TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 46
God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. - Psalm 18:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1529, as Martin Luther experienced extreme opposition to his efforts to bring reform into the church, he drew particular encouragement from Psalm 46. Because Luther understood the power of music and song, he used the words and images from this psalm to write his most famous hymn, “Ein feste burg ist unser Gott.” In 1853, Frederic Hedge translated this hymn into English as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” During Luther's day, this hymn was immediately popular, and it remains a favorite of many Christians to this day.

Psalm 46 is actually structured like a hymn, with verses 1, 7, and 11 functioning as the chorus. God's protection is likened to a strong fortress, the place where people fled during an enemy attack. Fortresses were usually defended by kings, so this image also reminds us that God is our King. The Lord's loyalty to His covenant is indicated by the mention of Jacob. The idea of God as one's sure refuge is very common in the Psalter (for example, see Psalm 18). Here the psalmist draws upon the fortress imagery to affirm his confidence in God, despite destruction all around (vv. 2-3).

Like the psalms that we looked at two days ago, Psalm 46 draws encouragement from “the holy place were the Most High dwells,” another way of referring to Zion. The “river whose streams make glad” is probably a reference back to the four rivers mentioned in Genesis 2 in connection with the Garden of Eden. In this way, the psalmist underscores his confidence in God's protection—the city of God is like Eden where humanity dwells securely with God.

These assurances lead the psalmist to invite his fellow worshipers to meditate upon the glorious works of the Lord and His certain destruction of all forces that oppose Him. In this way, believers can “be still” in the knowledge that God will deliver them and will be exalted in all the earth.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Luther understood the power of music and song. The superscription that accompanies Psalm 46 indicates that it was originally set to music. In fact, many hymns and praise songs are taken from psalms and then set to music. If you have a long commute to work or other daily routine, consider listening to song versions of the psalms to refresh your soul. For example, “Sing Unto the Lord: The Psalms of David for Daily Living” was released by FreshMix Productions in 2005. Your Christian bookstore may have other recommendations.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 32
Who can forgive sins but God alone? - Mark 2:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
The famous preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Do you feel that you were never so consciously sinful as you are now? Behold, the crimson fountain is still open, with all its former effectiveness to wash your sin away. You will never come to a place where Christ cannot help you. No trial will ever arrive in which Jesus Christ will not be equal to the emergency. Your history has all been foreknown and provided for in Jesus.” Decades later a psychologist told Billy Graham that 70 percent of his patients would be helped if they just could find forgiveness from guilt and a bad conscience over past actions.

David certainly knew what it meant to suffer guilt over his sinful past. Recall from our study on Psalm 51 (see Nov. 12) that God used the prophet Nathan to confront David about committing adultery and then trying to cover it up with murder. We saw that brutal honesty before the Lord led David to healing. It's likely that today's psalm was also written during this same time period. Here we see how David “wasted away” before he finally confessed his sins.

The opening of the psalm offers a summary of the powerful lesson that David learned when he confessed his sin before the Lord. It's not the one who has never sinned (if that were possible!) who is blessed—no, it's the one who has received the Lord's forgiveness who is blessed indeed. The assurance of the believer lies in knowing that nothing is hidden from the Lord and that confessed transgressions have been forgiven.

As we saw in Psalm 51, the lessons David learned prompted him to instruct others. Here the psalm exhorts its readers to learn from these experiences (unlike the animals who are without such understanding) and to rely fully upon the Lord's protection. The wise one will trust in the Lord's unfailing love and avoid the many woes of the wicked (v. 10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Anyone who has every wrestled with guilt over sin can readily identify with David's graphic description of his anguish (vv. 3-4). Perhaps this even describes you right now. If so, then know that forgiveness and release await you once you confess your sin. The promise of Psalm 32 is clearly expressed in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This is the power of God's love revealed through Jesus' shed blood!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 137
Let evil recoil on those who slander me. - Psalm 54:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many people have the idea that the “God” of the Old Testament is vengeful and wrathful, whereas the “God” of the New Testament is merciful and loving. As proof, they point to Psalm 137, an imprecatory psalm.

