Psalm 112

Reading for August 21, 2012      Psalm 112

Psalm 112 is very similar to Psalm 111. They both contain twenty-two lines, and each line begins with the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, in succession. Both psalms are focused on the Godly virtue of wisdom in the lives of God’s children. Psalm 111 teaches us the “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom” (v. 10a). In my discussion of Psalm 111, I noted reverence may be a more helpful word than fear. As we now look at Psalm 112, we need to expand our understanding of reverence. I believe reverent obedience to God’s will expresses the meaning and intent of the phrase, “fear of the Lord.”

In the New Testament Epistles, the words obey and obedience are used over seventy-five times. The Book of James teaches that faith without good deeds is dead, and the teaching is centered on being doers of God’s Word (reverent obedience) and not hearers only (James 1&2). Jesus models for us reverent obedience to God’s will as He fulfilled all the virtues in Psalm 112.  The attributes modeled by Jesus seem quite daunting: generous, compassionate, and righteous; confidently trusting the Lord to care for us; confident and fearless; facing ours foes triumphantly; and sharing freely and giving generously to those in need.

When we are tempted to compromise our reverent obedience to God’s will, we can remember that as His followers we are “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2 NASB). With our eyes on Jesus, and trusting in His grace, we “can do everything through Christ, who gives (us) strength” (Philippians 4:13).

   

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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Reading for August 22, 2012      Psalm 113