Sunday 26th January
Read Psalm 119:121-128
“Ayin
121 I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
126 It is time for you to act, Lord;
your law is being broken.
127 Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,
128 and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.” (NIVUK)
I need help to avoid taking detours. v121-128.
The psalmist seems to be saying Lord, my awe of you prompts me to be faithful and follow your ways, but opposition (arrogance toward truth) is constantly out there, and I need your protection. I am longing for you to act on your promise and save me from this situation [possibly the OT equivalent to maranatha, come quickly Lord Jesus?]. The psalmist then realises that as he looks at God’s word, he see that what God has said is precious and loved, it is the protection. This word restores perspective to trust and to follow God’s path, not being overwhelmed or tempted by wrong paths (arrogance to truth) that are constantly ‘in the pilgrim’s face’. There is much to be learnt about the character of God’s word; many of us take daily medication to protect ourselves from illness, just possibly in the same way knowing God’s word and listening daily is protection from the opposition we face to our following our Lord faithfully?
Geoff Hinch
