Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
1/21 Reading Portions: Genesis 22; Matthew 21; Nehemiah 11; Acts 21
Matthew 21:16
“Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise.”
SUCKLINGS
When the Lord Jesus turned over the moneychangers in the temple, the people cited the same quote from Psalm 118 when they proclaimed as when the Lord entered Jerusalem on a donkey:
“Hosanna to the son of David!” Matthew 21:9, 15
The jealous chief priests and scribes were indignant and wanted Jesus to rebuke them from heralding the truth (Matt 21:16). Jesus quoted Psalm 8:2,
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. KJV
As our Master quotes the psalm in a slightly different manner, He explains a heavenly principle which presents the truth fulfilled in Christ and by Christ. Because Jesus is the Messiah who died upon the cross and rose again from death, God the Father has ordained strength over God’s enemies through Christ’s cross; and more than that, He stills His enemies. Therefore, the praise of Christ as Messiah is ordained (prepared) and perfected (KJV) in the mouths of God’s children.
There is no small service in Christ’s kingdom because every good work and perfect gift is from above (Jas 1:17). Therefore, every service unto Christ, for Christ, in the power of Christ, is eternal and infinitely glorious; so too is every praise uttered to Christ by those in the presence of Christ before He was crucified (infants) and by every born-again believer since Jesus paid our penalty upon the cross (nursing babies). The praise of Christ from a saved soul and regenerate heart is as powerful as the roar of the Lion of Judah’s tribe. May His praise continually be on our mouths (Psa 34:1). Hallelujah! What a Savior!
At all times will I bless the Lord,
Christ’s praise shall be my food;
May my mouth be fill’d with His Word,
Proclaiming Christ is great and good!
