A few months ago, I asked some friends a question about a passage in Psalm 19. It fascinated me how different their answers were. God leads each of His children along a different road, creating unique characters, building distinct perspectives, yet all being crafted more and more towards Christlikeness. We can see many things differently, or have a contrasting "take" when it comes to one subject or another. I love to echo the praise found in Scripture when it says, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" (Ps. 139)
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11)
Me: There's a lot of interesting stuff in this short passage. What jumps out at you from these verses?
CP: The fear of the Lord is clean. No threat, no condemnation. More of a reverent fear than a fear of pain or punishment. The purest definition of 'awesome' that there can be. Jaw dropping wow. And IT DOESN'T STOP, EVER.
ZS: "More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb." How much do we desire the ways of the Lord? Are His ways gold to us? Personally, I need to do a better job at that. Desire His ways, His word, His fellowship.
JL: "The law of the LORD is perfect" We all know this to be true, but it is always good to see where in scripture that it shows that we should never doubt God's laws and word.
SGB: What amazes me is that God rewards us for finding and serving him, when because he's so perfect and amazing serving him should be enough reward in itself. But no, he adds to it with a refreshed soul, wisdom, a joyful heart, and a new way to see the world just to name a few. I love the passion of this passage, and how in love with God the writer is: it reminds me of my "first love".
BP: "The commandment of the Lord is pure..." is slightly amazing.. it's funny and awe-inspiring to think that we don't even truly understand the meaning of the word 'pure'; everything we've ever known except for God Himself has been tainted in some way. Nothing besides Him is totally as it should be.
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Thanks, everyone, for your answers! Now, a question for you, Reader: what jumps out at you from Psalm 19:7-11?
I am looking at coveted words here with ideals that I could never attain myself alone. I cannot "add one cubit" to my stature. I think that's why Jesus credits us with his righteousness - the great reward.
ReplyDelete"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." What greater happiness can we enjoy than to be growing and flourishing in mind and soul? What greater help could we receive than to be mentally raised from gloom and despair? This is indeed of far greater value than gold, and sweeter than anything that can be physically tasted!
ReplyDelete"The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." I find it amusing to contrast that with "making smart the ignorant." The word is valuable because of what it gives us. We can surely buy intelligence with gold, but can we buy wisdom? Wisdom comes to the simple through the word, and that gives me hope. :)
That a person doesn't have to be a scholar to be one of Gods children, it's all done by His Word, and His Spirit. :D Good news.
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