Continuing today in Psalm 119, verses 121-128, we see here that the Psalmist asks God for “discernment” (verse 125). Discernment enables us to “understand” and to know “what is right and just” (verses 121 and 128); to grasp the intent and ponder the meaning of the LORD’s “statutes” (verse 125); to comprehend how and when the “law is being broken” (verse 126); and to determine the difference between what is “right and wrong” (verse 128). Moreover, the Psalmist insists that biblical discernment is worth “more than pure gold” (verse 128), because it leads us to “the right path” – which is eternal life. In verse 126, the Psalmist beseeches the LORD to deal with lawbreakers – “It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken.” This plea reveals that God has built into man a deep-seated sense of justice. When God’s laws have been violated, we know instinctively by a natural, moral law from within ourselves that His character has been assailed, and we are especially outraged if that affront relates to us. Like the Psalmist, we grow impatient and want God to act. We need to remember – patiently – that "God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (cf., Ecclesiastes 12:14).
We cannot refer to Jeremiah’s book of Lamentations without drawing attention to its special literary style. In the original Hebrew, the chapters of Lamentations form acrostics, meaning that each verse (in chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5) corresponds with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Chapter 3 applies three verses to each letter. Moreover, the book is poetry, which contributes to the intense emotional content of the book. In Lamentations 2:7-3:39, we see graphically and almost empathetically Jeremiah’s grief over the destruction of Jerusalem and his people in exile. Conditions are desperate – Jeremiah says, “my eyes fail from weeping” (verse 11); “lives ebb away in their mothers’ arms” (verse 12); “The LORD has done … what He planned; He has fulfilled His word … without pity” (verse 17); and “no one escaped or survived” (verse 22). Yet, this book is not without hope. Notice – “Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail; they are new every morning – great is Your faithfulness” (verse 3:23). Ponder the meaning of that verse (i.e., 3:23).
The little book of Philemon is a beautiful letter from Paul to his “dear friend and brother, Philemon” (verse 1). Paul asks Philemon, on behalf of his runaway slave, Onesimus, to receive and welcome him back “as a brother” with love (verse 16). This letter describes a factual event that portrays a deeply symbolic representation of our own rebellion and redemption. Each of us has experienced a sinful, runaway condition from our Master. Christ has paid our debt and transferred it to His account, and He has now opened the way for the Father to receive and welcome us back into His household – no longer as slaves – but as sons and brothers – heirs in the family of God. What a beautiful, effective picture of mercy, love, and grace! Ponder the meaning of that, too!
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