To understand this difficult psalm, we must realize a few important truths. First, keep in mind that some of the most tender statements of God's compassion are found in the Old Testament. Consider Exodus 34:6-7: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.” Second, our Lord Jesus Christ was not afraid to utter curses against the unrepentant cities that rejected Him (Matt. 11:20-24).

In order to understand this interplay between God's love and wrath, we need to seek God's perspective. God is utterly holy and completely opposed to all evil. Because God had chosen the nation Israel to show His loyal love to the nations, those who opposed Israel set themselves against God and His purposes. This is especially true in the Davidic psalms. As the Lord's anointed, David knew that his enemies were the enemies of God Himself. This explains why David could so boldly call down imprecations on his enemies.

Going back to Psalm 137, this psalm was written by a faithful believer who was pining for Zion while in exile in Babylon. This longing was only intensified by the cruel Babylonian captors who taunted the exiles by asking them to sing of their beloved Zion. As the exiles remembered Zion, they remembered the city of God, Jerusalem. And, in so doing, they also remembered the Edomites who had utterly opposed God in their efforts to humiliate Judah and the horrible cruelty of the Babylonians. This is the background of this psalmist, who implored the Lord for justice in light of the evil the exiles had experienced. Although the language of Psalm 137 might shock us today, this is the cry of one who recognizes evil and who affirms that vengeance belongs to Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Old Testament often uses physical entities to teach spiritual truths. Thus the true enemy of God, both then and now, is the one who opposes the triune God in every possible way: the Devil. Babylon's evil and the psalmist's prayer should be understood in this context. We should ask ourselves if we have this same type of hatred for injustice and evil in the world (and in our own hearts), and if we are also willing to entrust our desire for vengeance to the only One who executes perfect justice.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalms 15; 24
Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. - Isaiah 2:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
So . . . you want to climb Mount Everest! Great! You'll need to get started training right away, running a minimum of four to five miles a day and embarking on a serious weight-training program. After a while, you should try to climb a 19,000 ft. peak, like Mount Kilimanjaro in east Africa. Make sure you start taking lots of vitamin supplements and put on a few extra pounds, because you'll lose weight and nutrients during your climb. You'll also need to save a lot of money—guided trips, which are essential, are about $55,000, but you'll need another few thousand dollars for necessary equipment. Finally, start saving up your vacation hours, since most trips last about seventy days.

An ascent up Mount Everest involves careful preparation and certain requirements. In a similar way, today's psalms contemplate what type of person may ascend God's holy hill, Mount Zion. This is the location to which David brought the Ark of the Covenant and where Solomon would later build the temple. “Dwelling” in the sanctuary (15:1) was another way of describing being in God's presence. Unlike the physical training and specialized equipment required to scale Mount Everest, David places the focus in these two psalms on the condition of one's heart.

The qualities that we find in Psalm 15:2-5 don't indicate some kind of legalistic check-list or perfectionism. After all, David himself was far from perfect. Instead, these refer to one's character. To be blameless means to walk with integrity and to be faithful to God's ways. To speak truth from one's heart epitomizes integrity and authenticity. This type of person reflects God's own character and will consequently not harm a neighbor or take advantage of the innocent. These same ideas are found in Psalm 24:3-4, where clean hands and a pure heart indicate moral integrity. Additionally, this type of character is associated with rich promises—stability in Psalm 15:5 and God's blessing and vindication in Psalm 24:5.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Both Psalms 15 and 24 invite us to ask, “What type of persons are we?” The best possible answer is found in Psalm 15:4: a person who fears the Lord. This is the person who submitted his or her life before the King of Glory and the Lord of the universe (Ps. 24:1-2), Jesus Christ, Immanuel, who dwells with us and who is to be praised. It's no wonder then that George Handel used Psalm 24:7-10 in his glorious oratorio the Messiah.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 2
The One enthroned in heaven laughs. - Psalm 2:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1793, four years after the French Revolution, Maximilien Robespierre sought to “dechristianize” France with a “Cult of Reason.” The famous Notre Dame de Paris was rededicated to this cult, and statues of biblical kings, which were mistaken for kings of France, were beheaded. Even today, debates rage in societies from Canada and the United States to Indonesia and Afghanistan about the role of religion. Some applaud efforts to make a particular religion mandatory, while others advocate removing God from any mention in public forums.

