Read Psalms 10

Highlights:

A prayer for judgment upon the wicked; David's desire for justice; prayer for protection.

For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me The Path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Ps. 16:10-11).

As David's thoughts went beyond his immediate surroundings, he considered the day of his death. With full confidence in God, he said: Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell. He looked beyond the grave with assurance that he would live forever in the presence of God, saying: In Thy presence is fulness of joy . . . pleasures for evermore.

Who would have thought that Psalm 16 referred to Christ if the Holy Spirit had not revealed it hundreds of years later on the day of the Pentecost? The Apostle Peter declared that David was referring to Christ's death and resurrection (Acts 2:25;31; 13:35). There are many Old Testament promises of the coming Messiah. Jesus, though not using that name, is mentioned and prophesied about often in the Old Testament, including the Book of Psalms. Psalm 110 refers to the coming Messiah. It affirms the deity of Jesus (v. 1) and His eternal priesthood (v. 4) and prophecies His return. The Lord shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies (v. 2).

So much of the revelation of our Lord is missed when we fail to read all the Scriptures! As we read, we should pray: Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Law (Ps. 119:18; Luke 24:27). It is easy to overlook many things in the Word of God if we do not read and study prayerfully. But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

David foretold of a path of life (Ps. 16:11), but we know Him who is The Path — The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). As stated above, Christ is revealed throughout the Word of God. He is revealed as The Path; David was telling of who was to come. Jesus is that path. The Father decided long ago that the Son would be the One to stand in the gap for mankind. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the Book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation (Rev. 5:9).

I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).

Thought for Today:

Brief moments of earthly pleasures cannot compare with the lasting joy our Lord imparts.

Christ Revealed:

In the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see decay (Ps. 16:10). This foretells the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39). When Jesus spoke His Revelation to John, He declared: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).

Word Studies:

10:5 puffeth at, makes light of; 10:13 contemn, defy; despise; 11:3 foundations, principles of society based on the Word of God.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Mike M. Honda (CA), Rep. Jeff B. Miller (FL), Rep. David A. Scott (GA), and Sen. Kelly A. Ayotte (NH) • Country: Kenya (29 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Swahili • Religious freedom • 46% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% belief in mystical powers; 6% Muslim; 3% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Glorify the person, character, and attributes of God as you pray a prayer of praise (Ps. 8:1-9).

Optional Reading: Philippians 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Lamentations 3:22-23