Reverential Trust (Fear of God)

Thou Maintainest My Lot

Ken

“The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot” (Psalm 16:5 KJV). To the OT Jew, each of the twelve tribes had been apportioned a “lot,” an area of Israel for their inheritance, except the Tribe of Levi, which was scattered throughout the cities of Israel. They were to maintain worship for Jehovah. To Levi, the LORD proclaimed, “I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel” (Numbers 18:20). Instead of land, Levi was to be supported with the tithes brought into the Tabernacle. “And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation” (18:21). The certainty of the LORD’s sustenance, a guaranteed income — “Thou maintainest my lot” — when compared to Levi, is what any child of God can expect from the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23). But, that income is by faith and only from God.

A Prayer of  David:

“LORD, You give me stability and prosperity; You make my future secure” (Psalm 16:5 NET). 

“It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land” (Psalm 16:6 NET).

“I will praise the LORD who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn” (Psalm 16:7 NET). 

“I constantly trust in the LORD; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8 NET). 

“So my heart rejoices and I am happy; My life is safe” (Psalm 16:9 NET). 

“You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit” (Psalm 16:10 NET). 

“You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in Your presence; You always give me sheer delight” (Psalm 16:11 NET). 

Mysteries of the LORD

Ken

God is not trying to exclude anyone from His company, but we block ourselves from receiving privileges from Him depending on how much we fear Him. “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will shew [shō] them His covenant” (Psalm 25:14 KJV). “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29), but He can also be a fearful master, if we do not give Him the respect He deserves. God is not like an object we purchase to be discarded, when we tire of Him. We are His creation, and we do well to find how best to approach Him. His covenant is simple. “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you” (Jeremiah 7:23). He gives us our own personal comforter (John 14:16), advocate (1John 2:1), teacher (John 14:26), guide (Isaiah 30:21), mentor (1John 2:27), coach (1Corinthians 12:1-11), body guard (Isaiah 52:12), reminder to walk humbly because the Spirit draws attention to Jesus not Himself (John 16:13), reminder of His love (2Corinthians 13:14), and insurance that we can obey His commands (Ezekiel 36:27), when we took our loyalty oath of water baptism to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Though we want to encourage all those around us to embrace the understanding He has given us, we are not to slow down or hold back in our seeking to understand more about our Master, even if our fellow disciples do not yet share all our appreciation of Him. Father, cause us to hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. Cause us to be drawn to a better understanding of who You are. Cause us to be drawn into greater love with You (16:02). Show us Jesus. In His precious name, we pray. Amen. 

Identity Crisis: Who Are You?

Ken

LORD, I am who You say I am (John 1:12). You are the Most High God (Genesis 14:18), the “High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity” (Isaiah 57:15 KJV), who has condescended to dwell with mankind (Revelation 21:3). You have created me in Your image (Genesis 1:27) that I may magnify You in choosing to walk with You in obedience (Genesis 17:1) and reverential trust (fear of the LORD: 2Chronicles 19:9). I am saved by Your grace through faith in You to walk in holiness (Ephesians 2:8-10). As a nation, we are blessed to be called by Your name to humbly pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways that You may turn (2Chronicles 7:14) and rain righteousness upon us (Hosea 10:12). As a Church, we are Your mirror to reflect Christ’s righteousness, love, and saving grace to the world (2Corinthians 3:18). A husband represents the headship of Christ to their wife (Ephesians 5:23). Parents represent Christ’s lordship to their children (Ephesians 6:1). Men ought to respect the biological uniqueness of women to bear the seed of humanity (1Timothy 2:15), as women need to respect the biological necessity of man providing the seed for the propagation of the human race (Genesis 2:18). LORD, may we understand who You are that we would know who we are. Magnify Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.