Psalm 2 offers a helpful corrective. Consider God's response when the nations rage against Him, or movements “plot in vain” against the Lord. He certainly isn't surprised by such rebellion. In fact, the Lord sits enthroned and laughs at those who mock Him. God's answer to this scoffing is to point to His Son, the King whom He has installed in Zion.

This psalm may have originally been written in connection with the coronation of a Davidic king, when the king was understood as representing God in a unique way. The term “son” in that context indicated the king as the legal successor to the throne. It's evident, however, that the language in Psalm 2 points beyond any time in Israel's history. The Son's inheritance of the entire world clearly extends beyond any of the boundaries of ancient Israel.

The New Testament authors understood clearly that Psalm 2 applied to Jesus Christ, and they quoted it often. The Gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism, which inaugurated His public ministry, allude to Psalm 2:7 (see Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). In Acts 4:24-25, Peter quoted Psalm 2:1-2 in relation to the roles of Herod and Pilate in Jesus' crucifixion, showing that God's final answer to human rebellion is the exaltation of His Son. And Hebrews 1:2 describes the Son as the heir of the entire universe.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Psalm 2 is considered a messianic or prophetic psalm. Christians through the centuries have taken comfort in the numerous promises that are contained in this unique psalm, and we're encouraged to do likewise. Rather than grow discouraged by the rebellion and strife in the world, consider God's response. His Son, the King, sits at God's right hand, heir of the universe. When He returns in glory, those who have opposed Him will be “dashed,” but those who bow down before Him will be blessed!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 22
Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross. - Mark 15:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
As you enter Salle 34 in the Sully wing of the Louvre, the portrait of King Louis XIV looms before you. In the center of a very large canvas, a man with thick black hair stands with an unmistakable air of majesty, one hand on the royal scepter, the other on his hip, just above a massive sword. His long cloak is covered with expensive ermine fur on the inside and royal blue silk patterned with the French fleur-de-lys on the outside. Behind the grand figure are massive columns and rich red silk drapes. Even if you knew nothing about history, it's obvious that this man was—or at least considered himself to be—a grand king!

In today's psalm we find a shockingly different portrait of the true King of Kings. This picture is more amazing when we consider that it was written about one thousand years before Christ's crucifixion.

We don't know what life situation led David to the suffering and despair captured in this psalm, but this painful cry cuts straight to the core of human anguish. Yet, as we've seen before in this month's study, the key was to remember God's covenant loyalty to Israel. Those who trust in God will never be put to shame. Even when David became the object of public scorn (vv. 6-8), he forced himself to put his focus back on God (vv. 9-11), not his immediate circumstances. The middle section of the psalm vividly portrays the intensity of the dire circumstances that led David repeatedly to despair of his very life (vv. 15, 18, 20).

Suddenly the psalm's mood changes dramatically, from suffering to praise, suggesting that David had experienced some relief from his life-threatening situation. In response to God's faithful deliverance, David proclaimed God's name among his fellow worshipers. The rest of the psalm depicts ever-increasing circles of worshipers, eventually extending to all the families of the nations (v. 27).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Holy Spirit prompted David to speak far beyond his own circumstances and thus to predict so remarkably the sufferings of Jesus and the glories that would follow (1 Peter 1:11). As you read through Psalm 22, take some time to ponder deeply the suffering that Jesus was willing to endure on our behalf. Psalm 22:14-18 poignantly describes Jesus' crucifixion (see Matt. 27:32-53). Keep in mind that Jesus suffered for no sin of His own, He suffered because He took on all the sin of humanity.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 110
The Lord's right hand is lifted high! - Psalm 118:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
It was very common in the ancient world for a king also to be the chief priest. For example, the Egyptian king, Thutmosis III, is often depicted wearing a leopard skin to indicate his role as the high priest to the Egyptian gods and goddesses. The distinction between the Davidic king and the Aaronic high priest is, therefore, somewhat remarkable in ancient Israel.

This background is helpful for today's psalm. Although David was God's anointed king, Psalm 110:1 makes it clear that David looked to One greater, whom he addressed as “My Lord.”

