Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 87 is another psalm of the Sons of Korah.  It is about the glory of Zion, the city of God.  Zion's foundation is established by God and from it springs the fountain of life for those who are registered as born-again citizens of His Kingdom. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 Since Zion represents God's Kingdom presence, what glorious things can I say about the city of God? Verses 4-6 In these verses, peoples of pagan and Gentile nations that were historically enemies of Israel, like Rahab (or Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush, now know God and have their citizenship and birthright registered in His Kingdom.  What is my response when I am reminded, as Romans 5:10 says, that I was formerly an enemy of God but have now been reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ.  Verse 7 In what ways do we see demonstrated in our lives that our true blessings and joy spring from our citizensh...

  Psalm 86 is the only psalm of David in Book III.  This psalm has praise woven throughout the prayer.  Even as David describes how his life is again in danger from ruthless and godless men, he breaks out in praise declaring that God is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (v. 15).  He closes by asking God to show him a sign of His favor. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 In the phrases beginning with the word "for," the psalmist gives reasons for the LORD to answer his prayers.  What do these show us about prayers and answers to prayer? Verses 6-10 When we are facing troubles, why is it best to go to God in prayer? Verses 11-13 The psalmist asks God to unite his heart.  Is there anything that divides my affections and gets in the way of worshipping God with "my whole heart" (v. 12)? Verses 14-15 The wickedness of enemies in verse 14...

  Psalm 85 is another psalm of the Sons of Korah.  It is a prayer for revival after experiencing God's wrath due to the iniquity of His people.  Verses 1-3 reference what God has done for them in the past;  verses 4-7 are prayers for restoration in their present; and verses 8-12 demonstrate hope regarding God's response and the future. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 There is a Selah pause after declaring God's past restoration, forgiveness, and atonement.  What has God brought me out of in my past? When are times in which I have experienced God's discipline due to my sins?  What have I learned through those experiences? Verses 4-7 Pray now for revival among God's people. Verses 8-12 What is it that God might be saying to me, which I need to listen to and hear? What goodness can be experienced when we follow in God's righteous ways? If you would like to meditate on this psalm throug...

  Psalm 84 is another psalm of the Sons of Korah, who were gatekeepers as well as Levitical singers.  Since the psalmist longs to be in God's dwelling place, he considers the sparrows who build nests at the Temple and people who make pilgrimages there to be blessed.  He also prays for God's favor upon the anointed king, which ultimately points to Jesus.  He closes with praise to God for blessings to those who trust in Him. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 How much do I really   long to be in God's presence and to sing His praises? Verses 5-7 What do these verses show us about strength for our journeys? The word Baca can be translated as weeping or tears.  When are times that our valley of tears might be made into springs of joy? Verses 8-9 Pray now for leaders we know who have been appointed by God. Verses 10-12 In what ways are those who trust in the LORD blessed? If you would lik...

  Psalm 83 is the last "Psalm of Asaph."  It is a prayer for God not be silent but to take action against enemies who seek to wipe out the nation of Israel.  Specific enemies are named, and the imprecatory section calls upon God to defeat them just as He had in past examples recorded in the Book of Judges.  Yet overall, the hope is that humiliation of the enemies may cause them to seek the LORD's name and to recognize that He is "the Most High over all the earth" (v. 18). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-8 Many of those listed in these verses have been enemies of Israel throughout history even to this day, but behind them all is Satan.  Why would Satan want "the name of Israel [to] be remembered no more" (v. 4)? Verses 9-12 These verses list examples of how God defeated enemies of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges.  In what ways has God given us victory in our lives over t...

  In Psalm 82, God assembles those who have judged unjustly and admonishes them to give justice and protection to the weak, orphan, poor, and needy. Those who rule in moral darkness will be judged by the Most High.  The psalm closes by looking forward to when God will reign in justice.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 How does the image of the divine council remind us of accountability? Verses 2-4 What do these verses show us about how leaders should govern or judge? Verse 5 How do those who rule in darkness shake the moral order established by God on earth? Verses 6-7 Jesus references Psalm 82:6 in John 10:34-38.  How does this add to our understanding these passages?  [NOTE:  Referring to rulers as "gods" means that they are to be God's representatives when reigning on earth ] Verse 8  How does seeing all the wickedness and injustice around us make us yearn even more for Christ ...

  Psalm 81 may be considered a prophetic psalm, because of its similarities to oracles of Old Testament prophets. The beginning verses of the psalm indicate that it is likely connected to a Feast celebration.  Then God speaks to His people, reminding them of how He has delivered them from slavery in Egypt, but also of how they have tested Him through their stubborn unfaithfulness.  In the closing verses, we see God's desire for Israel to listen to Him and walk in His ways.  We are also reminded of the theme of blessings to the righteous and destruction for the wicked. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 These verses describe a call for the people to worship in singing, the Levites to play instruments to lead in music, and the priest to sound the trumpet in celebration of a festival that God has decreed.  What have I consecrated and set apart for celebration and worship of the LORD? Verses 6-...