SCRIPTURE: Psalm 7, Psalm 8
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
As a Jesus follower, I am looking for ways to be like Him. One of the things that stands out for me in Jesus is His confidence and comfort in God as good and right and just and sovereign. I see Jesus standing before Pilate, quiet and confident because He knows that God is the true Judge and the true King. ‘Do you refuse to speak to me?’ Pilate said. ‘Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.’ [John 19:10-11] Jesus knew better!
In these Psalms, David reminds himself and his audience that God is the true Judge [Psalm 7] and the true King of creation [Psalm 8]. Even if no one else gives Him the glory He is due, the creation does! Even if people live and act as if there will be no consequences for their rebellion, there will be! For we all live UNDER the sovereign God, accountable to Him. We have nothing, we are nothing, apart from Him. And therefore, as a Jesus follower, I too can be quiet and confident as I stand before the temptations and trials of this world, knowing that they have no power over me, apart from what God allows them to have.
Jesus spent most of His time outdoors, seeing and hearing the testimony of creation, giving glory to the King of creation. His opponents try to silence the testimony of children [Psalm 8:2, Matthew 21:15-16], but in vain. Jesus lets His opponents know that the very stones of creation cry out the glory of God [Luke 19:39-40].
We need to see things like Jesus did, like David did. We need to constantly remind ourselves that politicians and economists and big multi-nationals and the Supreme Court – and even the voice of the people (democracy) – do not have the final say. There is one Judge, one King. By God’s appointment, Jesus is that Judge, that King. We submit to Him, we serve Him, we will one day give an account to Him. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of this fact!
PRAYER:
Lord, impress upon my heart and mind that You are the Judge, You are the King, and I am dependent on You!
God is my Refuge and Strength. He is my Deliverer and Shield. I must live each day with integrity – a oneness in serving Him. Crime does not pay. The Lord is a righteous Judge who does not save up all His judgements for the last day. He sees the motives of the people. Our prayers spring up in our needs and our praises for our deliverance.
We see His presence in the Creation if we but have eyes that see. We need to be like little children with our wonder and delight. You have set use to rule over your creation as a gift. You are the All in all and we owe all to You. Help me in my service to You this day, knowing full well that without You as Guardian, Guide I will go astray. Lead on o King Eternal.
Majesty, worship his majesty;
Unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise.
Majesty, kingdom authority,
Flow from his throne unto his own, his anthem raise.
So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.
Majesty, worship his majesty,
Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings.