TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 29-30; Ezekiel 30:20-26
Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance. - Psalm 82:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the ancient Egyptian gods was Sobek, the crocodile god. Represented either as a crocodile or as a man with the head of a crocodile, he symbolized the strength of the ruler and was considered to be in control of the waters, especially the Nile River. He was associated with fertility and rebirth for both people and crops. Many mummified crocodiles and paintings of crocodiles have been found in Egyptian tombs. In The Book of the Dead, he says, “I am Sobek, and I seize my prey like a ravening beast.”

Given that crocodiles symbolized the might of Egypt, Ezekiel’s prophecy of Egypt as a doomed crocodile hunted by the Lord is shocking. Rather than seizing his prey, Sobek or Egypt became the prey. Ezekiel prophesied that Egypt was going to be hooked and netted by the Lord and stood no chance of escaping His judgment. Egypt was a powerful nation to the south of Judah, an ally the nation had relied upon in its bid to rebel against Babylon.

Egypt then was larger than it is now and included other areas of northern Africa. Due to its size and strength, it represented the temptation to trust in human strength rather than in God. Egypt rated four chapters of prophetic judgment in Ezekiel. These chapters are divided into seven oracles, each of which begins, “The word of the LORD came to me.” Each emphasizes the sovereignty of God in dealing with nations as He pleases.

Today’s reading covers the first four oracles. The first prophecy condemns Egypt’s pride and failure to help Israel (29:1-16). For this, its power and status will be broken—the crocodile will become roadkill. The second prophecy reveals that Babylon will be Egypt’s conqueror and the instrument of God’s justice (29:17-21). The third prophecy is a lament poem that graphically describes the devastating judgment that is on the way from God’s hand (30:1-19). The fourth prophecy proclaims that God will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon so that he will break the arms of the king of Egypt (30:20-26).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God’s sovereignty is a terrible truth to sinners but an encouraging one for believers. Rather than fearing His judgment, we look forward to spending eternity with Him. At the end of history, when God’s plans for the nations have been fulfilled, here’s how it will be in the new Jerusalem: “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 31-32; Ezekiel 32:28-32
I made the nations tremble at the sound of its fall. - Ezekiel 31:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
In The Inferno, Part I of Dante’s Divine Comedy (“comedy” here indicates a narrative with a happy ending), Dante and his guide, the Latin poet Virgil, descend into hell. In each of the nine circles of hell, they see sinners being punished for sins they committed during their lives on earth. For example, the second circle contains lustful people, the fifth circle wrathful people, and the eighth circle fraudulent people such as flatterers and hypocrites. It is a dark journey filled with horrifying scenes and spiritual warnings for Dante and his readers.

As in Dante’s classic work of literature, part of Ezekiel’s prophecy in today’s reading is an imagined descent into the underworld. The seventh out of seven oracles spoken against Egypt narrates Pharaoh’s journey to Sheol (32:17-32). This is not a doctrinal description of the afterlife but a poem highlighting God’s control over history and His judgment on human pride. When Pharaoh arrives, he finds Assyrian kings there ahead of him, no longer fear-inspiring empire-builders but impotent victims of God’s judgment. The grave is in fact full of fallen, formerly mighty kings and rulers. Their pride now appears foolish—they have all returned to dust.

Going back to the start of today’s passage, the fifth oracle against Egypt features a splendid, impressive cedar tree representing Assyria (31:1-18). Assyria had been a superpower, but God used Babylon to bring her down. That downfall should be a lesson to Egypt: Military power and political supremacy guarantee nothing.

The sixth oracle is a lament over the king of Egypt and again pictures him as a crocodile that gets hunted, caught, and gutted (32:1-16). The pride of Egypt will be shattered by a ruthless killer, Babylon. Interestingly, darkness is part of this judgment, an echo of the ten plagues in the days of Moses and the Exodus. The point is that God is in control of history—He raises up kingdoms and brings them down as His justice decrees.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If God is sovereign, is there any point at all to human planning? Yes, as long as that planning is done in submission to Him. Planning can be part of good stewardship and obedience. As Proverbs 14:22 reminds us: “Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” Actually, the book of Proverbs contains a great deal of wisdom about making spiritually sound plans, including such references as Proverbs 16:3; 19:21; and 21:30.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 33:10-16
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. - Ezekiel 33:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Usually pop songs on the radio are here today, gone tomorrow. Yesterday’s top hit, played hourly to keep pace with album sales, is tomorrow’s forgotten tune. Somewhere in Nashville or Los Angeles, musicians and marketers are already crafting the next hit, probably something about romantic love, probably something that appeals to a 20-something or younger demographic, probably something not too long and not too complicated so that the radio stations will play it.

In Ezekiel’s day, God’s people treated His messages as though they were pop songs, as background noise but not divine words to heed and obey (v. 32). They were not doers of the Word, but hearers only (James 1:22-25). Today’s reading begins the third and final main section of the book of Ezekiel—chapters 33 through 48 deliver a message of comfort and promise to the Jewish exiles.

Ezekiel’s commission as a “watchman” was renewed at the start of the passage (vv. 1-20). As a man with a message from God, he must share it. If he didn’t, the people’s blood would be on his head, but if he did and no one listened, it would be on their heads. Ezekiel may have been tired of being a misunderstood doomsayer, but God encouraged him to continue taking seriously his responsibility as a prophet of the Most High.

Ezekiel was doubtless glad his message was vindicated when a messenger arrived confirming the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple (vv. 21-33). The people had chosen to ignore his prophetic warnings and put their confidence in their status as “chosen people,” despite their idolatry. Perhaps because of their faithless response, the prophet had been temporarily muted by God, but now his tongue was released. Surely the people would listen now! Now that all they loved seemed dead—the promised land, the holy city, the temple, and the kingly line of David—perhaps they would actually listen to what God had to say.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The point of Ezekiel’s prophecies was not for the people to feel depressed about their wrongdoing or even for the prophet to exult in divine justice, but rather for sinners to repent and live (v. 11)! God takes no pleasure in wielding His sword of judgment or in punishing people. He would much rather extend forgiveness and grace to those who put their trust in Him. The God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament—delighting to show mercy and inviting people to embrace His love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 34:11-16
I will shepherd the flock with justice. - Ezekiel 34:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Political scientist Alan Houston was at the British Library doing archival research for a book on Benjamin Franklin, one of the most studied figures in American history. There he made an incredible find—47 letters written by, to, and about the great man. No one had seen these letters before; no one even knew they existed! Professor Houston spent two years verifying their authenticity and examining their contents, and then published them last year in The William and Mary Quarterly, accompanied by an essay by him. The letters provide new information about historical events and in some cases show new sides of Franklin.

Just as historical documents help us understand historical figures, so also God’s Word guides us in understanding who He is. Having just received confirmation of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, this was what the Israelites needed to understand most of all: When all else is gone, God remains. Yes, He hates and judges sin, and the nation paid the price for their persistent idolatry. But as Ezekiel 34 teaches, He keeps His promises and remains the faithful and loving Shepherd of His people (cf. Psalm 23).

This chapter is built around a contrast between God and the false shepherds, who were the political and religious leaders of Israel. These leaders had failed to care for the flock, instead looking to profit at its expense (vv. 1-6). Naturally, the sheep had been scattered and preyed upon by wild animals. God opposed such “shepherds” and would hold them accountable as “sheep” who had gotten fat while others starved (vv. 7-10, 17-24). As the divine Shepherd, He would rescue His people from this horrible situation—searching for the lost, binding up the injured, finding them safe pasture, and in general shepherding the flock with justice (vv. 11-16). The covenant would be renewed and the land restored (vv. 25-31). “Showers of blessing” would rain down. Harvests would be plentiful and the people would dwell in peace.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Verse 24 indicates that the Shepherd will be a descendant of David and God Himself. This messianic riddle is solved in Jesus Christ. He is our Good Shepherd and we are His sheep (John 10:1-16). We follow His voice as He leads us to green pastures and quiet waters. Whereas a hired hand runs away when a wolf comes, Jesus proved He is the true Shepherd by laying down His life for us. Those who follow Him can “have life, and have it to the full.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 35-36; Ezekiel 36:24-32
You, O mountains of Israel, will produce . . . fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home. - Ezekiel 36:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
About 35 years ago, two baby boys were given up for adoption. They were adopted into two different families, attended rival high schools, and lived in neighboring towns in Maine . . . all the while unaware of each other’s existence. One of them eventually got a job as a furniture mover for a bedding store. Then amazingly, the other was hired for the same job by the same store. As the two men drove their truck around town completing deliveries, customers would ask them if they were brothers. “We thought they were just trying to razz us,” one said. Then they dug into their adoption records and discovered it was true—they actually were brothers!

The joy of being reunited with family is comparable to the joy Israel would feel upon returning to the land of promise. Today’s reading begins with a chapter of prophecy against the nation of Edom (cf. 25:12-14). The enmity between Edom and Israel extended all the way back to Jacob and Esau. When the Edomites looted Jerusalem after the Babylonian conquest (Obad. 1:11-14), they angered the Lord and incurred His judgment.

Why is this chapter here in the section of Ezekiel devoted to messages of comfort and promise? The Edomites intended to capitalize on their enemy’s defeat and seize the Israelite’s land for themselves (35:10-13). These plans showed disrespect for God because He had given the land to Jacob as an inheritance. In truth, it was God’s land (36:5).

