Thanks be to God, who in love “predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ”. Even before we knew God, He adopted us as children, offered us redemption through the blood shed by Jesus’ sacrifice, and revealed “the mystery of his will”.
Like Paul, I too give thanks to God for your encouragement and example of faith and love.
Such a contrast between Numbers and the ritual sacrifices and cleanness that formed a key part of the Law of Moses, and Galatians, where “the righteous shall live by faith”. We’re so blessed to have been offered life through Christ, rather than condemnation under the law, to have an inheritance based on God’s promise.
Solomon writes “whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded”. Knowledge of God is important to appreciate all that He has done for us, and to understand that “we are not children of the slave but of the free woman”, just as the Galatians needed to understand the true gospel.
We have access to the gospel, which is not a fabrication of man, but a divine source of hope and comfort. It’s based on the sacrifice of Christ, “who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age”.
Paul gave up his former way of life, that he might live to God. He could say that he “lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” We have that same hope, and same obligation. As Solomon said, “In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.”
Jesus tells the parable of the “unjust judge”, which is really a parable encouraging us “always to pray and not lose heart.” God is not an unjust judge that ignores our prayers. Instead He wants to have a relationship with us, wants us to communicate regularly with Him and persistent prayer is an important part of that.
The words Solomon wrote are easily applicable to our relationship with God, “be attentive to my words…keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” God’s word and regular prayer help us to run this race, and not lose heart.
Jesus explains to his disciples about forgiveness. It’s an act that requires faith like a grain of mustard seed, an act which we can find difficult, but just like the servant first serving dinner to his master, it’s something that is our duty to do.
Jesus also describes the coming of the kingdom of God. It’s not something we’ll be able to predict, although many will try. We need to be ready at all times, and “trust in the Lord with all your heart”
If we seek wisdom, understanding and insight like they are hidden treasure, then we will “understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Once we have found that wisdom and knowledge, then Solomon writes that it will watch over us, guarding us and delivering us from the way of evil. We will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
We have been offered the true riches, grace and mercy through the work of Christ. Let’s follow the advice of Solomon, seek that treasure with our whole being, serving the master that can offer us eternal life.
Wisdom is personified as someone calling out in the streets, offering knowledge to all. Although rejected by many, she notes “whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
This is a great gift which we have received. We have been offered heavenly wisdom, and accepted that offer. This doesn’t make us more special than anyone else, but it does give us hope and comfort. “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” If we are to be wise in heavenly wisdom, then we need to really listen and allow it to affect our lives, to be guided by it.
At various stages in our life, we all can be lost coins or lost sheep. It’s really encouraging to note what Jesus says, “there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The act of returning to God, or of helping one of our peers return to God, results in rejoicing in heaven.
“the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” Such an incredible idea. God takes pleasure in us trying to be like Him. This is the reason that makes the daily struggle of life worthwhile. This is why we love God, because He first loved us. So “let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
David praises God, writing “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” This really is something to thank God about, since it is only through God’s mercy that David remained alive, and only through God’s mercy can we have a relationship with Him.
Not only is God gracious and merciful, He actively helps those that are in need. “The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down…the Lord is near to all who call on him.”
God provides for all, even the animals, yet He “takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” So let us “sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre”
Psalm 143 is a prayer of David. Like many Psalms, this is written in a time of turmoil and trouble, when David’s enemy has crushed his life to the ground, his spirit faints within him.
David longs for God’s comfort, “I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land…hide not your face from me.” He retains his trust in God, “for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
An encouraging prayer, David turns to God for help and guidance, knowing that God is a rock in which he can take refuge. Although many of David’s prayers are like this, the lesson remains for us. There will often be times in our lives when there is trouble or affliction. It is important for us to remember to rely on God, trust in Him, and seek guidance from His word. It is equally important for us to praise God and thank Him for the times He has helped us, although I suspect a ten-stringed harp is not essential for this.