Faithful on Fridays Blog

 

Dear Readers,

I apologize for not posting this archival message on Tuesday as I usually do. My website was down and is now up and running again. Thanks for reading!

Psalm 119: Twenty-second Octave

Did you hear the one about the boy who, dressed in a white suit, fell in a mud puddle on the way to church? His frantic mother saw him lying in the mire and yelled to him, “What’re you doing?!” His answer was simple, “I’m getting up!” That’s the perspective of the Psalmist in this last section of Psalm 119. 

We began this trek twenty-two weeks ago and have read about one man’s hard life; we read about it in every octave. Consider this summary:

Scorn, contempt, and plotting against him.

Feelings of sorrow, grief, and shame.

Experiencing mockery, affliction, and lies.

Rude, abusive, and arrogant people surrounding him.

Suffering, persecution, and oppressiveness.

Iniquity gaining dominion, wicked laying a snare, and evil purposes against him.

Feeling small and despised, in anguish due to his adversaries, and consequently he cried out to God.

I don’t know anyone who’s had such a hard life and would’ve held up under such pressure. What’s his secret? The first Hebrew word of this last section gives us a clue; he brings his case before the Lord. He doesn’t come in self-righteousness, but in humility and confidence in God’s Word joining Him through prayer. 

The writer has learned through experience that scripture reveals God’s character and bases his case on that truth. He can rejoice, as James reminds us, in the midst of his trials (vs. 169-172).

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2       

This author doesn’t sit idly by and wait for God to change his circumstances; he reaches for His hand to help (vs. 173 & 175) basing his request on God’s Word or promises. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit is sent to help us (John 14:25-27) by giving direction, wisdom, or understanding in living the kingdom life; we simply need to ask … but do we?

Psalm 119 closes with the analogy of lost sheep; he admits, as a wandering sheep, his lack of self-sufficiency and need for God. Jesus also spoke of lost sheep:

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:4-7 

This writer is not like Job, he based his case on God’s character, not self-righteousness, and he strives to live his life according to God’s Word. Even in the midst of tribulation he has found peace, ahhhh, peace that passes understanding.

Let’s set the stage for Jesus’ final week in His eternal city: Jerusalem (Matt. 21). Being declared the Son of David and King of Israel inflamed the religious leaders and they’re ready for a fight. “Who do You think You are?” The question was clear, “Where do You get this authority?” Let’s explore the reason Jesus told several prolific parables since it was His last chance to impart wisdom, preparing His followers for the future. Since we’re in the midst of the ‘end times’ it’s vital we receive His wisdom in preparation to endure our future, whatever that looks like.

Jesus marched into the Temple overturning tables, drove out moneychangers, healed the blind and lame and the children cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Eeeks, the religious leaders’ noses were definitely out of joint.

The questions about authority were valid, however, their motives were not. The word authority is used five times so let’s clearly understand it’s meaning. It’s a legal word that infers someone in a higher position delegates the right or power for their designee to command and control in their name. Jesus knew where His authority came from,

For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. John 12:49

Clearly, Jesus understood His position and authority and knew it was imperative that His followers understood theirs since He’d be leaving them; hence the parable of the Two Sons only recounted by Matthew. Jesus purposely chose a father who delegated assignments to his polar opposite sons for His first ‘end times’ story. The father had the authority or right to command his sons, however, the sons’ attitudes were contrasted and transparent. 

The first one indignantly refused to comply; he rebelled against his father’s authority, thankfully, having a heart-change, he later obeyed. The second one agreed to the mission with his words, but in fact didn’t do it. Jesus asked the religious leaders, who obeyed the will of his father? Well, obviously the first one. He’s attempting to show these leaders that their Heavenly Father has also given them an assignment, but their actions reveal there’s been no heart-change. They don’t believe in Him even though John the Baptist showed them the ‘way of righteousness’ and they’ve observed His supernatural ministry serving and loving people. Sinners, like tax collectors and prostitutes, humble themselves and enter into the Kingdom of God enjoying the higher life he told them, but in their pride … they won’t.

“Who do You think He is?” He’s the One who gives the repentant forgiveness of sin along with position and authority to accomplish His mission. He’s the One who knows what’s ahead in your life, even in these end times, and prepares you. He’s the One who desires you to live in constant peace and joy without regard for your life circumstances and gives you the right to stand in it. 

Stand therefore, Eph. 6:14a

Psalm 119: Twenty-first Octave

I’ve never understood royalty in today’s world. Nations like Norway and the United Kingdom have it: position without power. However, that’s not true in the Kingdom of God. Today the Hebrew word that begins this section brings to mind authority: princes, rulers, or powerful people. 

