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9/26 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 22; Galatians 2; Ezekiel 29; Psalm 78:1-37
2 Samuel 22:26
With the merciful You show Yourself merciful; with the blameless man You show Yourself blameless;
ILLUMINATION
When David penned this song is not clear. Some, like Rashi (1040-1105 AD), believe this was penned toward the end of David’s life. Others, such as Isaac ben Judah Abarbanel (1437-1508 AD), believe David penned the psalm earlier in life (Psa 18), and sang it each time he received a victory through the LORD; and this, they say, would explain some of the subtle variations between Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22. Whatever the case, it is evident that this psalm is prophetic— a messianic psalm, which speaks of Jesus Christ. Interestingly, seeing Christ revealed in Scripture isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. First, only the redeemed can see Him for who He truly is as revealed in the Scriptures (1 Cor 2:14). Second, not everything is revealed all at once. Certainly, many wonderful truths are revealed when once we are saved; nevertheless, there is much which is hidden and mysterious. We grow in wisdom and understanding as we grow in grace and are strengthened in faith. When our lives become more and more transformed (Rom 12:2), conforming to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29), we see more of the truth of Christ revealed in Scripture. Moreover, we will also see more of Christ in others, as well as in our situations and circumstances. When our lives become more merciful because of the mercy bestowed upon us by Christ, the glory of His mercy illuminates His grace and holy nature. When, by God’s grace, we see and live by the reality of His amazing grace bestowed upon us, the glory of Christ’s blameless life and righteous character is revealed to us with all the brilliance of the sun at noonday. And the more Christ is revealed to us, the more He extends His mercy and grace to others through us. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
O, Lord, make me more merciful
To show me Your mercy;
Draw me near, and as my King rules,
So Your grace ministers through me.
This devotional brought tears to my eyes. What a great and mighty God who loves us in such a personal and tender way. As a great person once said many times… Oh what a Savior!!!! Hallelujah He over came death to save us! Oh what a great love for the lost He has. Go and tell others of His magnificent chain breaking forgiveness and healing love! Jesus is our Messiah!