causing water to flow out of the rock for them to drink, simply because of his promise to Abraham.   After forty years, he brought into the land of Canaanand gave them the land, about seven hundred fifty years after making the promise to Abraham.  The homes were already built, the fields cleared and the crops planted when they moved in.  God had done this to give them freedom to follow his laws and guidelines.  They should praise God for the privilege, and for how he had made it possible.  Their entire history was a record of his provision for them.  

God’s Wondrous Creation

Psalm 104:1-35

“Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.  Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.” (Psalm 104:1-5)

The things we think about determine our attitude.  If we are thinking about how well off we are or what e we are accomplishing we have a positive attitude, but if we focus on what we don’t have or what how people have mistreated us we develop a negative attitude.  The difference between happy people and those who are not is what they chosen to focus on.  The psalmist has chosen to focus on the goodness and power of God, rather than the problems he faces.  As he does so, he constantly sees more to rejoice about. 

He waxes poetic, describing God as stretching out the heavens like a curtain and setting the floor joists for his house on the waters and using the clouds for a chariot and using the wind as a highway to propel them.    He created the angels as spirits rather than physical beings, and all the angels were originally ministering spirits.   Like a flame of fire, sometimes they can be seen or felt, and can have considerable impact on earth, yet can only be captured or held by in connection with the fuel source.    The same God laid the very foundations of the earth that support everything else.     

“Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.  At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.  They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.  Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.” (Psalm 104:6-9)

God completely covered the earth with the seas. Including the tallest mountains. So that seashells, petrified wood and other fossils are often found, even at high altitudes.   When God spoke, the dry land appeared and the mountains arose.    Today the water evaporates from the ocean, is carried by the winds over the mountains where it condenses and runs down the valleys to the ocean in what is known as the water cycle.  Though they may cause local floods, they can never flood the entire earth again thanks to gravity pulling them back into the ocean.    

“He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.  They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.  By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.  He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.” (Psalm 104:10-13)

At the same time, God has created huge underground reservoirs that feed springs among the hills.  They form streams and ponds that the animals drink at.  The trees grow healthy close by and birds flock to them to build their nests.  Those same streams often supply water for vast areas.

“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.   The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.  The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.” (Psalm 104:14-18)

The native grasses are able to survive on just the rainfall, supplying food for cattle and wild game, and the various herbs grow for man’s benefit, providing food, shelter, and clothing.  Grape and berry vines provide delicious drinks and food that makes people feel good.  The trees produce an abundance of sap which can be used to make maple syrup,  frankincense, resin for sealing  containers or treating wounds, and various flavorings.  Various varieties of birds make their nests in different kinds of trees.  And the highest mountains are homes for the mountain goats, while marmots and conies make their dens in the piles of rocks that slide down. 

“He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.  Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.  The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.  The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.  Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.” (Psalm 104:19-23)

Our word for month refers to a moon, and is based on the time it takes for the moon to travel around the earth.  The exact dates can be easily determined by measuring exactly where or what time the sun sets.    When darkness falls, many of the animals come out to eat and the predators begin to hunt.  When the sun rises, the animals go to their dens and people become active, working until it begins to get dark. 

  

“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.  So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.  There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.  These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.  That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.  Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.  Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.  The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.  He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. “ (Psalm 104:24-32)

What a wonderfully complex and organized system God has created.  All the different species of animals and plants live together, depending on each other for survival.  Mankind’s ships s exist right alongside giant sea creatures that God made just to enjoy their playing.  Each one of them is dependent on god to supply what they need, enabling them to find it at the proper times.  Sometimes thay experience an abundance while other times they struggle to survive.  Ultimately they all die and their bodies decay, while God causes others to be born, literally creating the cell from which they will be born. 

