by William Hill | Feb 26, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 26, 2025
Reading: Genesis 41 | John 13 | Psalm 41
Genesis 41
Genesis 41 is a key chapter in the Genesis narrative because it is the chapter in which Joseph’s God-given gifts are acknowledged and used by the LORD to preserve a people from destruction. This chapter picks up the story of the two officials of Pharaoh’s court – one was restored to his position, and the other executed.
As the chapter opens, note how his friend forgot Joseph. We read, “after two whole years” (41:1). So often, we are made to wait for the promises of God to come to pass in our lives. Two years is not long, but it must have seemed much longer given the circumstances of being jailed for a crime he did not commit. The chapter highlights the two dreams of Pharaoh, the inability of others to explain his dreams and the chief cupbearer’s remembrance of Joseph in prison. Joseph is called into the presence of the king of Egypt. Pharaoh recounts the dreams, and Joseph interprets them, describing what will happen over the next fourteen years. The first seven would be a time of great prosperity followed by seven years of tremendous hardship highlighted by a famine covering the region of Egypt and beyond. Pharaoh was impressed with Joseph’s wisdom and promoted him to be second in command over all of Egypt.
A few applications are worth noting. First, throughout the entire event, Joseph gives credit to the LORD. Note 41:16, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Again, note 41:28, “It is as I told Pharaoh; God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do.” The Lord has called each Christian to serve his people. Each of us has been given gifts to be used within the community’s life. We can take no credit. Those gifts are from the Lord and need to be used for his glory and the good of his people.
Second, the events that happen to Joseph echo the wise words of Solomon many centuries later, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great” (Prov. 18:16). God prepared Joseph for this day – a day that would eventually serve to bless and preserve the people of God for their good.
Third, the life of Joseph is a picture of hardship and suffering and points us to Christ, who suffered for the sake of his people. Though unjustly treated by his brothers (Christ came to his own, and his own did not receive him); unjustly accused of sin (Christ knew no sin, but was unjustly accused of blasphemy); though scorned by men (Jesus was mocked and ridiculed), Joseph was exalted (God highly exalted Jesus and gave him the Name that is above every name) and used to save a people (his name is Jesus for he will save his people from their sins).
Fourth, Joseph serves as an example of great humility. Though he was gifted of the Lord, full of the Spirit of God (41:38), he did not promote himself. “Let another man praise you and not your own mouth” (Prov. 27:2). Too often, men clamor for a position in the church. They are full of boasting and self-promotion. They run ahead where they are not sent. They clamor to preach and teach in the church, but no one has sent them or called them. They are full of themselves and lose sight of the example given to us by Joseph in this passage. He did not promote himself. Instead, he faithfully served the God of heaven, who promoted him to the place of honor. The church needs more men like Joseph.
Questions and Applications:
- In what way has God gifted you? Are you using those gifts for the sake of the church and its people?
- Discuss the reality of suffering in this life and consider how God uses it to train and teach his people about his Son.
- Do you desire to serve the church as a pastor, elder, or deacon? Self-promotion is unnecessary. If the Lord has given you those gifts, they will make room for you. Wait on him!
John 13
John 13 contains three sections. The first section (13:1-20) highlights the need for God’s people to serve one another. That is underscored by the example Jesus demonstrated before his disciples. In that event, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples (13:15). Some have taken this passage to mean that Jesus was instituting a sacrament of “feet washing,” and some within Christendom have understood it that way. That isn’t the point. The point is that God’s people must learn to be humble servants. If the Savior washed the feet of the disciples, so must we by the way we live our lives before others. Jesus came to serve, not be served. We are to be mindful of the interests of others and not only our own.
The second section (13:21-30) is a prophetical utterance regarding the actions of Judas, the betrayer. That action was fueled by the efforts of the Evil One to destroy Christ. Compare this section with that of 13:36-38.
The third section (13:31-35) highlights the quintessential characteristic of the Christian life: love. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.” Love should frame our every word and every action. The apostle Paul said that the greatest Christian virtue is love (1 Cor. 13:13). He describes biblical love in that chapter. We are to love others; Christ loved and gave himself for us. A Christian who does not love cannot rightly say he is a Christian.
Questions and Applications:
- In what ways are you serving others? Do you do it to be noticed by men or serve the Lord even if no one acknowledges it?
- Each of us is capable of betraying the Lord. We do so when we sin against him and walk contrary to what he has commanded. What areas in your life betray the Savior? The account of Peter’s denial demonstrates the Savior’s willingness to forgive.
