PSALM 27

Psalm 27

 

This psalm is written by David [most likely] during the time of persecution. The First king of Israel Saul was chasing after young David. It is also possible that the psalm came to light during the rebellion of his son Absalom (we talked about it when studying Psalm 3). 

 

David presents the LORD as (1) the light and (2) salvation

(1) Light has two main functions:

   a. gives light for the surrounding area – like a chandelier or a floor lamp

We can walk around safely – v.5-6

LORD hid David in the day of trouble – in His shelter, in His presence

   b. points to direction – like flashlight

v. 11 – teach me YOUR way, o LORD

and lead me to the level path (path that is not going up or down – very comfortable for travel)

(2) Salvation

Real troubles – enemies vv. 2-3,

Abandonment [by parents], v.10

Sins, v. 7-9 – He ends with salvation!

Conclusion:

The light and salvation of the LORD comes out of the goodness of His character – v. 13

Therefore, we should exercise patience and the inner strength of faith, v. 14  

LENT: EXODUS 10

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 10 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

This chapter tells us about two “last” plagues. We are so used to thinking in terms of 10 plagues, but it can be “structured a little bit differently: 9+1. Nine ones that go from the lowest point – the water, to the highest point – sun. Step by step, plague by plague YHWH destroys all the divinity images Egyptians created so far. The last one, as we’ll discuss in our next devotion, is more into the ultimate power of the Living God or God of live.

So, the last out of nine is the three-day darkness. Before we as New Testament Christians jump on “three-day” wagon, we need to talk about the darkness. And, before we compare the Exodus darkness over the darkness of Calvary, let’s spend some time with the darkness we see over Egypt (pun intended).

At first, we hear the command of the LORD telling Moses to stretch his hands toward heaven, then the darkness will fall (Exodus 10:21). The very next verse though adds an adjective to describe the scenery – pitch darkness. Sages have commented on this as the darkness so thick that it could be cut with a knife. So thick…

SHINING NEW BEGINNING!

Shining New Beginning

Dear brothers and sisters!

2025 is here. January begins with the feast of Epiphany [technically, it begins with the Circumcision of Jesus on January 1st, but I’ll make my point]. Thinking about Epiphany, we celebrate the arrival of the wisemen to worship Jesus. They saw the star while they were East of Judea, they came to Jerusalem, for it is the city of the King, and to their surprise no one was expecting them. No one had even heard of the birth of the new King, Messianic ruler of the World. Herod was consumed with his own sense of power: he is known for murdering his own offspring for alleged conspiracy. He did not want any competition.  When we see him attempting to find out the time of Jesus birth, it obviously was not driven by pious reasons. We know how the story ends with him–special forces were commanded to go to Bethlehem and kill all babies under 2 years of age.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Everyone of us knows this verse from the very beginning of Creation account (Gen. 1:3). God provided illuminated His world. He spoke the light into the world - connecting forever the light and the word. No wonder psalmist exclaims: Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to path (Ps. 119:105). 

We are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). Therefore, the light has vital importance for us. Light in the house, lights on the road, industrial lights, or the huge light over a stadium where your favorite team plays and wins. 

Yet, there is a special place on earth where the forgiveness of God shines forth, where the Word is read, and Christ Himself comes to us illuminating our way - the local church chancel. We just got our lights fixed! Now, let it shine! Let it shine!! Let it shine!!!