“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.  My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.  Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 104:33-35)

Realizing how much God has blessed, the psalmist is committed to singing his praises and worshipping him as long as he lives.   Each time he thinks of the blessings he will be encouraged and excited and enjoy the blessings.   He prays that those who try to deprive others of God’s blessings be removed from the earth and cease to exist.    He will worship and thank God.  It is impossible to stay depressed when you realize how much God does for use each day.

Bless The Lord, O My Soul

Psalm 103:1-22

A Psalm of David.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:1-5)

The Hebrew word translated bless means to kneel in respect, to show adoration, to praise.  The psalmist, believed to be David, encourages himself to show adoration and respect for God, and for his holy name.  He reminds himself to remember what God has done for him.  He supplies his daily food, forgives him of his sin, he keeps him healthy, and spares his life in potentially fatal situations.  He also causes him to be treated with kindness and respect and not with the cruelty he deserves, giving him pleasure in this life, making him feel young and hopeful. 

“The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.  The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.” (Psalm 103:6-9

God enforces righteousness, and guarantees justice for everyone who has been oppressed and taken advantage of.  He has given guidelines as to what is acceptable by his law and his treatment of Israel and I Corinthians 1:11 tells us, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”  We don’t have to try to guess what is right.  He has also demonstrated his mercy, grace and patience in hos he treated them.  Best of all, he does not constantly bring up our past mistakes and hold them against us, but puts them out of his mind so that we can rebuild the relationship. 

“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.  Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.  For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:10-14)

God knows us like a father knows his children and recognizes we don’t always understand or think about the consequences and effects of our actions.  He knows we are human and periodically do things that are not like they should be, and takes that into account, rather than punishing us unreasonably for our mistakes, although he does deal with deliberate sin.   Once a sin has been dealt with, he puts it as far away as the east is from the west, even though we may not have reaped the maximum punishment that we deserved. 

“As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.  For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.  But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. “ (Psalm 103:15-18)

It is so important we begin to realize how insignificant we are when compared to God.  He is eternal, while our life is so short as to be almost meaningless.   We are like a little weed or flower that grows quickly, then dies and a few hours later has dried up and blown away.  God’s mercy and blessings continue for eternity for those who love him, and his righteousness is carried over to future generations.  John 14:21 states, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”   He will show his blessings to those who care enough to obey. 

“The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.  Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.  Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.” (Psalm 103:19-22)

God has already prepared his throne for ruling the whole earth, and has already defeated Satan, and although there is still resistance, it is just a matter of time before the conflict ends.   Everyone from his angels to the least servant who serves him should take time to kneel before him and worship, thanking him and praising his name.  

Hope For The Future

Psalm 102:1-28

A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.

“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.  Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.  For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.  My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.  By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.” (Psalm 102:1-5)

The Psalmist felt like his days were just going past like a puff of smoke yet he was struggling and hurting as if his bones were sitting on the edge of the fire.  And his heart felt like it was drying up like dead grass so he didn’t even feel like eating.  He was depressed and felt hopeless.  He begs God to listen and answer right away. 

“I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.  I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.  Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.  For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.  My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.” (Psalm 102:6-11)

The psalmist feet like a pelican in the wilderness or an owl in the desert,  just hoping to find something to eat, like single sparrow on the roof with no one to warn him of danger.  His enemies were constantly running him down and looking for an opportunity to attack.   Sorrow had made pleasure seem like ashes and caused his tears to run into his drink.  He felt like god was angry with him, and had just lifter him up so he could smash him down harder.  He felt like his life was disappearing quickly and he was just drying up and fading away. 

“But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.  Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.  For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.” (Psalm 102:12-14)

The Psalmist understood his feelings were not reality, but only emotions.  God would live for eternity and be remembered throughout history.  Despite what they were experiencing, God would have mercy on Jerusalem and rebuild it because God’s people were beginning to want to rebuild and worship at the Temple. Preferring the dust in Jerusalem to the paved streets o fBabylon. 

