Like King, Like People

Today’s reading is Psalm 37.

Do you remember how last week we recognized that Psalm 36 carried us back to Psalm 1? Psalm 1 contrasted two people, two ways, and two destinations. Psalm 36 contrasted two counsellors or guides: Transgression and Yahweh.

At this point in our study of the Psalms, will it surprise you to discover Psalm 37 carries us back to Psalm 2? In Psalm 2, David, the King, the Lord’s anointed is promised victory. Other kings and nations scoff at David and Yahweh. But Yahweh laughs in the heavens at their fruitless and powerless plots to escape the plans of Yahweh. They have but one choice. Give allegiance to the Lord’s anointed or perish in judgment.

Psalm 37:12-13 makes the connection most clearly:

The wicked plots against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that his day is coming.

In other words, this wisdom poem proclaims to the reader, “Do you remember how God was going to bless your King? Guess what! He’s doing the same for you. Like King, Like People.”

Today, spend some time thinking about your King. How did God treat Him? What was God’s plan for Him? How did God ultimately bless and give Him victory? Then meditate on what that means for you and me, His people.

Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 37.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier sparked by this post.

A New Approach

Starting today, we will take a new approach to this section that has historically been devoted to “A Word for Our Kids.” Rather than providing a second message of devotion, trying to focus more on children, we want to help you as parents lead a spiritual discussion with your children, helping you develop your skills of spiritual conversation with your family. We pray this is a blessing for your family.

Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family

1. What are your initial reactions to the psalm and the written devo above?
2. Do you think it is important for us to repeatedly notice all the connections between the various psalms? Especially the connections back to the first two psalms? Why or why not?
3. Who is our King and how was He treated? What does that suggest about what we will likely face in life?
4. How did God vindicate our King? What does this suggest about how and when God will ultimately vindicate us?
5. What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this psalm and our discussion today?