RESURRECTION

O God of my Exodus,
Great was the joy of Israel’s sons,
when Egypt died upon the shore,
Far greater the joy
when the Redeemer’s foe lay crushed in the dust.
Jesus strides forth as the victor,
conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing might;
He bursts the bands of death,
tramples the powers of darkness down,
and lives forever.
He, my gracious surety,
apprehended for payment of my debt,
comes forth from the prison house of the grave free,
and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death.
Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering is accepted,
that the claims of justice are satisfied,
that the devil’s sceptre is shivered,
that his wrongful throne is levelled.
Give me the assurance that in Christ I died, in him I rose,
in his life I live, in his victory I triumph,
in his ascension I shall be glorified.
Adorable Redeemer,
thou who wast lifted up upon a cross
art ascended to highest heaven.
Thou, who as a Man of sorrows was crowned with thorns,
art now as Lord of life wreathed with glory.
Once, no shame more deep than thine,
no agony more bitter, no death more cruel.
Now, no exaltation more high,
no life more glorious, no advocate more effective.
Thou art in the triumph car
leading captive thine enemies behind thee.
What more could be done than thou hast done!
thy death is my life,
thy resurrection my peace,
thy ascension my hope,
thy prayers my comfort.

(from The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan prayers and devotions)

PSALM 91 — REVISED

Trust in God Alone

This psalm has been an encouragement to believers for thousands of years, and it can encourage you as well. This psalm can be divided into three segments: The Psalmist’s Trust in God (1-2), The Psalmist’s Teaching About God (3-13), and The Lord’s Promise (14-16).

The psalmist lays out the principle in verse 1, the person who trusts in the Lord will dwell in the safety and security of God presence. He exclaims that God has his trust (2).

The psalmist then moves to instruct his readers in the midst of personal trials to trust the Lord (3-13). God delivers from dangers that are seen (men), and dangers that are unseen (pestilence) (3-6). He is sovereign and there is nothing outside of His knowledge and control. Ten thousand may fall around you of pestilence or war, but you do not have to be afraid (7). In the day of judgment, your faith will be vindicated as you are spared and the wicked receive their justice (8-10).

In the days of tribulation God gives His angels charge concerning His children. They watch over and protect believers (Heb 1:14)(11-12). The church is more than just survivors, you are victors (13).

The psalmist ends this psalm in 14-16 with a promise made by the Lord. Those that love Him will be secure no matter what adversity they face (14). Brethren, our God hears our prayers and is ever close to us (15). He saves us and honours us, His children. Trust in Him and you will be satisfied and experience the joy of His salvation (16).

Brethren, rest assured that God loves you and is in sovereign control over all aspects of your life. Dwell not at the dangers around you, rather keep your focus on your great God.

PSALM 89 — REVISED

The Promised King

How do we, as believers, handle hard circumstances in our lives when things are so utterly out of our control? The psalmist, an Ezrahite, is writing this psalm after returning to the land with the nation of Israel from their exile in Babylon. They had been disciplined by God and the Davidic kingship has yet to be reestablished. They are being ruled by Gentile Kings.

The psalmist begins by determining to give God the praise He rightly deserves (89:1-18). He declares he will sing of the love and faithfulness of the Lord forever (89:1-2). He praises God for the covenant promise that He made with David to establish his linage as kings over Israel forever (89:3-4).

He asks the rhetorical question, “who is like You” (89:8)? Neither the holy angels (89:5-7), nor Egypt herself can stand against God’s might (89:9-10). He created all things, from the north to the south; and thus He should be exalted (89:11-13). God’s sovereign rule is not tyrannical however, for His throne is founded upon righteous justice, and whatever He chooses to do is preceded by grace and truth (89:13-14). How truly blessed are the people who know the joyful sound of the praise of the saints (89:15-18).

Brethren, the psalmist praises God for His divine perfections: His love, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His power, and His grace. We must remember that in the midst of confusing and inexplicable times God is still sovereignly in control of all circumstances. The psalmist asks God to restore the David kingdom so that the nation will bear the reproach of their enemies no more (89:46-51). The psalmist is praying for a Davidic king to rule. Little does he know that the next Davidic king to rule will be the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:22-36).