Midweek Message from the Archive
Twentieth Octave
I have special people in my life that I can ask for anything and they’ll move heaven and earth to give it to me; there is give and take, asking and receiving. That kind of relationship is rare and valuable. Moses had that type of friendship with God and it’s available to us as well. Dallas Willard has captured the ‘asking’ part by calling it the power of the request.
The twentieth octave of Psalm 119 begins with the word look, however, it’s not just a quick peek (“hey, look at me!”) but one that considers, due to an established relationship, what is seen. This look is more like an inspection, a seeing with understanding, and then … doing all you can to fill the need. That’s the power of the request.
The Psalmist is asking God to see his pain and bring rescue. This request is put into action and he’s confident that his Lord will answer. Doesn’t that sound attractive, so much better than worry and fear? He based his request on God’s mercy and justice (vs. 154). Let’s talk about that.
Right from the beginning we have the truth that God acts not only as Judge but also as our Defense Attorney moving heaven and earth for His people.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who testifies for me is on high. Job 16:19 ESV
God, the Son, pleads our case before God, the Father. He’s our Advocate or Mediator and takes our side against opposition. Jesus said:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17 ESV
Jesus came to this earth to reconcile or bring us legally back to the Father. The price He paid for this redemption was His own blood, however, the Plan was not for Him to remain here on earth with us; the plan was much higher. He’s our witness in heaven but the Holy Spirit, another Advocate like Jesus, will reside in us, that’s the higher plan.
The Psalmist compared his case to his enemies’ and noted all the valid reasons why he deserved mercy from God. We have that kind of access as well.
As you read this octave, note the three times he asked God to give him life. That’s not simply living and breathing, that’s Kingdom Life, living in the power of the Spirit every minute of every day and experiencing His peace and joy. It’s available to us; it’s the power of the request:
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13 ESV
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