Monday July 26, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 89:38-52

What man can live and never see death? Who can save himself from the power of Sheol? Selah 

Psalm 89:48

Reflection: The psalmist of the Old Testament reflects on the desperate need for the LORD’s faithful love. What a wonder that God in His infinite wisdom would bring victory against the grave through the very things that concern the psalmist.

The psalmist’s prayer foreshadows all that Jesus would endure in order to conquer sin and death. Christ would be spurned and rejected, become a laughing stock to those around Him. The very clothes on His back would be plundered by others. He would be dishonored, enduring public humiliation by leaders and civilians alike. Our Savior would be covered with shame, left to His enemies, and abandoned by the LORD Himself. He would die in shame. It is by Jesus’ Death that the world would see and know freedom from death. It is by His suffering that He would free people from sin. By Jesus, the acts for which the psalmist approaches the LORD are the very acts by which God answers his prayer. ‘Who can save himself from the power of Sheol?’ In Jesus, God has answered these cries, providing Someone Whose death would indeed save.

God is good to answer the immediate needs of His people, to provide for them, to protect them, and to strengthen them to do His Will. But the far more glorious work He achieves is that which secures us with Him forever, and which assures us of His faithful love. As you give thanks to God today, His perfect provision and mighty strength may come to mind. So may His everlasting joy and peace. But remember also His faithful love which has gained for us the greatest of gifts, the priceless treasure of His Salvation by Jesus, for all who believe.

Prayer: Loving God, You have done great things. Those seen and unseen resound Your glory and bring You honor. All that You do is wonderful and wise. Your faithful love is perfect. I praise You today for the opportunity to pause and remember all that You have done for me. Of all things, LORD, thank You for Your precious Son, Jesus Christ, Who has saved me. Thank You for meeting this very great need with Your unfathomable grace and amazing mercy. In my praise to You, in my thanks to You LORD, may my Savior always come to mind. I pray all of these things in His precious Name, Jesus Christ, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): 1 John 2; 2 Chronicles 35; Psalm 89:38-52