We’ve arrived in our journey through Psalm 119 at the next-to-the-last section. A shout-out for those who’ve stayed with me! Let’s keep in mind one vital truth today; dominion was God’s idea. He created mankind with authority over the earth and creation, however, we forfeited that position in the garden. Satan was temporarily given the title deed of the world until Messiah, Jesus Christ, would receive it back again for us. Satan’s name describes his position of limited authority: prince of demons (Matt. 9:34, 12:24), ruler of this world (John 12:31, 14:30), and prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2). 

Unlimited and permanent authority belongs only to the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6), Prince of princes (Dan. 8:25, 9:25), Prince of Life (Acts 3:15), and our Prince and Savior (Acts 5:31). His kingdom will never end and ultimately believers will be ruling and reigning alongside Him. This final kingdom will restore our position with power in His name. That’s our final destination, but what about now?

The Psalmist has the answer; he directs all attention to God. He repeatedly writes: Your word, Your law, Your righteous rules, Your salvation, Your commandments, Your testimonies, and Your precepts. That’s how we live the higher life in the Spirit.

Jesus used an analogy to show us how to gain victory over our adversary.  

But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. Mark 3:27 

Our enemy, as the Psalmist realized (vs. 162), can be defeated like a military victory, by standing in the authority of His name and His Word. We recognize Satan’s schemes in our life and families (disharmony, deception, shame, lies, oppression, etc.) and declare his demise; that’s entering his house. We render him powerless by using God’s Word (power) and standing in His Name (authority). That’s a spiritual victory, but we must take it by force:

… the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12b 

The author of Psalm 119 had a revelation: 

I rejoice at Your word like one who finds great spoil. Psalm 119:162

Spoil is defined as goods or property taken by force from an enemy after a conflict. What a great word! When Satan is exposed in our life we don’t have to ‘take it’; we stand against him. Jesus gave us the right as His representatives on earth to live in great peace (vs. 165) and we maintain that peace or wholeness by ‘taking’ authority over the devil. Don’t let him rule over your life; rule over his.

Over the past three weeks we’ve seen the different nuances of this Bible word: meditation, however, we’re not finished yet. Meditating also means to declare out loud, musing to yourself, especially if you’re devising a plan. 

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 15:28 

I think you know what I mean, intensely concentrating, even imagining what you’re going to say; the Bible calls that meditation. You talk it over with God, receive His direction, and feel more confident about your response. 

Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? Psalms 2:1 

The word for plans is the same as meditation: that’s fascinating. As believers we desire to be in alignment with God, with a thirst for His will; we know life works better that way, in fact, Jesus called it Kingdom Living.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Psalm 143:5-6 

The final component of Scripture Meditation is also intriguing; it means to remove an obstacle or hindrance out of the way. The story from 2 Sam. 20:11-13 uses our word, but with this new spin. In the lower story there was a dead body in the middle of the road needing to be removed because it was a stumbling block, an obstacle, and it had to be cleared away. Meditation, a new spin. 

And it will be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, Remove every obstacle from the way of My people.” Isaiah 57:14

Same word. How does one clear away stumbling blocks from our lives (upper story)? John the Baptizer gives us a clue; he said to ‘clear the road for Jesus!’ Get any obstacle or hindrance out of the way for Him to transform your life: that’s a form of meditation. If you ask God to reveal the hindrances to His higher life, He’ll show you, but here’s the kicker: you have to clear the road for Him. Our individual stumbling blocks that keep us from following Christ can be removed … if you desire it. 

Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. Proverbs 25:4-5 

… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus … Heb. 12:1b-2a

If you want to live in the Kingdom of God now, you have to do it His way. Make a new plan, discuss it with the Lord, remove stumbling blocks, usually sin and temptations, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into His victorious life.  

Psalm 119: Twentieth Octave

I have special people in my life that I can ask for anything and they’ll move heaven and earth to meet my needs; 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

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 

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 

As we consider the various Biblical meanings of meditation we arrive at a fascinating illustration written by the prophet Isaiah. 

For thus the Lord said to me, “As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him he is not terrified by their shouting or daunted at their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its hill. Like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; He will protect and deliver it; He will spare and rescue it.” Isaiah 31:4-5 

The picture of a ferocious lion or hovering eagle is a metaphor describing how God meditates or growls over us in protection. He’s the Lord of heaven’s armies or Lord of hosts, and He’ll not only protect those He loves, He’ll deliver, spare, and rescue us. Even though that passage points to Jerusalem, it’s symbolic of His people. As the king of the beasts growls and protects his prey, God growls or meditates over us: He is the King who fights for us: He’s the Lord of hosts. This ‘prince of the prophets’ desires for you to understand this aspect of our Lord as he ‘meditates’ over you. He loves you, wants only what’s best for you, and His Spirit will actively rescue you.

