PSALM 86
Desire for the LORD to answer prayer verse 1- 7
Bow down YOUR ear – O LORD – hear me – for I am poor and needy
preserve my soul – for I am holy – O YOU my God
save YOUR servant that trust in YOU
be merciful to me – O Lord – for I cry to YOU daily
rejoice the soul of YOUR servant
for to YOU – O LORD
do I lift up my soul
For YOU – Lord – are good – and ready to forgive
and plenteous in mercy to all them that call upon YOU
Give ear – O LORD – to my PRAYER
and attend to the voice of my SUPPLICATIONS
in the day of my trouble I will call upon YOU
for YOU will answer me
Divinity belongs to the LORD alone verse 8- 10
Among the gods there is none like unto YOU – O Lord
neither are there any works like to YOUR works
All nations whom YOU have made shall come and worship
before YOU – O Lord – and shall glorify YOUR name
For YOU are great – and do wondrous things – YOU are God alone
Direction comes from the LORD verse 11- 13
Teach me YOUR way
O LORD
I will walk in YOUR truth
unite my heart to fear YOUR name
I will praise YOU – O Lord my God – with all my heart
and I will glorify YOUR name for evermore
For great is YOUR mercy toward me
and YOU have delivered my soul from the lowest hell
Deliverance comes from the LORD verse 14- 17
O God – the proud are risen against me
and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul
and have not set YOU before them
BUT YOU – O Lord – are a God full of compassion – and gracious
long-suffering – and plenteous in mercy and truth
O turn to me – and have mercy upon me
give YOUR strength to YOUR servant
and save the son of YOUR handmaid
Show me a token for good – that they which hate me may see it
and be ashamed – BECAUSE YOU – LORD
have helped me – and comforted me
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 “Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). (Save – 3467 יָשַׁע, יׄשַׁע, מֹושִׁיעַ [yashaʿ /yaw·shah/] v. A primitive root; TWOT 929; GK 3828 and 3830 and 4635; 205 occurrences; AV translates as “save” 149 times, “saviour” 15 times, “deliver” 13 times, “help” 12 times, “preserved” five times, “salvation” three times, “avenging” twice, “at all” once, “avenged” once, “defend” once, “rescue” once, “safe” once, and “victory” once. 1 to save, be saved, be delivered. 1A (Niphal). 1A1 to be liberated, be saved, be delivered. 1A2 to be saved (in battle), be victorious. 1B (Hiphil). 1B1 to save, deliver. 1B2 to save from moral troubles. 1B3 to give victory to. James Strong, Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2001).
DEVOTION: God loves a broken and contrite spirit (Ps.51:17). He recognizes when we know that we are sinners that are poor and needy, a servant who is crying out to Him for help and protection! The psalmist uses all these expressions to emphasize his need for the Lord in his psalm. In these requests, essentially he desired that God preserve him (v. 2, 3, 5) by His mercy. David called himself a servant who trusts in the Lord, one who lifts up his soul to God (v. 4).
This prayer was based on the fact that God is kind, ready to forgive, and abounding in love (cf. 86:15; Ex. 34:6). These are qualities that we need to demonstrate as we come before the Lord as well. We cannot expect the Lord to respond to us when we are arrogant, proud, haughty or self-sufficient! May we be like the psalmist and bow in recognition of our need for the Lord’s help!
CHALLENGE: Today examine your attitude toward the Lord, is it like the psalmist or does it need an adjustment? (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 4 Rejoice the soul of YOUR servant: for to YOU, O Lord, do I lift up my
soul. (8055 “Rejoice” [samach] means joy, be glad, to make happy or joyful, to cause to rejoice, or exult.
DEVOTION: To many people who say that they are followers of the LORD have long faces. They look like they have sucked sour lemons when they are in church or out in public.
Those who are believers should always have a smile on their face because they know that this world is not their home. They are just passing through. They are here to witness to the great salvation the LORD has provided for them.
We don’t have to witness for the LORD because we want to earn points for heaven. We witness because of the joy of the LORD in our heart that we want to share with others. It is sad to see believers that don’t have the “joy” of the LORD on their face, at least, most of the time.
God wants us to have an uplifted soul, so that, we face each day with the optimism that we have an answer that most people don’t have and we want to share our faith with those who will listen to us.