- Do you love as Paul described it in 1 Cor. 13? We love others because they are made in the image of God. We love the brethren because they are remade after the image of Christ. It is not a natural act. Our sinful flesh wars against it and runs from it. Pray that the Lord will teach you how to love as Christ loves.
Psalm 41
Psalm 41 is a lament. It is a prayer in which a man fulfills his responsibilities to the poor but endures the suffering of some health condition. The Psalm has five stanzas.
41:1-3
The first section of the Psalm describes the blessing that comes to those who consider the poor. There are many opportunities to exercise care for the poor of our world. We should be mindful of them and seek ways to help. The Lord is especially gracious to those who do.
41:4-7; 8-12
This section describes the lament that comes from one suffering from sickness or illness.
41:13
The final section of the Psalm appears to show God’s relief for the one in distress.
by William Hill | Feb 25, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 25, 2025
Reading: Genesis 40 | John 12 | Psalm 40
Genesis 40
Genesis 40 picks up the story that started in Ch. 39. In the previous chapter, Joseph was falsely accused of impropriety by Potiphar’s wife. That accusation landed him in prison. The irony, of course, is that Potiphar once trusted Joseph as his employer, but now, he is his jailor. This chapter sets the stage for Joseph’s appearance before Pharaoh by highlighting one of God’s principal gifts. The LORD would use that gift to rescue a people from famine.
The gift, of course, is the ability to interpret dreams. We were first introduced to that ability in Ch. 37. In this chapter, Joseph interprets the dreams of two men who were part of the inner circle of the king of Egypt. The first man was the chief cupbearer, relieved to be told that his dream meant that he would be restored to his place in Pharaoh’s court. The second man, the chief baker, was discouraged to learn that his dream foretold his death.
When the chief cupbearer learned the good news, Joseph asked him to “remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house (40:14). But, as we shall see in the next chapter, Joseph was forgotten.
John 12
John 12 has two critical sections. The first is the account of the anointing of Jesus by Mary (12:1-11). It is an account of preparation for what will soon occur in Christ’s life. The second section (12:20-50) highlights the rejection of Christ by the Jews. The opening verses of this section describe the brief discourse Jesus tells regarding his impending death and his expectations for those who will follow him. Note what Jesus says, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. Of course, there is a cost to follow Christ. For some, it means martyrdom (which is what happens to most of the apostles). However, following Christ is more than a mere profession. It includes obedience to him.
Jesus describes in great detail his desire to obey the will of his Father. As a result of his words, the Jews seek to kill the Savior, filled with unbelief. The response of rejection is contrasted with events that occurred earlier in the chapter (12:12-19). The hardness of man’s heart is on full display as they purpose to reject and kill the light of the world.
Psalm 40
Psalm 40 is a Psalm of thanksgiving reflecting on God’s kindness to the Psalmist for past deliverances (40:1-10). It is also a plea for help regarding a new issue or concern (40:11-17).
40:1-10
Whatever the circumstances were, David was thankful for God’s kindness in hearing his prayers and relieving him of the struggle. This section highlights David’s response to God’s kindness.
- He reflects on the Lord’s willingness to hear his prayers (40:1). We sometimes take that for granted.
- He reflects on the way God delivered him. David uses word pictures, but the point is the same. We should reflect often on the many ways God has preserved our lives. (40:2)
- He praises God with song, leading others to praise God. Praise is infectious. (40:3)
- He reflects on the confidence one can have when trusting the Lord. (40:4). Other support will fail, but the Lord will never abandon his children.
- He proclaims the deliverance he has received to others (40:5)
40:11-17
The first section sets the stage for this one, where David sets a new problem and concern before the Lord, but he is confident that he will be heard and delivered from the efforts of evil people.
by William Hill | Feb 24, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 24, 2025
Reading: Genesis 39 | John 11 | Psalm 39
Genesis 39
Genesis 39 resumes the story of Joseph, picking up where it left off at the end of Ch. 37. Joseph is now in Egypt and working for Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. There are two things to take note of in this chapter. First, God is with Joseph. Despite the hardship that has come to him, God’s presence is near him. Four times in this chapter, reference is made to that fact. There is a link between God’s presence with Joseph and his commitment to God. We draw comfort from that truth as those seeking to serve the Lord with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. As we do, we are assured of God’s presence. Though the promise of God’s presence with us is not dependent on our behavior, it does encourage us to follow the Lord with our whole being.