“So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.  When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.  He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.” (Psalm 102:15-17)

When the Lord restores Israel and makes Jerusalem hi capital, The people of all the nations will recognize God’s power, and their rulers will come to meet the Lord.  He will appear and all will know his authority and power.  Revelation 19:11-16 gives a little more about that time.   “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.   And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

“This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.  For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.” (Psalm 102:18-22)

At that time Jews and Gentiles will form a single nation as described in Ephesians 2:11-13.  “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”  

The people of that day will experience God’s power in mighty way,  because God will come down and straighten out the problems on earth, releasing the prisoners and declaring the lord’s name everywhere.  The many different races will unite to serve God. 

“He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.  I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.  Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.  They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.  The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.” (Psalm 102:23-28)

The Psalmist was discouraged, and felt that his life was slipping away and his power was gone, but asked God to let live out his life.  He realized that God had created the earth and it would one day be destroyed, but God would continue forever.  He would make a new heaven and earth to replace these as if he was just changing his shirt.   When he did, his children would be transferred to the new Heaven and earth, like a man transferring his stuff from one pocket to another, and they would live forever with God.    Hopeless as everything looked at the moment, he was still looking forward to eternity with God.  

Committed to Righteousness

Psalm 101:1-8

A Psalm of David.

 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.” (Psalm 101:1)

One of the biggest reasons people immigrated to America was because of our justice system, which ensured that people would not be unfairly imprisoned or executed.  Our constitution ensured a person could not be arrested or held without supporting evidence, and both the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney were there to make sure that the guilty party was identified and punished while innocent people were cleared. 

Somewhere along the way the philosophy changed, and the prosecutor’s goal became to get a conviction while the defense attorney’s goal was to get his client off.   Today our legal system is a contest between the lawyers to see who can make their goal, rather than trying to see that justice is done.   Winning a case is more about having a more skilled lawyer than about being innocent or right, and lawyers are often paid based on the success rates.    As a result, guilty parties are declared innocent, innocent people are punished, and victims are further victimized, while the attorneys, and the court system are rewarded financially.   Justice is more an accident than an intentional result.  

Realizing the frequent injustices of our system, lawmakers toy with the penalties for certain crimes, making some mandatory and take away any consideration of extenuating factor.  Other times, a person is automatically given another chance with no consideration of past history or intent, leaving the impression that the crime really isn’t that serious and the punishment undeserved, destroying the meaning of mercy.   

God provides real justice, Based completely on the truth, rather than what the Judge and lawyers decide to allow the jury to hear.   He refuses to allow a guilty party to go free or an innocent person to be punished unjustly, and ensures that victims will be properly compensated.  As a result, people appreciate his justice just as they once did the American system. 

“I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” (Psalm 101:2)

The break down in our justice system is major factor in the increasing levels of crime in the United States.  When criminals go free and the innocent are forced to pay for the harm the do through taxes or legal fees. There is little incentive to do what is right, but because God demands justice, there is real incentive to do what is right.  Like the people desiring to immigrate to America, people will want to be close to God.  They can commit to doing what is right, knowing they will not be penalized for being politically incorrect.  The Psalmist is describing his own intentions. 

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.  A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.  Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.” (Psalm 101:3-5)  

Those who appreciate God’s goodness  have every reason for setting aside the things that tempt them.  They hate the actions of those who refuse to follow what is right and avoid any implication of involvement or association. They maintain such a standard that rebellious and immoral people avoid them, and refuse to associate with those who do evil things.    They separate from people who tell lies  or rundown other people, and refuse to associate with those who think they are better or smarter or have more rights than other people. 

“Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.  He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.  I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” (Psalm 101:6-8)

As one who appreciates God’s righteousness and mercy. The Psalmist has determined to focus on those who do right, to encourage and help them.  He refuses to employ those who take advantage or are deceitful in business, and will immediately fire those he finds lying to people.   He will do everything possible to get rid anyone who cannot be trusted.   If we are Christian, we should make a similar commitment to avoid any association with wickedness, even though it may be considered politically incorrect.