Todays readings… Genesis 7&8, Psalm 9&10, Matthew 6
The above words conclude Psalm 9. As we read this Psalm we saw it as a remarkable summary – from God’s perspective – of life on earth. David, in his sublime meditation was able to possess the enlarged heart (Psa. 119 v.32) he had prayed for and it is our privilege to enter into that vision, but we must read and do so in a humble and seeking state of mind.
“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart” is how David begins. “I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Therefore we ourselves should know and reflect on all that God has already done.
David now looks at the future and sees the end that is in prospect, “You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins … the very memory of them has perished.” [v.5,6].
This can only happen in the perfect age when God himself dwells on earth as we read last week in Revelation (21 v.3-8). In contrast to the total end of the wicked, we have this vision of what we believe is now in the near future – “the LORD sits enthroned forever, he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.” [v.7,8] What an inspiring picture this is of the world scene after Christ returns.
Then David focuses his mind on the present scene, “The LORD is … a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD …” [v.9-11] Those who know God’s name, who know his reputation, what he has done in the past and what a relationship with him means now – they will then sing praises to him with all their heart.
The last 2 verses are a prayer to God that is wonderfully appropriate for us to offer today, “Arise O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear. O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men.”