We are a servant of a king that is coming and is going to call all those to HIS kingdom. As servants we need to make sure that we have a daily walk with the LORD. We have to make sure that we are praying for HIS will for each day regarding who we should talk to and how we can serve HIM while we are still here.
Too often we see some who claim Christ, sitting, soaking and souring while they are waiting for HIS return. This should never be.
CHALLENGE: When people see us coming do they see the joy of the LORD in our life or sadness that only the world can give?
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: 5 For YOU, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on YOU. (5546 “ready to forgive” [callach] means inclined or able to forgive and show mercy, ready to pardon, be indulgent towards, pertaining to being ready to forgive or pardon guilt and restore relationship.)
DEVOTION: Once we become a follower of Jesus Christ we are on different standings with HIM.
HE first allows us to ask for forgiveness of our sins and to become a child of HIS. Then once the relationship is established we can go to HIM on a daily basis and ask for forgiveness and start our day serving HIM to the best of our ability.
HE causes us to grow in our relationship with HIM as we study HIS Word, prayer and witness for HIM. HE wants us to realize that we have a responsibility to grow in our knowledge and service to HIM.
Those who have accepted HIM as their person Savior need to show others what it means to mature in the faith. The sad fact is that there are those who “say” that they are believers and yet don’t show any change in their lift to show others the true of the abundant life that we are supposed to have once we start our new life in HIM.
God wants us to have the joy of the LORD in our heart even when we have sad things happen on the outside.
Having the joy of the LORD doesn’t mean that we smile all the time but we always have something to smile about if we are in proper relationship with HIM each day. Our study in the Word of God and our prayer life should make us look different from the rest of the world. We have something very important to share!!
CHALLENGE: When someone sees us do they see the joy of the LORD or do they see someone who really doesn’t have something to celebrate? We have something to celebrate if we are a believer – We are going to heaven can’t wait to see Jesus!
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 11 “Teach me YOUR way, O Lord; I will walk in YOUR truth: unite my heart to fear YOUR name.” (“Unite,” 3161 יָחַד [yachad], to join, unite, be joined, be united [Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software]).
DEVOTION: This psalm by David is intended to describe the walk of the godly man. It is someone who is concerned with knowing how to live life God’s way and walking in truth. God then is described as being merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth (verse 15).
How can we become a person who wants to be taught God’s ways and will walk in them? We find ourselves easily distracted by the affairs of everyday life and the activity around us. In addition, we have made choices in life we later regret because we were disobedient to the Lord. In both ways, we find our hearts are fragmented both in their worship and in their obedience to God.
The only solution to a broken or fragmented heart is to ask God to take over all parts of our heart (Psalm 51:10). It is then that He restores the brokenness in our lives. This is a process known as contrition, and a contrite heart is one thing that God says He will look down favorably upon (Isaiah 66:2).
CHALLENGE: Do you find your heart still characterized by multiple loves? Do you wish that one or more of these would have turned out differently than they did? If so, then come to the one who heals and restores hearts. Ask God to take complete control of your heart and unite all the broken pieces to form a heart filled with reverence and fear of Him. Then watch how He does this in a remarkable way! (Dr. Marc Wooten – board member)
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: 17 Show me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast helped me, and comforted me. (226 “token” [’owth] means a signal, omen, prodigy, evidence, mark, miracle, or sign. David had enemies.)
DEVOTION: The Psalmist is stating that he is just a poor and needy individual who would like help and comfort from the LORD. He also states that he is holy. Those who are true followers are holy based on the fact that they stand by faith in the sacrifice of blood of the animal that looked forward to the blood sacrifice of Christ in the Old Testament and the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross in the New Testament.
Once an individual is a believer, he/she can go to the LORD in prayer and ask for forgiveness of sin and for daily blessings. In our prayers we have to understand the attributes of God. HE is ready to forgive, plenteous in mercy and is good to those who love HIM.
When compared to the false gods of those who lived around Israel and sad to say to some who lived in Israel HE was the only true God. Three names for God are used in this Psalm: LORD which means Jehovah or a covenant keeping personal God; God which means Elohim or Sovereign God; and Lord which means master or owner.
When someone prays to the LORD using all three names he understands too whom he is praying. The Psalmist wanted this God to act on his behalf and answer his prayer.
