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.  

Singing His Praises

Psalm 100:1-5

A Psalm of praise.

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1-2)

This psalm is similar to many others, but it has been set to modern music.   It again stresses the need to take time to thank God for the wonderful things he has done for us.  All the earth has been blessed by his actions, and we ought to be thankful and enjoy those blessings. We should be singing with pleasure about what he has done. 

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)

The first thing in living a life of joy or happiness is to recognize God as God.  He is the creator of the world, but he is also the shepherd who cares for each of his individual sheep, taking care of their individual needs.  He is not just the God who lives a way up there in heaven, but he cares about each of us.    

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5)

Knowing who the Lord is, we should not be afraid to follow him through a gate  but should be excited and thanking him even when we don’t know where we are going because we know he is Good and everything he does will be good for us, as Romans 8:28-32 reminds us.  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

We have nothing to fear.

A Holy King

Psalm 99:1-9

“The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.  The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.  Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

The lid of the Ark of the Covenant was called the mercy seat, and represents God’s throne in heaven.  At each end of the mercy seat was a gold cherubim with their wings touching over the ark.  When God spoke to Israel, it was from the mercy seat, after they took the land.  The psalmist portrays God as speaking from his throne in heaven, emphasizing his authority.  He reigns, and all the people need to fear his power and majesty, recognizing he is greater than any of the people, and is holy, doing no wrong.    

“The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.  Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.” (Psalm 99:4-5)

Human rulers are susceptible to flattery, and are subject to certain prejudices and emotions that affect their judgment.   In addition, their pride in their power leads to passing laws that frustrate the people, sometimes forcing them to break the laws and causing an attitude of rebellion.    God enforces laws that are fair and protect all the people equally.  They do not encourage wrong doing.   People ought to  exalt him because he is holy and will not be unfair or do wrong. 

“Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.  He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.” (Psalm 99:6-7)

When God’s servants prayed to him, God answered them He spoke from the pillar of cloud so they knew what he wanted and they kept his commandments and the various feasts he gave to remind them of his blessings.  . 

“Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.” (Psalm 99:8)

Many times the people did not obey God’s commands.  When they sinned, he would punish their sin, but when they acknowledged their sin, he forgave them.  He never broke his promise to the nation, although many died because they would not keep their part. 

“Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.” (Psalm 99:9)

We ought to praise and worship God because he is holy, and will forgive when there is genuine repentance and sorrow for sin.  He will not break his promises or cast away those who sincerely trust him.  

Thanking God Now, But Looking Forward to Something Better

Psalm 98:1-9

A Psalm.

 “O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.” (Psalm 98:1)

If we will take the time, every day we will see new things God has done on our behalf.  It is not clear who wrote this psalm, but time after time, God delivered Israel in amazing and unexpected ways, miraculously giving them the victory.     

“The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen.  He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” (Psalm 98:2-3)

Even Israel’s worst enemies were aware of God’s working in delivering them.  It was obvious that Israel could not have won without God’s help.  God had never forgotten his promises, and had repeatedly stopped attempts at genocide.  The entire world knew of the times he had delivered them and his promises to them. 

  

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Ps 98:5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.  With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.” (Psalm 98:4-6)

Once again the Psalmist reminds us to express our appreciation for what God has done for us musically.  Music affects our emotions more deeply than most forms of expression.    Used properly, singing the songs ourselves about things he has fond for us will make us more appreciative, bringing our emotions into line with the Spirit’s leadership.  Ephesians 5:19-21 instructs, “…but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”  By singing to God, and thanking him for what he has done, we focus our emotions on God, rather than our feelings, allowing the Holy Spirit to have control, making us thankful and reducing our pride.    

“Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.” (Psalm 98:7-9)

Today many people are worried about Global warming, hoping to prevent it by reducing the emissions of so called greenhouse gases.   It will not work because they have not properly diagnosed the problem.  All of creation is suffering as a result of man’s sin, as Romans 8:18-22 tells us.  “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” 

The world’s suffering will only end when God sets up his kingdom on earth and the power of evil has been destroyed.  No amount of legislation will eliminate the problems.    When Christ comes to rule the earth everything , even including the inanimate objects will rejoice.  

Being Glad He Reigns

Psalm 97:1-12

“The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.” (Psalm 97:1)

Several years ago, there was a group who declared God was dead and held a funeral for hi.  Thousands of atheists insist he doesn’t exist, and millions more have chosen to worship some man or animal or inanimate object instead, because, as Romans 1:28 tells us, “…they did not like to retain God in their knowledge…”  Fortunately, as Mark twain commented on reading his obituary in the newspaper, the reports of his death have been exaggerated.

