Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 119:137-144
Psalms 119:137-144
Tsadhe
137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. 139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. 143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. 144 Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.
When Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus to find those who professed the name of Jesus, he was overtaken with a light from heaven. He heard a voice that asked him the question: “Saul, why do you kick against the goads?” The goads of his day were some prods that were made into the harness that was used on oxen as they pulled a wagon or plow that would keep them going in the right direction and help them pull together.
God had given Saul every reason to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Since he was living in Jerusalem and was either a member of the Sanhedrin or at least friends with those who were, he had been a witness to the miracles of Jesus and later the apostles. He probably had been privy to the proceedings that found Jesus guilty and demanded his death. He had given his consent to the beatings of the apostles and the stoning of Stephen. God had given him evidence that Jesus was the Son of God but he had stubbornly rejected it.
Today, so many reject the word of God and Jesus as the Savior because of the same reason Saul did in his day. They are filled with prejudice. It may be aimed against God or the Bible or his people but it has the same result of rejecting God and his plan for their lives.
God is always right. He is the giver of life and he is the revealer of truth. He has shown us the way to eternal life in Jesus his Son. Since he made us, he knows what is best for us. His will for us is not arbitrary but a revelation of his nature so we can be like him. If God said it, it is right and it is best for us, whether we understand it or not. Our place is to just trust and obey God.
O God, help me always remember that you know best. Keep me from kicking against the goads you have placed in my heart and my life so I will not resist your word and your will for me. Give me open eyes to see the opportunities you give me and wisdom to make the most of them. Keep me from complaining but help me rejoice in all things as I give thanks to you and praise you. Forgive me when I fail to be what you want me to be. I pray in the name of Jesus.
--Robert