The first part of today's psalm (vv. 1-3) promises that the Davidic king will enjoy decisive victory and dominion. In the ancient world, it was common to picture a victorious king placing his feet on the necks of his conquered enemies, indicated here by the image of the “footstool.” As we've seen before, however, the victory described in the second part of the psalm (vv. 5-7) goes well beyond anything that David ever experienced. Indeed the judgment of the nations (v. 6) anticipates the terrifying image of Jesus' victorious return and defeat of His enemies that is found in Revelation 19.

It may be surprising to learn that Psalm 110:1 is quoted or alluded to in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament text. The New Testament writers certainly understood the link between this key messianic psalm and the exalted Lord Jesus Christ.

The epistle to the Hebrews, however, is the only New Testament book that makes the explicit link between Jesus, the true Davidic king, and the eternal high priest in the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4). Melchizedek is only mentioned in the Old Testament in Psalm 110 and in Genesis 14, where he is described as a priest-king over what would later become Jerusalem. Through the Holy Spirit, therefore, Psalm 110 makes the important link between king and priest that is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The numerous citations of Psalm 110 in Hebrews make two points very clear. First, because of Jesus' death and resurrection, He now sits exalted at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 1:13). Second, because of His perfect sacrifice, Jesus has cleansed our consciences so that we may enter into God's presence. This cleansing was not possible under the Levitical priesthood, but such atonement is possible by means of Jesus' blood, which Hebrews 7 links to the eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 16
It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. - Acts 2:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
When we recall that Peter was a fisherman without an advanced theological degree, it's amazing to see the depth of insight into God's Word that the Spirit gave to him. Consider, for example, his understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection in light of the Old Testament. Standing in Jerusalem on Pentecost, Peter quoted Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110:1 to show from the Scripture that Jesus, whom some in the crowd no doubt had seen crucified, was no longer dead, but had been raised from the dead and sits at God's right hand (see Acts 2:22-36).

Yesterday we looked at Psalm 110 and its importance for New Testament writers. Today we'll see that Psalm 16 was also an important psalm in this regard.

In Psalm 16, another Davidic psalm, we see the same deep confidence in the Lord that characterized David's life. We also see David's consistent recognition of his dependence upon the Lord, apart from whom no good thing is possible. At the same time, however, David also recognized the importance of the community of the faithful. The connection between verses 3 and 4 suggests that those who delight in the fellowship of God's people should not be those who “run after other gods.”

The contrast between idolatry and faithful worship is also seen in David's praise for the portion that the Lord had given to him. David had learned that being satisfied with God's provision was an essential part of contentment in life. This resolve to make the Lord his sole focus also resulted in emotional stability and confidence in the future. Specifically, David's unshakable confidence in the Lord also gave him assurances about life after the grave. The greatest refuge in life is the knowledge of spending eternity in God's presence.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Thanksgiving Day is a good time to count the blessings that are ours in Jesus Christ. Psalm 16 is a helpful way to begin. First, consider our refuge in Christ, who offers a peace that surpasses understanding (Phil. 4:7). This is especially poignant when we consider the sorrows of those who try to find comfort elsewhere (Ps. 16:4). Now consider the eternal inheritance that is ours in Christ (1 Peter 1:3-5). Finally, rejoice in the knowledge of “eternal pleasures” at God's right hand that awaits us (Ps. 16:11). Praise the Lord!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 145
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” - Psalm 96:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
No figure was more impressive in the ancient world than a king. The wealth and power of the Egyptian Pharaohs is legendary even today. Worshiped as a god, the Pharaoh was considered to control nature. Supposedly by his power, the life-giving Nile annually overflowed its banks to irrigate crops. As the supreme representative of the numerous Egyptian gods and goddesses, the king supposedly maintained order in the universe and kept the forces of chaos and evil at bay.

You may recall that early in Israel's history, the people demanded to have a king “such as all the other nations have” (1 Sam. 8:5). Ironically, Saul ended up being a king just like others, instead of a faithful, wise ruler. The saddest part of the people's request, however, was that their desire to be like everyone else blinded them for the reality that they already had the Lord God, the true King of the universe, in their midst!

Despite the fact that David was Israel's greatest king, he never lost sight of the fact that there was really only one King, the Lord God. This is the subject of today's psalm. After praising God, the King, for His greatness, the psalm then praises the Lord for His faithfulness to the generations of His people (vv. 4-7) and to the promises that He has made to them (v. 13). Given the often cruel whims of ancient pagan kings, this celebration of God's steadfast loyalty underscores the reality that He is utterly unique and unlike any other god.