On the other hand, another passage by Isaiah uses this type of meditation as well,

We all growl like bears; we moan and moan like doves; we hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. Isaiah 59:11 

We can’t lose heart in our personal prayer/meditation/intercession (for others), we must learn to growl against the enemy like a bear, and yet moan and groan like a morning dove. We put our faith in God’s justice, He always does what’s right, we put our faith in God’s salvation, He’s our Rescuer and Deliverer, even when it seems far away and out of reach. We continue to growl and protect our loved ones, our families and friends, from the enemy’s onslaught because God does it for us: He’s our example. 

Another aspect of meditation means to slowly chew and swallow God’s Word as you read it, listen to it read, and more importantly, do what it says. As the LORD told Joshua,

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” Joshua 1:8a

Scripture Meditation means you murmur in delight (Part One), grieve with moans and groans (Part Two), and growl in protection like an animal and it’s prey (Part Three), but there’s also the part about doing it or obeying what it says. God went on to promise Joshua success as he meditated on His Word. 

Desire success? Then do what God tells you.

Psalm 119: Nineteenth Octave

My church has diverse opportunities regarding prayer. Our Prayer Ministry involves an email Prayer Chain, a group of intercessors known as a Prayer Team, a monthly Prayer Meeting, a Prayer Box for requests, and regularly offers individual prayer after a service. I’ve personally participated in prayer walks, prayer drives, prayer texting (that’s a new one), and encourage daily prayer with God. What’s the big deal about prayer? 

In the nineteenth octave of Psalm 119:145-152 the writer uses a phrase that many of us can identify with: crying out to God. That’s the word that sets the tone for this section of the longest chapter of the Bible. As you read through you’ll realize he doesn’t just cry out to God for an answer, although he does, he also encourages himself. How do you encourage yourself during a time of trauma, tragedy, or trial? This writer has placed his hope, his confident expectation, in God’s Word. Those promises given to a believer in Jesus Christ are signed, sealed, and delivered if you trust in Him. I know it’s hard to trust when you’re in crisis, but I can testify that God is faithful and He will answer your cries. 

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! Psalm 126:5

Here’s the deal; you can’t trust in God’s promises if you don’t know them. You can’t strengthen yourself as David did when he was being pursued by his enemies (1 Sam. 30:6-19) and see God’s hand move mountains on your behalf without that kind of faith. David’s story reassures us that he recovered all, nothing was missing. Is that your desire as well? 

This writer doesn’t just place a request in a box and leave it there. He cries out to God day and night, meditates on His promises, and believes God will bring justice. Remember the friend at midnight, Luke 11:5-13, and the widow before the judge, Luke 18:1-8? Persistent and relentless prayer. Talk about encouragement! The Psalmist’s physical enemy was getting closer (vs. 150), that’s the lower story, but he already knew what to do. He’d seen God come through before and his faith grew stronger as he remembered: God is near. The upper story is that our enemy also draws near to us, trying to shake our faith and bring turmoil to our life, therefore, what’s our response? That’s the key.

Having others pray for you is great, but an intimate relationship with God is even greater. As a believer, the Holy Spirit resides in your heart; He can’t come any nearer than that (John 14:13-21). He’s there, day or night, ready to help if you’d just ask. 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:22-23 

Last week I introduced the familiar concept of meditation and what it means to Christians. Unlike the world’s definition, Scripture meditation is focused on God. He’s the ultimate Author of the Bible and as we slow our reading down we can savor each of His bites.

Another aspect of this word is surprisingly different, even the opposite. It means to moan, groan, or mumble without words simply because you have none. Something in your life has not turned out as you hoped and your heart breaks even when you spend time with God in His Word. King Hezekiah understood that heartbreak when he suffered from a life-threatening illness,

Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my pledge of safety! Isaiah 38:14

The meditation of his heart, without using words, caused a weariness, however, He continued to look up. You may be familiar with those lower tones or indistinct sounds as you grieve over something that’s happened, but take heart, God even understands those mumbles. In fact, Paul wrote that all of creation has a united groan while it waits for the new Kingdom of God at Christ’s return. As adopted children of God we also groan for our new, redeemed bodies, and the Holy Spirit groans in intercession for us without using words.

Our times of groaning prayer are understood by God, He knows this life is temporary, therefore, He has the bigger picture. That’s the value of Scripture meditation, it connects us to Him giving us hope in the face of troubles. Like Hezekiah, we can get tired and weary trying to stay positive in our confident expectation of God’s deliverance, consequently, those groans and moans become our meditation to Him. 