The second item is contained within the narrative, describing Joseph’s difficulty with his boss’s wife. There, we note that Joseph was a man of integrity. Instead of giving in to the temptation of Potiphar’s wife, he refuses and says, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” As a result of the magnitude of the temptation, Joseph flees the house, is wrongly accused, and is thrown into prison. It is rare to find people of integrity inside or outside the church. Lacking today are people who will do what is right regardless of the circumstances or consequences. It is a behavior we would expect in the lives of the unbeliever. It is not something that should characterize the Christian. Note, also, how Joseph deals with the temptation. He does not flirt with it, but he runs from it. If men today would only heed the example set here, many lives ruined would have been spared.
Questions and Applications:
- How do you reconcile that God was with Joseph, yet difficult things seem to come to him often?
- Are you a person of integrity? Read Ps. 15.
- What lesson is taught by Joseph’s response to temptation?
John 11
John 11 contains another one of the “I am” statements of Jesus, this time focusing on him being the resurrection and the life. The narrative is well-known to most students of the Bible. The events are not difficult to understand. Lazarus, a dear friend of the Savior and brother to Mary and Martha, is dead. Jesus gets word of his passing and determines to go to Bethany, where they have laid the body of Lazarus. Upon arriving, Jesus finds great mourning and grief. Shortly after that, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
What central lesson do we learn from this miraculous work of the Lord? First, we learn that death is grievous for all mankind, but the sting of it does not exist for those who love the Savior. Die we will, but as God’s people, we know that death cannot hold us because Jesus has power over death, conquered it, and freed us from its control. We will die (if the Lord does not return before that day). Our bodies will be lowered into a grave, but they will remain united to Christ until the resurrection. When our loved ones die in the Lord, we grieve, but we grieve with great hope of he who said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Questions and Applications:
- Are you prepared to die? Do you know the One who said, “I am the resurrection and the life?”
- When our loved ones die in the Lord, why do we grieve and hope at the same time?
Psalm 39
The previous Psalm highlighted suffering as a result of one’s sin. This Psalm highlights suffering due to other means, though the circumstances are vague. There is a brief acknowledgment of sin (39:8, 11), but that doesn’t appear to be the source of the suffering. There are four stanzas.
39:1-3
This section highlights the determination of the Psalmist to keep his mouth closed, especially around those who seek his ruin. Though he was silent, the matter appeared to get worse. Another possible interpretation of this section is the self-will expressed in controlling one’s tongue. Sometimes, it is better to say nothing and be accused by others. Silence cannot be misquoted.
39:4-6
This section highlights the brevity of life. We are here today and gone tomorrow. Life is brief, and we must learn to use our days for the benefit of God’s kingdom and righteousness. Time is a gift from God. We must use it wisely and labor while it is still day because the night is coming when no man will work. We will give an account to God for our use of time.
39:7-11
This section highlights two items. The first is David’s desire for patience as he learns to wait on the Lord for deliverance. We are often taught patience during times of struggle and trial. God doesn’t always immediately remove the problem from us, though he could do that if it pleased him. Usually, he works to teach us to be patient during a struggle. Second, we learn to walk humbly with God. That is the point of the apparent discipline the Psalmist receives.
39:12-13
This section is a plea for blessing and a desire to be heard. The Psalmist wants the God of heaven to listen to his pleas for help. We can be comforted that he does hear us and walks according to his good pleasure and our good.
by William Hill | Feb 21, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 21, 2025
Reading: Genesis 38 | John 10 | Psalm 38
Genesis 38
Genesis 38 is a chapter that has confused many Bible students. However, it is an important chapter because it highlights a major theme of the book. One commentator summarizes this chapter in this way: “The unsavory account of Judah’s relationship with Tamar, which interrupts the ongoing story of Joseph’s time in Egypt, fulfills an important role in Genesis, for it focuses on the continuation of Judah’s family line and concludes with a birth account in which a firstborn twin is pushed aside by his younger brother. In light of the preceding episodes, these features highlight the potential importance of Judah’s line through Perez. Later, in Ch. 49, kingship will be associated with Judah’s descendants, and biblical history reveals that from Perez comes the Davidic dynasty. Although this chapter shows Judah at his worst, it also accounts for a remarkable transformation in his life, which comes through in the remaining episodes of the Joseph story.”