Then David considered God's compassionate rule over all of creation—every living creature looks to God, who lovingly provides sustenance and satisfaction (vv. 15-16). Because God the King is completely righteous, there is no injustice in any of His actions. Because God the King is perfectly loving, He responds to the cries of those He has made.

How different than the images from the surrounding nations. No wonder David exhorted every creature to praise God's holy name forever!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Despite the people's rejection of God as their king and their demand for a king according to their liking, God graciously raised up David, “a man after His own heart.” While David was Israel's greatest king, he also pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. With this in mind, read back over Psalm 145 and consider the ways this psalm is fulfilled in Jesus the King. Think of His majesty and wonderful works. Consider how He is near to you and fulfills your desires.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalms 45; 72
The Lord is King for ever and ever. - Psalm 10:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
For the past few days, we've been considering how various psalms point forward to Jesus Christ, the King. The words of Charles Spurgeon are helpful in this regard: “The more you know about Christ, the less you will be satisfied with superficial views of Him. The more deeply you study His work in the eternal covenant . . . and the fullness of His grace which shines in all His offices, the more truly you will see the King in His beauty.” May the two psalms that we'll consider today do just that—let you see the King in His beauty.

Psalm 45 was probably originally composed for the royal wedding of a son of David. The “noble theme” of the king and his kingdom is the basis for this wedding song. The psalmist uses poetic, ideal language to portray the king as a victorious warrior who makes his kingdom secure. Joined with the king's strength is his just character, for which he is honored.

The psalmist then describes the beauty and worth of the bride. He urges her, apparently of foreign descent (v. 10), to pledge loyalty to the Davidic king, and by implication, the God of Israel. The wedding song concludes with a promised blessing for the sons born to the royal couple. This exquisite psalm paints a beautiful picture of the royal bridegroom, Christ, and His bride, the church!

In Psalm 72, we find similar themes, as Solomon prayed for God's blessing upon the Davidic king and kingdom. Notice how the king will bring the blessings of righteousness and protection to his people (vv. 2-4, 12-14). His long reign will also bring prosperity to his land (vv. 5-11, 15-17). As with Psalm 45, Psalm 72 points well beyond Solomon's time to David's greater Son, the perfect King, Jesus Christ, and His eternal kingdom that will have no end. Thus, we too can readily join in offering our praise to His glorious name forever!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Psalms 45 and 72 are often called “royal” psalms, and with good reason. Together with Psalms 2, 110, and 145, which we've already looked at, they describe God's intention for kingship, which was partially realized in David and his royal line, but which ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ. We suggest that you also read other royal psalms, such as Psalms 18, 20, 21, 89, 101, 132, and 144. As you read, pray that the Spirit might enable you to “see the King in His beauty” and worship Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalms 146-150
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. - Psalm 150:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
After reading today's psalms, it makes sense to learn that in Hebrew the book of Psalms is called, Tehillim, which means “praises.” Praise is a God-centered way of understanding life, which explains why Psalm 146 exhorts us not to put our trust in human institutions (“princes”) or other relationships.

This certainly doesn't mean that we should become hermits. Rather, because humans haven't been entrusted with the ability to save, our ultimate trust must always be in God alone.

Psalm 146 makes it clear that those who do look to God for their help are blessed. To support this claim, the psalmist then lists things that only God the Creator and Redeemer can do (vv. 6-9). Because He reigns, we should praise Him.

Psalm 147 further praises the Lord's redeeming and restoring work. Because He knows the number of stars, we can be confident that He has the power to rebuild our lives. We can only imagine the great comfort this truth provided to the original recipients of this psalm, who were returning to a destroyed Jerusalem after the Exile (v. 2). Again, confidence in the Lord's ability to restore is grounded in His ongoing provision for all creation (vv. 8-9).

The Lord delights in those who fear Him—a fear, or proper respect, that begins by understanding how faithfully He provides all that is needed. The returning exiles could also draw great encouragement from the fact that no other nation enjoyed the same relationship that they had with the Lord God (v. 20).

