June 13 A READ PSALMS 67–72
Your Burden Bearer
OVERVIEW
Book Two of Psalms concludes with six proclamations showing that God is worthy of praise and trust. The nations are called to acknowledge God’s righteous rule (Psalm 67), and God’s people witness his victory and power (68). He hears the cry of the distressed (69), speedily delivers the oppressed (70), strengthens the feeble (71), and exercises dominion over kings and kingdoms (72). Truly “all kings will bow before him, and all nations will serve him” (72:11).
MY DAILY WALK
It has been well said, “Our days are identical suitcases—all the same size—but some people can pack more into them than others.” In the midst of your busy schedule, never lose sight of the fact that God is busy, too—on your behalf. After you read Psalm 68 today, see if you can discover and jot down at least five things God has promised to do for you today and every day.
In our computerized world where people are often reduced to faceless records, it’s encouraging to know there is someone to whom you’ll never be just a number. There’s someone who enters into your joys and sorrows, exchanging your heavy burdens for his light ones (Matthew 11:28-30).
Five times in Psalm 68 strength is mentioned—strength God longs to demonstrate on behalf of his people. Have you drawn upon that strength today, enabling you to do in his strength what you would be powerless to do in your own? After all, “the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people” (68:35).
WE HAVE NO POWER FROM GOD UNLESS WE LIVE IN THE PERSUASION THAT WE HAVE NONE OF OUR OWN.
INSIGHT
Victories Past, Present, and Future | Ps. 68:18
In Psalm 68, David celebrates the victories of his current kingdom, but he uses terms and symbols from a victory celebration long ago (the song of Deborah, Judges 5:1-31) and points to a greater victory to come (Psalm 68:18 is quoted in Ephesians 4:8). The theme is always the same: God is the warrior who wins the battle for his people.
INSIGHT
Messianic Message | Ps. 72:1-20
Psalm 72 is a prayer that was possibly read at Solomon’s coronation. It paints an ideal picture of God’s righteous king. It is no surprise that later Jewish and Christian interpreters began to see that this psalm pointed to the Messiah.
For the choir director: A song. A psalm, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.
1May God be merciful and bless us.
May his face smile with favor on us.
Interlude
2May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.
3May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
4Let the whole world sing for joy,
because you govern the nations with justice
and guide the people of the whole world.
Interlude
5May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
6Then the earth will yield its harvests,
and God, our God, will richly bless us.
7Yes, God will bless us,
and people all over the world will fear him.