John 10
Perhaps one of the more important discourses in the Gospel of John is found in this chapter. Known as the Good Shepherd discourse, Jesus teaches about the sheep of his pasture. He tells the people that his sheep hear his voice and follow him. That refers to the obedient nature of the elect of God, who Christ came to redeem. God’s people are eager to follow the Shepherd. As the door to the sheepfold, Jesus teaches that he is the only way to enter the pasture that leads to eternal life. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus teaches that he will tend and care for his people, leading them safely to their eternal rest.
Questions and Applications:
- What Old Testament passage(s) talks about shepherds and sheep?
- Why do God’s people need a shepherd?
- Why are God’s people called sheep?
Psalm 38
Psalm 38 is a “penitential psalm” that describes the sins of the psalmist and the efforts of evil people to use them to their advantage. Remember that not all troubles result from individual sins, but this psalm highlights the problem that comes from them. Therefore, the psalm contains repentance and lament due to the nature of the sin and the consequences.
Section 1: Psalm 38:1-11
This section highlights the sin and the results that come from it. The psalmist pleads for relief as he bemoans the discipline of the Lord. In vivid language, the Psalmist describes the effects of God’s hand on him. That is instructive for us. Sin is no light matter; we should lament it when we find it. Sadly, too many people write sin off as a mere mistake instead of an attack against a holy God.
Section 2: Psalm 38:12-22
This section highlights the efforts of evil people resulting from the psalmist’s sins. Sometimes, sin brings awful consequences, but the Lord governs those consequences and uses them to bring us to repentance.
by William Hill | Feb 20, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 20, 2025
Reading: Genesis 37 | John 9 | Psalm 37
Genesis 37
Genesis 37 begins the narrative section that deals primarily with the life of Joseph, and it will continue until the end of the book. This chapter is foundational to a correct understanding of Joseph’s role as a type of redeemer for the people of God. Joseph is the favored son of Jacob because “he was the son of his old age (37:3). That alone caused division within the household of Jacob, but it became worse through two incidents highlighted by 37:1-11. First, Jacob signaled his favor for Joseph by giving him a “coat of many colors” (37:3). Second, Joseph was gifted as one who can interpret dreams, and in this section, dreams that pointed out that his father and brothers would bow down before him and serve him (37:5-11). As a result, his brothers were jealous of him and sought to destroy him.
The second major section of the chapter begins in 37:12. Joseph was told to see his brothers as they labored in the field. Upon arriving, they captured him, threw him into a pit, and sought to kill him. His death was spared by his older brother, Reuben. Instead, they sold him to a band of Midianite traders traveling to Egypt.
These events, as are all events, are covered under the guiding hand of a sovereign God specifically for the good of his people. Many things that are difficult or impossible to explain will happen to us in our lives, but we have confidence that God is working for our good. We trust him, not our circumstances. These events also highlight the suffering that will come to the Redeemer of God’s elect, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through suffering and humiliation comes exaltation.
Questions and Applications:
- Discuss the wisdom of Jacob as he sets apart Joseph as the favored son. Discuss the wisdom of Joseph in retelling his dreams to his father and brother. Do you agree or disagree with those actions? Why?
- Why does Reuben seek to spare the life of his brother?
- How does Joseph give us a picture of the coming Savior?
John 9
John 9 has one central theme: the opening of the eyes of the blind. As Jesus moved from place to place, he found a man who had been blind since birth. Some thought it resulted from some sin that he had done or that his parents had committed. Yet, Jesus clarifies that the reason for his infirmity was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. The Jews held to a tradition that physical infirmity was a result of some sin, yet Jesus makes it clear that this man was in this place at this time to communicate a greater lesson and truth about himself. Blindness was considered to be a malady that God could only cure. When Jesus opens this man’s eyes, he publicly communicates his deity to the watching people – especially the religious leaders. As a result, they seek to discredit Christ and shame the man. However, the man is changed forever, both spiritually and physically. As a result, the man worshiped the Savior, but the religious leaders, though seeing, could not see Christ or believe in his name.
Questions and Applications:
- How is blindness a type of spiritual darkness?
- In what ways are the religious leaders blind, though they can see?
Psalm 37
Psalm 37 is a lengthy Psalm written by King David. It covers various issues mainly relating to the prosperity of the wicked and counsel from the Lord to wait on his timing. We will briefly consider this Psalm in four sections.
