Psalm 119:33-48
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the
end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my
whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your
ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness
give me life!
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according
to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your
rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your
precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to
shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on
your statutes.
When the Lutheran Princes presented their confession of faith at Augsburg, they found strength in verse 46, "I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame." They stood up before an Emperor and Papist officials. They confessed their faith in Christ boldly. There are many different ways this text can be helpful and supportive for those people who live under the threat of persecution.
I have to admit I have not paid enough attention at times to Psalm 119, but one thing I always enjoy about it is the idea of asking the Lord to teach us. The LORD is there to instruct us in his ways. Many of us desire to instruct other people in their thoughts or their ways or their morals. But here the Psalmist urges us to "incline my heart to your testimonies and not to selfish gain!" The Sinful flesh desires our morals and our opinions to be established.
But God has established his own rule. We need to be taught by God what is moral and correct. Jesus Christ taught his disciples, and they have passed that word on to us. This Law is no different for St Paul, St Peter, Moses, Isaiah, or Elijah. We should keep his commands ever before our eyes.
We should also keep before our eyes his judgment. God has spoken his judgment against all the world in his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus was hung from a tree and cursed in the place of all sinful flesh. He died so that you would have life (eternal). He died to give you the full testimony of God, namely the Good news of your salvation. Now that is something to stand before a King and proclaim.
I have to admit I have not paid enough attention at times to Psalm 119, but one thing I always enjoy about it is the idea of asking the Lord to teach us. The LORD is there to instruct us in his ways. Many of us desire to instruct other people in their thoughts or their ways or their morals. But here the Psalmist urges us to "incline my heart to your testimonies and not to selfish gain!" The Sinful flesh desires our morals and our opinions to be established.
But God has established his own rule. We need to be taught by God what is moral and correct. Jesus Christ taught his disciples, and they have passed that word on to us. This Law is no different for St Paul, St Peter, Moses, Isaiah, or Elijah. We should keep his commands ever before our eyes.
We should also keep before our eyes his judgment. God has spoken his judgment against all the world in his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus was hung from a tree and cursed in the place of all sinful flesh. He died so that you would have life (eternal). He died to give you the full testimony of God, namely the Good news of your salvation. Now that is something to stand before a King and proclaim.
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