The enemies of David didn’t think that David was close to the LORD. They thought that the LORD had disserted him. David was praying for help. David wanted to be taught how to walk closer to the LORD. David desired to praise the LORD. He informed the LORD that he understands HIS character was one that was full of compassion, gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
He was having trouble with his enemies. He wanted the LORD to give him a signal that he was on the right path with the LORD. He wanted assurance that the LORD was going to fight this battle for him. He wanted his enemies to KNOW that the LORD was fighting for him. He wanted his enemies to be defeated in such a way that they would know that only the LORD had done it. David wanted the LORD to give a signal of HIS presence.
We have the same desire. Does the LORD give us a signal of what HE is doing in our world? YES. The Holy Spirit speaks to our spirits as we listen to HIM speak through the Word of God and our prayer life. HE still leads us. HE opens doors and closes doors even today. A miracle would be nice but there are miracles happening in our world that we don’t realize because we are looking for something different. We need to recognize the work of God in our lives. HE is fighting our enemies.
Do people see the LORD working in and through our lives? HE is giving us signals that we are HIS children. HE gives us victories. Praise HIS name! We need to be thankful for each of these manifestations of HIS love.
CHALLENGE: Let me know how the LORD has blessed you this month. Then let others around you know how HE has blessed you. It will be an encouragement to others.
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Prayer for teach ability verse 1- 17
Wants LORD to hear prayer
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Rejoice verse 4
Worship verse 9
Praise verse 12
Glorify verse 12
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal verse 1, 6, 11, 17
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 2, 10, 12, 14,
15
Lord – Adonai (Owner, Master) verse 3- 5, 8, 9, 12,
15
Great verse 10
Do wondrous things verse 10
God alone verse 10
Full of compassion verse 15
Gracious verse 15
Long-suffering verse 15
Plenteous in mercy and truth verse 15
Lord my God verse 12
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
All nations will: verse 9
Worship the LORD
Glorify HIS name
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
False gods verse 8
Proud verse 14
Violent men verse 14
Not set the LORD before themselves verse 14
Hate believers verse 17
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Prayer verse 1, 3, 5- 7
Poor and needy verse 1
Preserve verse 2
Holy verse 2
Save verse 2, 13, 16
Servant verse 2, 4, 16
Trust verse 2
Mercy verse 3, 5, 13, 16
Daily prayer verse 3
Rejoice verse 4
Lift up soul to the LORD verse 4
Forgiven verse 5
Trouble verse 7
Answered prayer verse 7
Worship verse 9
Glorify verse 9, 12
Teach verse 11
Walk in truth verse 11
United heart verse 11
Fear of the LORD verse 11
Praise verse 12
Strength verse 16
Help verse 17
Comfort verse 17
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
DONATIONS:
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QUOTES regarding passage
This is, in more senses than one, a lonely prayer of David, the only poem of his in the third book. Its form is simple, with an opening and closing supplication punctuated by a deliberate act of praise—deliberate, because the final verses reveal no abatement of the pressure, and no sign, as yet, of an answer.
The first two verses balance the appeal to God’s compassion (for I am poor and needy) with the appeal to his faithfulness. Verse 2 emphasizes the second of these by its stress on the threefold cord that binds David to God and, by implication, God to David: first the bond of covenant (godly is the same word as ‘loyal’ in 18:25, where see note; it speaks of a steadfast response to the ‘steadfast love’ of verse 5), and then the tie that binds a servant to his master, and the link, no less strong, between one who trusts and one who is trusted. Strictly speaking, the interjection Thou art my God (2) should come between save thy servant and who trusts in thee; an urgent aside.
…. 8a. The gods may be a rhetorical expression, as if to say, ‘the gods, even supposing they existed!’ But the downright statement of 10b, thou alone art God, makes it more probable that in verse 8 David is speaking of angels rather than hypothetical beings: see on 8:5; also the introduction to Psalm 82.
…. 11. This prayer for guidance should be related to the context, which sings of God’s sovereignty. David is now applying that fact to his life, not merely to the world in general as in 8–10. It is a prayer about forming the right habits (note the end in view in the middle line), rather than making the right moves—not that David belittled the importance of these (see, e.g., 1 Sam. 23:2, 4, 10ff.).