Section 1: 37:1-11
One of the reasons this Psalm is comforting for God’s people is the counsel it offers to those who are opposed and attacked by evil people. David does not explain the nature of the opposition; therefore, we can apply it to several things. The first advice is to not fret about what evil people do. Worry and anxiety are a great struggle for many people. It is usually enhanced when enemies attack. The attacks can be vicious. They leave lasting scars that are not likely to be healed in this life. Yet, we must never fret because they will “soon fade like the grass.” Their attacks are temporary, painful as they may be. David does not reveal the identity of those who attack him. They may be those from within his palace. They may be outside. Attacks from within the covenant community are usually the hardest to endure. The counsel is the same: Fret not because the God of heaven will bring forth our righteousness as the light and our justice as the noonday.
Further counsel is elaborated on in the remaining verses. We are to trust the Lord during times of opposition. These circumstances, as hard as they are to endure, are not without providential guidance at the hands of a loving heavenly Father. The problem for us is a lack of understanding and knowledge. We want to reasons. God doesn’t always provide them. We must trust him. Second, we must delight ourselves in him. That simple counsel helps us avoid worry as we learn to rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4-7). Third, we must commit our ways to him. We must rest in his divine purposes. Fourth, we must be still before the Lord. In times of anxiety, we can make matters worse by seeking to resolve the problem on our own. Fifth, we must avoid anger and bitterness, especially towards those making life miserable. That counsel is difficult for most people. If honest, we must admit that we sometimes want to take matters into our own hands; we want to exact a pound of flesh. Vengeance belongs to the Lord.
Section 2: 37:12-20
In this section, David details the efforts of evil people. He states their schemes and motives. He highlights their efforts to destroy using military language. He also details the response of the Lord as he defends his people. The response of God uses that same military language.
Section 3: 37:21-31
This section highlights the behavior that God expects from his children during times of opposition. As we learn to rest in God’s purposes, knowing that he will deal with the wicked, we are free to live joyful lives in pursuit of the glory of God. There are a few promises in this section that we should consider. First, the blessed shall inherit the land. The wicked will be cut off and plunged into eternal ruin. The godly will inherit the blessings of the Lord. Second, the Lord upholds his people, especially when evil people threaten and attack them. Third, the Lord will not forsake his people. He watches over them and never leaves them.
Section 4: 37:32-40
The hope conveyed in this Psalm continues and reaches a climax in verse 40. The wicked act, but the Lord will not abandon his children. The wicked exist but will not exist forever, for the Lord will bring them to nothing. The righteous have good reason to trust the Lord because he helps his children, showing pity because of their miserable existence in this world full of evil and evil people.
Questions and Applications:
- Opposition comes in various forms, but the counsel of the Lord is to trust him and not fret. Therefore, when burdened by these things, pray and pray often. Plead with the God of heaven to protect you from bitterness and anger. Pray for more of the Holy Spirit so you can trust him.
- When opposition comes, remember the various promises given in this Psalm. Memorize them. They will soothe your weary soul during times of sorrow and pain.
- What things are troubling you today? Do you face people who are not kind to you? Do you have people in the church who are rude, unkind, and unbecoming towards you? Pray for them. Pray for your heart. Do not allow bitterness to take over.
by William Hill | Feb 19, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 19, 2025
Reading: Genesis 36 | John 8 | Psalm 36
Genesis 36
Genesis 36 is a chapter on the descendants of Edom. Similar to 25:12-18, where information regarding the line of Ishmael is given before the lengthier narrative on the life of Jacob, the narrator chooses to provide a lengthy description of the line of Esau before moving to the more critical line of Jacob and the life of Joseph. Though this chapter may seem tedious to read, it is important for the following reasons. First, Esau is referred to the Edom four times in the chapter. That is important because Esau, being in the line of the serpent, is the head of a line of people who will be bitter enemies for the godly line, the people of God. Edom comes from a Hebrew word that means “red” (see 25:25 and 25:30). Second, the chapter forms a bridge between the narrative of Isaac and Jacob to Jacob and Joseph. In this chapter, the narrator concludes his concern with Isaac and begins to shift to the life of Jacob and, more importantly, Joseph.
What can we learn from this chapter, as tedious as it may be? We learn that God’s people will always have enemies, sometimes from our own family and family line. That should be no surprise because Jesus said that their father and mother would hate them on account of him. The godly line represented by Jacob and his descendants (see Ch. 46) is harassed and threatened by those of his own family, the serpent’s line. It also points us forward to the time when the people of God are threatened by those who hate Christ, especially in the eschaton. Persecution is part and parcel of living the Christian life.
