Written Sept. 17, 2008~
Did you know that humanity is without excuse?
Consider Ps. 19, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork." Parallel that with Jesus' statement about the rocks crying out with praise as He came into Jerusalem. All nature is a testimony to the power, beauty, glory, majesty, magnitude, wisdom, creativity, and the inexhaustible list of attributes of our Creator. As the writer of the Psalm continues, let's pick out a few precious truths to personalize, so we can be enriched according to Proverbs~ wisdom is of greater value than "gold or much fine gold."
We share a common understanding with humanity all over the world. Even though we may speak a different verbal language, all nature is reflecting the work of our creator.
Water flows, trees grow, grass is grazed and the grazers provide food for the food chain. Regardless of the location or specific species, much of nature has a similar function throughout the world. Verse 3 states "There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." Creation's ability to communicate was not affected by the confusion after the tower of Babel was built.
Verses 7-10 describe the benefits of studying and accepting the law, the testimony, statues and commandments, the judgments and the fear of the Lord. One of the differences between man and the rest of creation is our ability to choose between following God's plan for our lives or rejecting the truth. As His people left Egypt, they were warned not to embrace the religions or heinous practices of the nations they would encounter, and God said some false "gods" required nasty things that never even entered His mind. Here in Psalm 19 we are told that we are warned of danger, greatly rewarded, and our cravings for the finer things in life are satisfied. (v 10,11) If a particular species of animal
were to decide to disregard the built-in warning God provided as part of their instinct, they would soon cease to exist. It is amazing to see the nature documentaries and watch something like sea turtles racing for the surf as soon as they hatch. Who teaches them to avoid danger? Or what if one of the planets or stars all of a sudden decided to chart their own course? They don't have the option to change their mind or their instinct.
In our world today, many people are choosing to disregard the truth and blame other people for the results. Yesterday, Lehman and AIG were newsmakers. It was suggested that our political leaders knew just how shaky these institutions were, and should have warned the public. Finger pointing and accusations; blame somebody else.
But in God's economy, He expects personal responsibility. Verses 12-14 encourage us to seek God's cleansing, and to be blameless and innocent of evil before Him. We must "know the truth" and choose to live as wise and converted individuals, according to verse 7.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."
Have a great day, Phil.
Just got an e-mail from Phil.(Mon-29th) They are in Nairobi. It was 5:30 in the eve there when it was 10:30 in the morning here. He did not get my e-mail about meeting his Aunt Myrt in Heathrow, but I sent another one right away. Also got an e-mail from Terry. She lost her prayer book on the way to Nairobi and was distraught. Pray that she finds it. It is not your ordinary prayer book. I think they will be home tomorrow afternoon/evening some time. Yippee!!!
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