(Kidner, D. (1975). Psalms 73–150: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 16, p. 342). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
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86:6–10. David repeated his call for the Lord to hear him. His confidence that in his trouble God would answer him was strengthened by his knowledge that the Lord is incomparable (there is none like You; cf. Ex. 15:11), fully able to do what he asked (no deeds can compare with Yours). People from all … nations will serve Him, and He alone is the great … God. This theme of God’s incomparable greatness is also reflected in the psalm’s sevenfold use of the word Lord (’ăḏōnay), which stresses His lordship and sovereignty (Ps. 86:3–5, 8–9, 12, 15). (Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 856). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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86:1–17 This psalm is an individual lament (cf. Ps 56) in which David expresses his distress and overcomes that distress through praise and worship. There is a sense of urgency demonstrated by some 14 prayer requests. Undergirding the requests is the covenant relationship (vv. 2, 5, 13).
…. 86:14 arrogant men. The arrogant (i.e., proud, insolent) are those who act independently from God, rebelling against Him and His people (cf. Ps 119:21, 51, 69, 78, 85, 122).
(MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ps 86:1–17). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
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This Psalm, which is inserted amongst a series of Korahite Psalms, is the only one in the Third Book ascribed to David. That it was written by him we can hardly suppose. Many of the expressions are, no doubt, such as we meet with in his Psalms, but there are also many which are borrowed from other passages of Scripture. Indeed, the numerous adaptations of phrases employed by other writers may reasonably be taken as evidence of a much later date. Further, the style is, as Delitzsch remarks, liturgical rather than poetical, and is wholly wanting in that force, animation, and originality for which David’s poems are remarkable. The Psalm is stamped by the use of the Divine Name, Adonai, which occurs in it seven times.
There is no regular strophical division, nor is it always easy to trace clearly the connexion between the several parts of the Psalm. Hupfeld denies that there is any. Tholuck has traced it far more carefully than any commentator I am acquainted with, and in the notes I have given the substance of his remarks.
The introductory portion (ver. 1–5) consists of a number of earnest petitions, based on several distinct pleas—the suffering (ver. 1), the faith (ver. 2), the continued and earnest supplication (ver. 3, 4) of the Psalmist, and the mercy and goodness of God (ver. 5).
In the next part (ver. 6–13) he resumes his petition; expresses his confidence that God will hear him, comforting himself with the majesty and greatness of God, who is able to do all that he asks (ver. 8–10); prays for guidance and a united heart, mixing with his prayer resolves as to his conduct, and thanksgiving for deliverance (ver. 11–13).
Finally (ver. 14–17) he speaks of the peril by which he has been threatened, turns to God with affectionate confidence as to a gracious God, and casts himself fearlessly upon His mercy. (Perowne, J. J. S. (1882). The Book of Psalms; A New Translation, with Introductions and Notes, Explanatory and Critical (Fifth Edition, Revised., Vol. 2, pp. 127–128). London; Cambridge: Deighton Bell and Co.; George Bell and Sons.)
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I am holy; sanctified in some measure by thy grace, and sincerely devoted to thy service. This David speaks, not in a way of vain ostentation, but partly as a powerful argument to move God to hear his prayers, because he was one of that sort of men to whom God had engaged himself by his promise and covenant; and partly by way of just and necessary vindication of himself from the censures of his enemies, who represented him to the world as a gross dissembler, and secretly a very wicked man; concerning which he here makes a solemn appeal to God, desiring audience and help from God upon no other terms than upon this supposition, that he was a holy man; which, by the way, savoureth of no more arrogancy than when he elsewhere professeth his great love to and longing after God, his sincere obedience to all God’s commands, and his hatred of every false way, and the like. My God, by thy covenant and my own choice. That trusteth in thee; whereby thou seemest obliged in honour and by promise to help me. (Poole, M. (1853). Annotations upon the Holy Bible (Vol. 2, p. 136). New York: Robert Carter and Brothers.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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The flood waters recede.
INSIGHT
Because the physical world reflects spiritual truth, the resurrection is pictured throughout nature. Man falls asleep at night but awakens in the morning. The earth “dies” each fall, sleeps throughout the winter, but awakens in the spring.
The earth died with the Great Flood, but Noah and his family emerged from the ark to enter a resurrected earth. Death is a fact of nature, but God abundantly pictures to us His promise: He will give us new life after death (John 3:16).
