S) "45 So that they might keep His statutes
And observe His laws,
Praise the Lord"
Psalm 105:45 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 105
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 105
O) This is such a revealing way to close this psalm. In this song, there is a retelling of the history of Israel, from Abraham through the Exodus. It summarizes the covenant with Abraham, tells of Joseph being sold, and then Moses and Aaron performing miraculous plagues. Then it finishes by remembering the water, bread, and quail that God supplied for His people, as they waited for the Promised Land. Then it finishes with this verse. So, this psalm says over and over, "God's grace, God's grace, God's grace..." and then finishes with God's people observing His laws and keeping His statutes. This is so contrary to the achievement/performance/earning mentality that we often have as humans. God was good to us first, then He told us what to do. It's almost as if His lovingkindness drew them to repentance! (see Romans 2:4) It is also worth noting, that the wording of this last verse does provide a slightly different understanding. Certainly, it is still showing us that God operated (and continues to operate) in a grace-first method. But, in the wording of the verse, it can also imply, not obedience, but possession. That is, "keep His statutes," could mean, "have His statutes," and, "observe His laws" could mean, "know His laws." Some other translations seem to suggest this, notably the Orthodox Jewish Bible (although I'm certainly not a Hebrew scholar). Even still, the principle is that God's goodness is what brings people into relationship with Him, and then He shows them His standards for living a holy life. This was their banner to wave, to show the world the standard of the only true God. But, He asks for obedience after blessing people with goodness.
A) The most important thing from this, is that I don't get works and grace twisted. Sometimes, I can get trapped into thinking that my obedience brings about the blessings of God. Or, perhaps more accurately, I think that if I've sinned (especially successive or repetitive sin), that God will withdraw blessings from me because of my disobedience. Certainly, in the context of this Psalm (pursuant to a covenant), there are consequences for walking away from God. However, this is not the same thing as failing His righteous standard. In my confession of sin, and repentance from it, I receive God's forgiveness. That is the perpetual offer of mercy that I have in Jesus Christ. His grace, though, was at work upon me even before I ever confessed and repented. So, His grace is not dependent on my righteousness. Quite to the contrary, His grace is only dependent on His righteousness, and that will never fail.
P) Father, because I know You are a good Father, I invite Your discipline. Your goodness to me really does inspire me to works of righteousness. I desire to live a more holy life today, than I did yesterday. And, I desire to live a more holy life tomorrow, than I will today. I know that I am a work in progress, but I also know that You are the One working within me. My hope and faith is not in my own efforts, but in the Holy Spirit at work in my life, in grace today as You have always been. Thank You for the forgiveness I receive, and need everyday. As I seek to obey You better and better each day, I pray that You are glorified in my life. Help me to hold up Your standard, as You hold me up to it. Let other people see my life, and recognize Your fingerprint on me. Let them see Your goodness through me, that they might also keep Your statutes and know Your laws. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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