Today's Reading:

Psalm 65
Psalm 66
Psalm 67
Psalm 69
Psalm 70

Psalm 69 was a personal lament of David and full of raw emotion. It is quoted several times in The New Testament. The reason that the New Testament so often echoes the Old Testament and quotes Scripture is that the Jewish culture during Jesus’ time was very familiar with the Scriptures. The book of Matthew was predominantly written for a Jewish audience. The Old Testament was the Scripture they knew and lived by. The Bible as we know it today had not yet been compiled or translated. Not only were the stories passed down from generation to generation, but they were also taught and memorized. Here are some key connections between Psalm 69 in the Old Testament and the New Testament:

• Psalm 69:4 (John 15:25) Jesus quoted, “Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs on my head.”
• Psalm 69:9a (John 2:17) The disciples remember this after Jesus cleansed the temple (when He turned over the tables), “Zeal for your house consumes me.”
• Psalm 69:9b (Romans 15:3) Paul applied this to Christ’s selflessness and how He took harsh words, “The insults of those who insult you fall on me.”
• Psalm 69:21 (John 19:28-29; Mark 15:36; Luke 23:36) When the soldiers offered Jesus sour wine on the cross, Jesus said, “I thirst,” to fulfill scripture.
• Psalm 69:22-23 (Romans 11:9-10) Paul quoted this regarding Israel’s stumbling and hardening: “May their table become a snare…let their eyes be darkened.”
• Psalm 69:25 (Acts 1:20) Peter applied it to Judas’s betrayal and replacement: “May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.”

Scripture memorization is very difficult, at least for me it is! What is important is being constantly in the Word. The more you read and study, you will start to recognize patterns and phrases. You may not be able to spout off where a verse is in the Bible, but discerning Scripture between the Old Testament and the New Testament will get easier over time. Keep plugging away.

I love seeing the connections God weaves throughout time. What resonates with one writer can span thousands of years to the next. Just like us today, each time through the Bible we will find a different passage that appeals to our heart, always learning something new about God, His people, and ourselves. What have you learned about yourself on the journey this year?

 

Today’s reading brings together Psalms 65, 66, 67, 69, and 70, all from Book 2 of the Psalms. They were grouped together in our chronological reading because they contrast the time of praise with the cries for help, which gives a full range of our honest prayer life. How often do we, like the psalmists, go through our own ups and downs?

Psalm 65
This was a thanksgiving psalm of praises during a feast or harvest time. Thanking God for the abundant provisions that His creations bring the bounty. “Blessed are those You choose and bring near to dwell with you,” verse 4. When we are overwhelmed by sins, God forgives. We need God’s rescue and atonement (through Jesus). God accepted the atonement sacrifices, therefore He forgave us. God continues to uphold order in creation. He chose Israel, yet sin cannot block God’s mercy. Before Jesus, God forgave trespasses. All the earth rejoiced. Gods care for the earth produce abundance that benefits everyone.

Psalm 66
This was a happy and joyful psalm. God triumphs over enemies, and His works are awesome, like the deliverance of Israel. His power is so great that the enemies cringe before him. He tests people like silver but does not abandon them. All of the earth should praise and tell others what He has done, not just Israel.

Psalm 67
This was a prayer that God’s blessing be noticed by all the people on earth. It is similar to Psalm 66. This psalm is often referred to as a “missionary” or “benediction” for the conclusion of worship. May we and all nations praise Him for ruling with justice and kindness. God is all good and desires good things for His people. Their harvest is a blessing, but also shows a sign that God gives blessings to Israel in order to make the whole world fear (in awe of) Him.

Psalm 69
David is full of raw emotion and in a state of deep depression. He felt like he was drowning in his troubles. His enemies hated him for no reason, and he was forced to repay what he did not steal. His family, friends, and even the community (drunkards) all mock him. He pleaded with God for answers and to be rescued. Even at rock bottom, David felt a dark loneliness where no one would help; instead, they offered him gall and vinegar. Gall was a bitter, poisonous herb, like hemlock. How cruel of his enemies to give him the bitter nourishment instead of comfort. David asked God to curse his enemies and for God to judge them with snares, blindness, desertion, and even to blot them from the Book of Life. This was not about personal revenge for David, but justice. David, in the midst of it all, turned to praise God. He would save Jerusalem and rebuild Judah, and then His faithful would inherit the land. All of heaven, earth, and the seas will be called to praise the Lord.

Psalm 70
This was a brief lament when David needed quick help from the Lord. He wanted deliverance from those who were trying to take his life. May those who mock (saying “Aha! Aha!”) be shamed and turned back from harming him. But for those who seek the Lord, may they rejoice and say, “God is great!” David knows that God is the help and the deliverer. He wanted those who seek

Today's Discussion question: 

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