Noah’s response and ours? Worship. (Quiet Walk)
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THE COMFORTER
It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. John 16:7
The very office to which the Holy Spirit was appointed is personal. He is described as the Comforter (“another Comforter,” says our Lord in John 14:16), and a comforter is one who stands by our side and helps us. The same word is sometimes translated advocate. So our Lord was saying in effect, “As I have been with you during these three years, as I have taught you and guided you, and as I have sent you out on your missions, I will not leave you comfortless. I am going to send you another Comforter. You must not be troubled; you are not going to be left as orphans.” The Holy Spirit is one who takes the place of our Lord. He is within us to lead us and guide us, and that is why our Lord was even able to say, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you” (John 16:7). Obviously this is a personal office.
Another big proof of the personality of the Holy Spirit is that, according to the teaching of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is susceptible to personal treatment. In other words, we are told that we can do certain things to the Spirit and that He reacts as only a person can react.
First, we are told that the Holy Spirit can be lied to. In the terrible case of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, notice what Peter said: “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”(verse 3). Ananias and Sapphira had declared that they had given everything, but Peter charged them with having lied to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not an influence therefore, not some vague power, but clearly a person. Second, we are told that we can blaspheme against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32). Third, we see that He can be insulted (Hebrews 10:29). Finally, He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30).
A Thought to Ponder
The Holy Spirit is susceptible to personal treatment.
(From God the Holy Spirit, pp. 14-15, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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Raised Us Up Together
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6)
The Bible clearly identifies the resurrection of Christ as central to the Christian message, just as crucial as the atoning death of Christ. “If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). And just as surely as Christ is raised, we who have put our faith in Him shall be raised.
What kind of body will we have then? “We shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). In His resurrection body, He could appear and disappear (John 20:19), pass through closed doors (v. 26), be felt by others (Matthew 28:9; John 20:27), eat food (Luke 24:42, 43), and He eventually rose into heaven (Acts 1:9).
Paul, who has been dead nearly 2,000 years, asserted: “We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). How can a person long since dead, whose spirit has been in God’s presence, receive once again a body? This, of course, is a miracle, for the physical elements that once made up Paul’s earthly body have long ago changed their form, and even while he was alive were continually being replaced. No, God will not restore a prior body to the dead but will present them with a new “glorious” body, fit for the eternal environment and service of heaven. Paul could only write of it by analogy, comparing the difference between the old and the new bodies to the difference between a seed and a plant, to different kinds of living things, and to different kinds of celestial bodies. “So also is the resurrection of the dead.” It is sown in corruption, dishonor, weakness, as a natural body, but it is raised in incorruption, glory, and power, as a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:37-44). (JDM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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Daily Hope
Today’s Scripture
Job 1-5
Circumstances are not always what they appear to be. At times it is wise to look and investigate a bit deeper to determine the real cause of events! Good men do face adversity and times of struggle!
In the first 11 chapters of Genesis the person and work of Satan is not mentioned very often. Yet, in Job’s account the activities and schemes of Satan is seen often both in heaven and on earth. Why is Satan so prominent here?
Have there been times when you have asked about the fairness of the situation you are in? Why would God allow Job to be tested and put through such a difficult trial when Job was faithfully serving the Lord?
Friends are important to us, and we are influenced by their remarks and attitudes, especially in difficult circumstances. Do we know God’s ways and attributes enough to stand up to friends’ faulty teachings or beliefs?
Job’s quiet times with the Lord prepared him for the tragic times when Satan assaulted him. Make time to be in God’s presence before tumultuous times come and earthly possessions are swept away.
With an Expectant Hope,
Pastor Miller
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The benefit of wisdom is better than gold.
INSIGHT
Inherent within the human heart is a longing for peace, love, and joy. Among Christians and non-Christians alike, the desire is the same. Yet peace, love, and joy do not answer just any beck and call. They will come only by certain means; they are fruits on the tree of wisdom. Wisdom will bring length of days (v. 2), peace (v. 2), favor with God and man (v. 4), strength to your bones (v. 8), honor (v. 16), pleasantness (v. 17), paths of peace (v. 17), confidence in life (v. 26), and freedom from the snares of life (v. 26). Foolishness brings harm (v. 29), oppression (v. 31), and shame (v. 35). We all long for the benefits of wisdom. We must remember that she comes with a price: submission to the will of God and the truth of Scripture. (Quiet Walk)
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SPECIAL REVELATION
I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Exodus 33:23
We ask, Is there any hope for us? And the answer is to be found in the second type of revelation of which the Bible speaks, and that is what we call special revelation. And the special revelation that we find in the Bible has a very distinct and definite object, which is to reveal to us the character of God, the nature of God, and especially the character and nature of God as they are revealed in His saving grace.