Psalm 148 opens and closes with the same refrain, “Praise the Lord.” The verses in between offer an “anthem” of praise, extolling the Lord for the beauty and breadth of His creation. The proper response for God's people to this great work is exuberant praise, which is the subject of Psalm 149. By the time we reach Psalm 150, the psalmist can barely contain himself, and he begins each line with an exhortation to “praise!”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Throughout this month, we've seen the emphasis on praise in the Psalms, even in psalms that contain profound lament. It's fitting then, that the Psalter should finish on such a note of praise and why it's frequently called the church's hymnbook. We'll finish this month with the words of the seventeenth-century British poet, George Herbert: “Of all the creatures both in sea and land / Only to Man thou hast made known thy ways, / And put the pen alone into his hand, / And made him secretary of thy praise.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 1:15-23
God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things. - Colossians 1:19-20
TODAY IN THE WORD
These words from a beloved hymn provide a perfect opening for our study this month: “Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free. From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in thee. Israel's Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, Born a Child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all-sufficient merit, Raise us to thy glorious throne.”

The supremacy of Christ is an overarching theme of Christmas. One might think this hardly needs saying, but one look around our culture says differently. Given the materialism and secularism that typically characterizes Christmas, today's reading provides a needed corrective. In the opening verse, two key words describe Christ: “image” and “firstborn” (v. 15). An “image” is what we see in a mirror—a representation of our physical self. Similarly, Christ is an incarnate representation or revelation of God, and He is God. The fact that He is metaphorically “firstborn” points to His absolute rule over two realms, creation and the church. He rules over creation because He made it and sustains it (vv. 16-17). He rules over the church because He redeemed us, a mission He accomplished by becoming “the firstborn from among the dead” (vv. 18-20).

In verses 21-23, we discover a beautiful rendition of the Christmas story: Creation was at war with God; peace needed to be made; Christ came and did so. Christmas is a holiday of transformation—from alienation to reconciliation, from war to peace, from a broken relationship to a restored one, from being enemies to being friends, from sinful behavior to being presented holy, from death to life. The true spirit of Christmas inspires us to stand firm and to live based on the hope of the gos
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What will you do to make this Christmas all about the supremacy of Christ? It's rather easy to let the holiday focus shift to gifts or family get-togethers or church programs, instead of keeping Christ Himself at the center. As today's devotion shows, that's a huge mistake! Spend some time today thinking through your December plans and priorities and making whatever changes are necessary to honor and celebrate this season for the right reason. We'll have more ideas in the “Today Along the Way” applications for this month.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 3:8-24
He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. - Genesis 3:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the College World Series played earlier this year, Fresno State University rode a team effort to a miraculous national championship. They were the lowest-ranked team ever to even make the tournament, much less win it. Their season record of 47 wins and 31 losses featured the most losses of any winner ever. Not a single one of their players was drafted in the first round by a major league team. Yet when it counted, their offense came alive, scoring 31 runs and belting 14 home runs in three games against the University of Georgia. Their pitching and defense weren't too shabby either. Many have called their victory one of the greatest upsets in college sports history.

A miracle victory is also at the core of today's reading, though this passage is often referred to as “the curse.” Adam and Eve chose to disobey God­—their relationship with Him was broken, to the point that they hid when He visited. Their innocence was gone, and they now knew sin and guilt and shame. The consequences of their Fall were serious: work would now be a difficult endeavor, gone was the harmonious relationship with nature, childbearing would be painful, and the marriage relationship would gravitate toward being a power struggle (v. 16b).

Had Satan managed to spoil God's plan? Just as everything seemed headed down the wrong road, we find God promising future victory. Satan's mouthpiece had been a snake, and the first part of that curse falls on the animal, but the second part judges the spiritual being behind the temptation and prophesies his defeat (v. 15; cf. Rom. 16:20). Spiritually speaking, Jesus, the offspring of a woman, would oppose evildoers, the offspring of Satan, and by “crushing the head of the snake” He would triumph. Satan's work would be undone, though at a cost: “strike his heel” (cf. Rom. 8:19-22).