Questions and Applications:
- Using a Bible concordance or online tool, trace the line of Esau (Edom) and look up the various times it threatened and troubled the godly line of Jacob,
- God’s people will be persecuted. Jesus tells us to consider it a blessing when that happens. That goes against our fleshly desire for a life of ease and comfort. In what ways have you been marginalized for the sake of Christ?
John 8
John 8 is an essential chapter that defends the person of Christ, especially his deity. However, there is some debate about the canonicity of 7:53-8:11 (the woman caught in adultery). Some take it as part of the canon and properly included here. Others take it as misplaced and part of the canon. Others still consider it a late insertion and not properly in the canon of inspired Scripture.
There are three major sections in the chapter. The first is the encounter with the woman caught in adultery (8:1-11). Jesus is presented with a challenge from the religious leaders that he answers. He never affirms the woman’s sin but tells her to go and sin no more.
The second section (8:12-30) is another Johannine discourse highlighting Jesus as the light of the world. The world is lost in darkness due to sin. Men love the darkness because their deeds are evil. Yet, Jesus, of whom there is no darkness at all, proclaims to be the light of the world. He is the light that comes to penetrate the darkness of the hard hearts of man. His people are also called the light of the world. As we point people to the true and perfect light, we highlight the Savior and their need for redemption. We spread the light by our words and actions—the true light flames our light.
The third major section of this chapter (8:31-59) highlights the encounter Jesus has with the religious leaders, which culminates in the charge of blasphemy. This section is a vitally important one in defense of the deity of Christ. Was he fully God and fully man? Was he a created being? This section answers those questions. Throughout church history, the deity of Christ has been under attack. We saw it in the early church with the movement of the Arians. Today, we witness their teaching in such cults as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The importance of the doctrine of the deity of Christ cannot be overstated. If Christ is not fully God and fully man (one person with two natures), he cannot be our Redeemer. The council of Nicea (A.D. 325) answered the claims of the Arians and proclaimed Christ to be God and man – begotten not made of one substance with the Father. In this section, Jesus answers the charge of those who would question his union with the Father as being of one substance with the Father by stating, “Before Abraham was I am (8:58). That expression reminds us of the exchange between Moses and Jehovah at the burning bush (Ex. 3). Jesus was stating that he was the voice (the Logos) of God speaking in the bush.
Further, Jesus states that he is the great “I am” of Ex. 3. That establishes that Jesus knew who he was, that he was God-man, truly God, and truly man. The doctrine of the hypostatic union is essential to the Christian faith. To reject it is to reject the Savior.
Questions and Applications:
- In what ways are you showing your light in a dark world?
- Consider the multiple references of Christ as fully God and fully man in the New Testament. Use a concordance or other resource.
Psalm 36
Psalm 36 is another of the Psalter’s prayers of lament. The main focus is on the efforts of the wicked. David is the author described as “the servant of the Lord.” His lament is rooted in the steadfast love of the Lord. There are three stanzas.
36:1-6
The problem is described in general terms in these verses. David describes their problem as one of the heart. The evil people that trouble him live with no fear of God before their eyes. They use their words to harm and devise wicked schemes to hurt and harm the righteous. That is the nature of evil people. Perhaps you have witnessed that kind of behavior in others. They spend much of their day plotting and scheming to overthrow the righteous. They do not rest day until they inflict their hatred and venom on others. David doesn’t allow that to deter him. He appeals to the Lord’s steadfast love, which is mightier than the most wicked thing his enemies can do.
36:7-9
This section describes the joy that comes from meditating on the love of God for his redeemed people. David describes this love as “steadfast.” It is constant, and it never changes, unlike this sin-wrecked world. Life’s circumstances do not affect God’s love for his people. Enemies may attack us. The world may oppose us. Dark providences may happen, but God’s love for his redeemed people will never change.
36:10-12
The final section of the Psalm is a prayer for God’s steadfast love to continue. It is a prayer for help from the efforts of the wicked. God may not end the opposition but will support and help his people. He will never be affected by those who try to harm his church.
Questions and Applications:
- Think about a time in your life when evil people were assaulting you. How did you feel? How did you respond?
- We all experience dark providences. Our heavenly Father is not affected by them, and his love will not change due to them. It abides forever.