Now the Bible makes a unique claim at this point: It claims that it and it alone gives us this special knowledge of God. The Bible claims for itself that it is the record of God’s special revelation of Himself and of all His gracious and saving purposes with respect to men and women. The great message of this book from beginning to end is God revealing Himself. It is not the great religious quest of mankind. No; it is the great eternal God drawing back the veil and giving an insight into and a knowledge of Himself and of His great and gracious purposes. That is the subject matter of the Bible.
God has been pleased to reveal Himself through what are called theophanies–manifestations of God, the various appearances of God. This happened to Moses: “And it shall come to pass, while my glory passes by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: and I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen” (Exodus 33:22-23). God said in effect, “You cannot see Me face to face, for no man can see Me in that sense and live. Nevertheless, I will reveal My glory to you.” Moses saw the glory of God; he saw the back parts of God passing by.
A Thought to Ponder: The Bible claims for itself that it is the record of God’s special revelation of Himself. (From God the Father, God the Son, pp. 15-16, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
“I Am” in the Pentateuch
“And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.” (Genesis 15:7)
There are seven “I am’s” in the book of Genesis. The first is a beautiful figure of speech (“I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward,” Genesis 15:1), but the others are all names and titles of God. The first of these is in our text above, identifying Jehovah Himself (the LORD) with the “I am.”
The next is Genesis 17:1: “I am the Almighty God.” The Hebrew here isEl Shaddai (“God the nourishing sustainer”), also found in 35:11. Next is in 26:24: “I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee.” Then, “I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac” (28:13). “I am the God of Bethel” (31:13). Beth-el means “the house of God.” Finally, God says: “I am God, the God of thy father” (46:3).
In Exodus, there are 21 places where God says “I am.” Most of these are merely variations of the different names of God as noted above in the “I am’s” of Genesis, but six do give new insight. The first, of course, is the great assertion of Exodus 3:14 where God identifies Himself as “I Am That I Am.” The others: “I am the LORD in the midst of the earth” (8:22); “I am the LORD that healeth thee” (15:26); “I the LORD thy God am a jealous God” (20:5); “For I am gracious” (22:27); “I am the LORD that doth sanctify you” (31:13).
In the remaining books of the Pentateuch, the phrase “I am the LORD your God” occurs very frequently, but there are two important new “I am’s.” “I am holy” occurs six times (e.g., Leviticus 11:45), and “I am thy part and thine inheritance” is recorded in Numbers 18:20. The great theme of all these claims and names of God is that the mighty God of time and space is also a caring, personal God. We can trust Him, and He cares for us. (HMM, Institute for Creation Research)
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Parcheesi Cheater
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. PROVERBS 12:18
Stu Weber, who pastors a church in Portland, Oregon, and is the author of such best-selling books as Tender Warrior: God’s Intention for a Man, remembers an evening he spent many years ago as a seven-year-old boy playing Parcheesi with his grandparents. (Now there’s a game you don’t hear much about anymore.)
Well, the last thing Stu wanted to do that night was lose to his grandma. So, sensing the tide swinging in her direction, he scanned the board, looking for options, and found only one that offered him much hope of winning. Cheating.
Not everyone, however, has the poker face to pull this off. Stu didn’t. And not everyone has parents or grandparents who are courageous enough to take character seriously—enough to hand it down at every opportunity. Stu did. Stu still remembers his grandfather—seeing what was going on—peering over his glasses at his grandson and saying, “You’re a Weber, boy; and Weber boys
don’t lie, cheat or steal.” This grandfather was a wise man; not only was he calling his grandson to obey the Scriptures, but he also wanted Stu to realize he was part of a family of character.
There would be times later in life—as a Green Beret in the military, as a father, as a pastor—when Stu would be faced again with the chance to cheat his way out of a bad situation. But he would always hear these words in the back of his head: “You’re a Weber, boy; and Weber boys don’t lie, cheat or steal.”
A family legacy is powerful. Your children (or grandchildren) need to hear those kinds of memorable words from you. (Moments with You Couples Devotional by Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
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