Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

“I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power. Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing an ox or presenting a bull with its horns and hooves. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help live in joy. For the Lord hears the cries of his needy ones; he does not de- spise his people who are oppressed.” (29-33) We can hear the final pain and cry from the cross and the dawn of the resurrection’s song! The sac- rifice of Christ’s body and blood is completed and no more will animals be offered as a covering for sin. The humble throughout the ages will see God’s work at the cross and live in the joy of his victory know- ing that they can expect similar acts of deliverance when they are oppressed. 6. Salvation and Safety- “Praise him, O heaven and earth, the seas and all that move in them. For God will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there and take possession of the land. The de- scendants of those who obey him will inherit the land, and those who love him will live there in safety.” (34-36) The individual praise song of Christ at his resurrection now begins to fill the heavens, the earth and even the seas, a metaphor representing all of mankind. The suffering of the cross was meant to bring joy to all of creation! As a result of Christ’s passion, God has promised to save and rebuild his kingdom that was tarnished in the fall of humankind. Not only did the nation of Israel experience restoration but also God’s people of faith in all ages will take possession of their inheritance in Christ and live safely in his love.

1 Keil & Delitzsch 2 Spurgeon

PSALM 70: GOD IS GREAT! A Quick, Repeated Prayer

This is a concise, rapid prayer for deliverance written by King David that is a repeat of Psalm 40:13- 17 with slight variations. It shows us that it is not wrong to repeat our petitions before the Lord. Inserted in this cry for deliverance and judgment upon his enemies is the joy and shout of faith. It is thought that this later version and alteration from Psalm 40 was for celebrations in the temple worship. It is divided in two parts:

I THE SHAMEFUL - 1-3 II THE SEARCHERS - 4,5

INTRODUCTION:

“For the choir director: A psalm of David, to bring us to the Lord’s remembrance.”

The second half of the introduction is an addition to the Psalm 40 version meaning both ‘not to be forgotten’ and ‘not to forget.’ Scripture teaches us that God will never forget us so it is ‘we’ who must con- stantly be reminded of his care and love. The communion supper is the visible reminder of Christ: “Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” (1 Cor. 11:25) We must never forget that he gave his life for us and he lives to intercede on our behalf; his prayer for us is greater and more fervent than our prayer to him.

I THE SHAMEFUL - 1-3

“Please, God, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.” (1)

170