When God created the world, he established certain rules or laws by which it was to function.  Those laws include both moral and social principles, and the laws of science or nature.  Since creation, mankind has been trying to rewrite the rules. And make things work the way they want them.  The alchemists fo the middle ages tried to change the rules for chemistry.   Just a few years ago, suppoed scientists were proclaiming that we had been able to break the law of gravity, and modern evolutionists insist that at some point in time the laws of science have been changed.   Political powers try to rewrite the social laws and create an economy that functions without concern for the basic principles of supply and demand and human nature, and others try to rewrite the moral and ethical standards of right and wrong. 

Because God still reigns, they have been unable to change those laws, and even the most distant lands have should rejoice because of it.  Were the law of gravity to be overcome, for example, there would be nothing to keep the oceans from covering the entire earth and drowning everything.  There would be nothing to keep centripetal force from flinging the world away from the sun and everything on earth from freezing to death. 

Ignoring the principles of supply and demand have resulted in economic collapse and starvation around the world and led to riots and revolution throughout history.  The effects of changing the moral values can be seen in the mass murders and crime rates of modern society.   Without the power of God to enforce his laws, the entire world would be in random chaos, with no one able to accomplish anything.   If people were as smart as they think they are, they would be rejoicing that the world functions according to God’s immutable rules so that they can predict the results of their actions.

      

“Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.  A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.  His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” (Psalm 97:2-5)

We usually do not associate God with clouds and darkness, which hide things, but as ! Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”   He rules with absolute fairness and justice, but humanity has been corrupted by sin and cannot see or understand.   God sends a fire to destroy those who ignore his laws and those who hate him, and lightening to show his power and his standards, causing the world to fear.  Even the very hills melt away before his power. 

“The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.  Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.  Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.  For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.” (Psalm 97:6-9)

God created life on earth, and the fact that the sun rises every day to provide light and make things grow demonstrates his righteousness in not allowing everything to die.  Anyone looking can see that he deserves our respect for his power and concern for us.  People who worship things he has made or even idols they made only show themselves to be fools, settling for something without power.  When Other nations ignored God, Judah and the city of Jerusalem worshipped him, recognizing he was the ruler of the earth and greater than any of the other gods people worshipped. 

“Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.  Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.  Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” (Psalm 97:10-12)

If we love and respect God, we should hate evil. Both because he hates it, and because it tries to destroy us.    Proverbs 8:13 tells us, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”  The evil seek to destroy those who are good, but God protects them.   He provides light and direction to guide them and gives them things to rejoice about.  Those who love and obey him should take the time to enjoy what he gives them and thank him for it.  

A New Song Every Day

Psalm 96:1-13

“O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.  Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:1-2)

Humans have become so used to the things that God does that we no longer think about them.    We don’t even realize how vitally our daily lives depend on him.   Colossians 1:16-17 says, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”   He not only created the universe and everything in it but it is by his power they exist day by day.

God didn’t just start the world running and walk away as some teach, nor does he periodically reach in and make adjustments as many seem to believe.  It is his power that holds the electrons, neutrons and protons together.  A nuclear bomb just releases a tiny portion of his power.  To keep an atomic generator from exploding requires constant monitoring and adjustments, yet the sun, which is almost infinitely larger has run without problems for centuries.  Without his control, it would have exploded and gone out thousands of years ago. 

The same God controls the weather so that one area has proper rainfall and abundant crops whie other areas experience drought or floods that wipe out their crops, allowing hundreds or thousands of animals and people to starve.    Every day, we can see different things he has done on our behalf, saving us from starvation, accidental death, diseases, military attacks or who knows what else.  Other times he gives us something we have longed for or reveals some beautiful view that leaves us in awe.  Literally a song describing what he has done today will be outdated tomorrow. 

“Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.  For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.  Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. “ (Psalm 96:3-6)

When we begin to understand his role in our lives, we will want other people to understand as well.  We won’t want them to waste their time on all the other gods they have invented, which have no power or impact other than in people’s imaginations.    Our God is the creator and he deserves all the thanks and respect. 

Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.  Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.  O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.  Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.” (Psalm 96:7-10)

God didn’t just create on or two races, but all of humanity.  Acts 17:26-29 tells us, “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.”

As people understand who God is they will begin to give him the respect and honor he deserves, bringing him tokens of their thanks and worshipping him instead of their idols.  We need to tell them who he is and warn them of his coming judgment, so that they can understand.

“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.  Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” (Psalm 96:11-13)

All of creation is affected by God’s actions and benefit when he blesses the people.  They will be especially blessed when he comes and sets up his eternal kingdom and judges the earth, punishing the wicked and rewarding those who obey him.  Romans 8:21-22 explains, “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”  Sin has resulted in all the suffering in the universe, including the earthquakes, extreme storms, global warming, disease epidemics, wildfires and so forth, so that everything on earth is looking forward to God putting things back the way he intended them, eliminating the stresses they experience today.