Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 109:8-15
Ps 109:8-15
May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.
Acts 1:20-22
"For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and "'May another take his place of leadership.' Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
We find this Psalm used by Peter to show that they needed to appoint a new Apostle to replace Judas, who had hung himself after betraying the Lord. It is obvious that these words are used out of context from the original intent but it is also obvious that there is no violation to the truth of God’s word. This is also a case of where the one who penned these words had no idea how it would later be used. It is a prophecy made with a secondary meaning to be revealed later.
How we use the word of God is important. Peter warns that some would distort the true meaning of the scriptures. That was true in his day and it is true even in our age. Paul warns of those who are perverted and only use the word of God for their own selfish desires, or those who are absorbed with controversy, and those who are ever learning but never come to a knowledge of the truth.
We need to study each scripture in its context, while praying for wisdom to both understand it and to be able to apply it. Spiritual things are only understood by the spiritually minded and with the help of the Holy Spirit who gave them.
O Lord God, fill me with your Spirit, giving me your wisdom and understanding so I will be able to live like Jesus as he lives in me. Help me never be hypocritical in my heart but to be genuine in my faith and commitment to you. Use me in your service to help others know and live your will, and to encourage those who are struggling inside themselves as they try to live for you. Be with those who are sick, or taking treatments, and those who are filled with grief. In Jesus name.
Robert