More simply, but no less powerfully, God's action of clothing Adam and Eve also foreshadowed the mercy to come (v. 21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christmas requires spiritual preparation. To help make this season more purposeful and joyous, here are several resources: Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration (NavPress, 1989) is a classic collection of devotions, music, and hands-on projects. What Do You Want For Christmas? (Abingdon, 2008), by James W. Moore, could guide a group Bible study. And Preparing for Jesus: Meditations on the Coming of Christ, Advent, Christmas and the Kingdom (HarperCollins, 1999), by Walter Wangerin Jr., is thoughtful food for the heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 12:1-8
All peoples on earth will be blessed through you. - Genesis 12:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Outside a department store last Christmas a volunteer stood ringing a bell next to a Salvation Army donation kettle. Someone walked up and tried to drop in a coin, but it was too big, so he handed it to the bell ringer. The platinum coin, featuring an image of the Statue of Liberty and showing a face value of $100, proved to be worth an estimated $1,300. The anonymous donor's gift turned out to be quite a blessing to people in need!

God's gifts always turn out to be blessings to many people, not just the original recipients. That was certainly the case in today's reading. God had called Abram to go to an unknown land (v. 1), an act requiring obedience to the Lord above all human instincts and attachments (Luke 14:26; Heb. 11:8-10).

After this call of faith came a promise of blessing (vv. 2-3), which was made at several levels. Personally, Abram would be blessed, be a blessing, and have his name made famous. Widening the perspective to family and descendants, they would likewise be blessed, become a great nation, and blessings or curses would flow from others' treatment of them.

The unusual part of this covenant, however, lay in its unconditional statement that “all peoples on earth will be blessed by you.” Just as God's promise of victory to Adam and Eve had encompassed the entire human race, so also did His promise of blessing to Abram (Gal. 3:8-9). Both promises foreshadowed Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ fulfilled them!

How would we respond to such a dramatic call? Abram showed us how. First, he responded in obedience (vv. 4-5). He pulled up stakes and moved his entire family and all his possessions. He did not use his age (he was 75) as an excuse, and God faithfully guided him to the land of Canaan. Second, he immediately responded in worship (vv. 6-8). He built an altar to honor the Lord and to commemorate this important event.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As today's illustration about the Salvation Army may have reminded you, no season is more appropriate than Christmas for a service project. Through your church or a local ministry, consider volunteering this month as a Christ-honoring part of your holiday season. Gathering food and gifts for poor families, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or visiting patients in a hospital or inmates in prison are just a few among many possibilities. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men” (Eph. 6:7).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 7:4-17
Your throne will be established forever. - 2 Samuel 7:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
At the start of the movie The Lion King, a young cub named Simba is presented to the animals. As the drums beat and the trumpets sound, the animals give honor and respect by bowing before their future ruler. The film closes in the same way, with Simba presenting his own son to the animals, who rejoice that the king has restored justice and balance to their lives. Though much had gone wrong, the king returned and set things right!

In His covenant with David, God promised Israel's ruler an eternal kingship. The immediate context was David's prayer to build a house for the Lord. God responded with a “no.” David was not permitted to build a temple, though his son would.

But to encourage the king, God gave him a promise of blessing and a glimpse of the big picture. As with the promise to Abram, there were personal, national, and global dimensions. Personally, God had already taken David from shepherd to king and would continue to give him success (vv. 8-9), including putting his son on the throne. Nationally, Israel would have peace and security (vv. 10-11).

At the level of the big picture, though, the key promise was: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (v. 16). David understood clearly that this promise was not about him, but rather about God's plan and God's glory. He was the one “building the house” and loving His people as a Father loves His children. He's the hero of this story.

How can a kingship endure forever? Only God Himself is big enough to fulfill such a big promise! Christ is the eternal king from the line of David, just as He is the “blessing to the nations” and the One who has overcome death and Satan.

Even on the cross, He was the King (Luke 23:38). As He testified to John: “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Long before the Son of God was born as a baby in Bethlehem, God made promises to Adam, Abram, and David. Part of what Christmas is about is the fulfillment of these promises and the rock-solid hope we can have that everything God has told us is true. In the spirit of Christmas, then, claim one of God's promises in prayer today. Good possibilities include Matthew 19:29, James 1:5, and Hebrews 13:5. You can pray through these Scriptures during your prayer time and also keep these promises in mind throughout the day.