O Master, these are the conditions in which people live, and yes, in these very conditions my spirit is still alive— fully recovered with a fresh infusion of life! It seems it was good for me to go through all those troubles. Throughout them all You held tight to my lifeline. You never let me tumble over the edge into nothing. But my sins You let go of, threw them over Your shoulder—good riddance! Isaiah 38:16-19 MSG

Again, Eugene Peterson gets to the heart of Hezekiah’s declaration and we can learn from it. Can we turn our times of trials into times of rejoicing? Can we look at this temporary life from God’s perspective? The only way is through meditating on His Word. With the help of the Spirit you can find just the right passage at just the right time; you simply have to ask. Remember, this isn’t about connecting with your inner self or using guided spirits in meditation; this is about connecting with the Creator of the Universe, the Savior of the World, and the One who holds it all in His hands. 

He understands you even when you have no words. 

Psalm 119: Eighteenth Octave

I can’t imagine being a foreigner in America and trying to learn English. We use hundreds of idioms that often need to be explained if they’re to have the intended impact. Take for example, measure up. We tell ourselves and often say about others that we don’t measure up. It means there’s a standard, a norm, by which we’re comparing ourselves to others. The result isn’t good; we believe we don’t have the quality or ability to reach that standard. 

The Psalmist writes in verses 137-144 that he understood this concept; he identified God as the Divine Standard, and realized he didn’t measure up. He paled in comparison, as we all do, when measured to God. His standard is perfection and His decisions are just, fair, and right. That’s the word of the day, used six times: righteous. 

Scripture declares:

None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Romans 3:10-12 

Since that’s true then what hope do we have if we don’t measure up? Jesus said that He didn’t come for the righteous but for sinners, certainly, we qualify there. What’s the solution? Admit it to God, repent from your heart, and here’s the clincher, receive His forgiveness and walk in His righteousness.

For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 

The Psalmist goes on to exclaim that his passion about this truth he’s experienced is God’s forgiveness, and he desires it for others. Do we share this same passion of desiring others, our family, friends, or co-workers to experience the righteousness of Jesus? It begins with humility, a realization that you’re insignificant (vs. 141) but through Jesus, that can change. 

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:5-7 

As the author endured trials in his life (vs. 143) he depended on his relationship with God; it brought him delight. So let’s come up higher to our Standard, Jesus Christ, so that we may live that kind of life (vs. 144) reaching our potential, our and destiny in Him. Even though God’s beyond measure, with Jesus’ righteousness given to us we can begin to measure up. 

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 

King David, the author of this poem, passionately desired alignment with his Lord, even in his thought-life, while growing in relationship with Him. He knew his thoughts were the springboard for his words which could cause trouble if he wasn’t careful. Therefore, the ‘meditation of his heart’ was vital to him; life begins in the heart.

This Hebrew word is fascinating since it has several shades of meaning. First of all, hagah (Hebrew word for meditation) is when you slow your reading down and take in every phrase, verse, or passage as if it’s a bite of a sumptuous dish. You slowly bite and chew with murmurs of delight, savoring the flavor, and letting it soak into your taste buds. Mmmmmm, that’s delicious, you murmur. Not rushing through it, you allow each bite to sit in your mouth as you enjoy it, while it nourishes your body. Can you picture reading the Bible like that?

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him. Psalms 34:8 MSG

That’s a beautiful metaphor of how God’s Word satisfies your soul by showing His goodness to you. God used the same word-picture when He spoke to the prophet Ezekiel,

As I opened my mouth, He gave me the scroll to eat, saying, “Son of man, eat this book that I am giving you. Make a full meal of it!” So I ate it. It tasted so good—just like honey. Ezekiel 3:2-3 MSG

Much later the apostle John experienced the same direction yet with a different result,

I went up to the Angel and said, “Give me the little book.” He said, “Take it, then eat it. It will taste sweet like honey, but turn sour in your stomach.” I took the little book from the Angel’s hand and it was sweet honey in my mouth, but when I swallowed, my stomach curdled. Revelation 10:9-10 MSG

I’m using Dr. Eugene Peterson’s Message translation because he captures the essence of the passage helping us imagine God’s purpose for us … personally. As we unhurriedly read God’s Word it’s like taking that delicious bite, tasting it’s flavor, gradually chewing and savoring it, as it metabolizes and nurtures our heart. Sighs of pleasure escape our mouths as mmmmm, ahhhhh, ohhhhh, because much of God’s Word can produce the same results as we taste it … if we take the time to meditate on a passage or section of Scripture.

Granted, not every passage lends itself to meditation, however, most Psalms do, so when you find one that ministers to you don’t rush through it. Read and meditate on it, taking the time to enjoy the hagah.

I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:12 

Enjoy your meal.