Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 72 is the last psalm in Book 2.  It could either have been written by or of King Solomon and is considered a Royal Psalm.  This is a prayer that kings in the line of David may rule with justice and righteousness, be a blessing to all nations, and defend the poor, needy, and oppressed.  References to "dominion from sea to sea, and ... to the ends of the earth" (v. 8) or "his name enduring forever" (v. 17) ultimately point to the reign of Christ.  This psalm and Book 2 closes with a doxology that the earth will be filled with God's glory! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-17 What are some characteristics of a reign that reflects God's righteousness and justice? Since leaders can be instruments of God's blessing, like "showers that water the earth ... where the righteous flourish" (vv. 6-7), what can I learn from this passage about godly leadership?  Verses 18-19 This ...

  In Psalm 71, the psalmist recounts God's faithfulness from his birth, through his youth, and now to old age.  He trusts God as his refuge and praises God, even when facing wicked enemies.  He has assurance that God, in his righteousness, has already delivered and rescued him from many troubles and calamities and will do so again. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 These verses are similar to Psalm 31:1-3, but one difference is when the psalmist here in Psalm 71:3 says that God is "a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come."  What does it indicate that God is my rock of refuge, to which I can CONTINUALLY come?   Verses 5-8 In what ways has God been at work in my life since my birth and through my youth? Verses 9-13 Our Enemy looks for an opportunity to attack when our "strength is spent."  What do these verses show me about turning to God when vulnerable? Verses 14-18 Bec...

  Psalm 70 essentially repeats the verses in Psalm 40:13-17.  There is this sense of urgency through the repeated pleas for God to "make haste" and "not delay."  Also seen in this psalm is the familiar contrast between the wicked versus those who seek God, as consistent with the theme in wisdom literature. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1: Though we know that God answers prayers in His perfect timing, what does David's repetition of his plea for God to "make haste" and "not delay" show us about prayer? Verses 2-3: David's enemies seek his life and delight in his hurt and misfortune as demonstrated through their mocking, "Aha, Aha!" James Montgomery Boice says “ The kindest thing we can pray for people who do wrong is that their plans will fail, for it may be that in their frustration they will see the folly and true end of evil and be reached for God .” Take...