Therefore, the prophecy against Edom is an appropriate introduction to God’s promise in chapter 36 to restore Israel to her land. One day they would return from exile—homes would be built, crops would be grown, the people would live in peace again (36:8-12). Just as the honor of God’s name demanded the justice of judgment, so it also meant that He would give the people new hearts and restore them as a witness to the nations (36:20-28). “Then they will know that I am the LORD” (36:38).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
No discipline lasts forever (36:15). God’s justice aims not to take vengeance on sinners but to restore them to fellowship with Him. The same is true today for Christians: “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:10-11). We should rejoice in God’s “tough love” for us—He’s preparing us for full fellowship with Him!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 37; Ezekiel 37:1-10
Son of man, can these bones live? - Ezekiel 37:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Several well-known African-American spirituals are sung about the book of Ezekiel. “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel,” for example, celebrates his vision in chapter 1. “Dry Bones” responds to his vision in today’s reading by reimagining those bones coming to life: “The toe bone connected with the foot bone, the foot bone connected with the ankle bone, the ankle bone connected with the leg bone . . . They gonna walk around, dry bones, Rise and hear the word of the Lord!” The hope of resurrection and new life permeates all the various versions of this classic spiritual.

Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is probably the most famous chapter in the book. The bones symbolized Israel’s hopeless condition (vv. 11-14). They weren’t just losing big or hoping for a miracle comeback. They were dead as dead can be!

But God brought life to this desolate scene. Before Ezekiel’s eyes, the bones began to rattle, tendons and flesh and skin appeared to bind everything together, the breath of life was breathed into them, and they stood up on their own two feet (vv. 1-10). Israel had lost everything—the promised land, their capital city, and their beloved temple. Yet God would bring the nation back from the dead, so to speak, and restore the people to a covenant relationship with Him.

The second part of the chapter is a second prophecy with the same meaning (vv. 15-28). Ezekiel took two sticks representing Israel and Judah and made them into one stick to show that the divided kingdom would be reunited and the exiled people brought home. The restored nation would be ruled by a king from the line of David who would lead them in the ways of genuine worship and holiness. This prophecy of the Messiah anticipated Christ’s first (to us, past) and second (future) advents. He has established an everlasting “covenant of peace”: “My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people” (vv. 26-27; cf. 1 Thess. 5:23).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Unbelievers are in the same hopeless condition as Israel (Eph. 2:1-5). They’re spiritually dead as dead can be! But just as the dry bones came to life through God’s mighty power, so too can dead people become spiritually alive through Christ’s resurrection power. One of the purposes of our redemption is for us to bear witness to this truth! Just as Ezekiel was called to be a prophet and “watchman” to Israel, so also are we called to speak and live the gospel of Christ to the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 40-41; Ezekiel 40:1-4
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness. - Psalm 138:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Legos, the interlocking plastic building blocks with which kids (and adults!) can build nearly anything they can imagine, celebrated their 50th anniversary two years ago. Over 400 billion Legos have been sold worldwide. The term Lego originated from the Danish words leg and godt, meaning “play well.” Legos are now made in 2,400 different shapes and the product line includes building kits, games, movies, books, amusement parks, and children’s shoes. Lego pieces have been used to recreate the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. There is even a Brick Testament Web site and book series featuring more than 3,600 Lego illustrations of 400 Bible stories.

Ezekiel’s vision of a new temple seems to be a future building project—no temple matching the measurements given in chapters 40 and following has yet been built. Commentators are divided over whether it will be built during the end times or if perhaps this temple is symbolic or allegorical (like so many other pictures in Ezekiel).

In any case, the temple was hugely significant for Israel because it represented the covenant and God’s presence with His people. It was the center of national worship. It represented His love and faithfulness and reminded them of their responsibilities to obey and walk with Him. It pointed back to a golden age under the kingships of David and Solomon. Even though the people had pursued false idols and defiled the temple, they were still devastated when the Babylonians destroyed it.

Because Ezekiel had never had the privilege of serving in the original temple, this must have been a thrilling vision for him. While a prophet and in exile, he remained a priest. Even in the vision, he was not allowed into the Most Holy Place (41:3-4). But to receive and share from God a picture of this new temple was surely a deeply fulfilling ministry.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the ways in which God’s presence with His people is symbolized today is through the Lord’s Supper. Churches celebrate it to obey Christ’s command, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:14-20). The Lord’s Supper reminds us that the Resurrected One lives in our hearts and calls us to worship and obedience. We are also called to share this good news: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor. 11:23-29).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 40-41; Ezekiel 40:1-4
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness. - Psalm 138:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Legos, the interlocking plastic building blocks with which kids (and adults!) can build nearly anything they can imagine, celebrated their 50th anniversary two years ago. Over 400 billion Legos have been sold worldwide. The term Lego originated from the Danish words leg and godt, meaning “play well.” Legos are now made in 2,400 different shapes and the product line includes building kits, games, movies, books, amusement parks, and children’s shoes. Lego pieces have been used to recreate the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. There is even a Brick Testament Web site and book series featuring more than 3,600 Lego illustrations of 400 Bible stories.

Ezekiel’s vision of a new temple seems to be a future building project—no temple matching the measurements given in chapters 40 and following has yet been built. Commentators are divided over whether it will be built during the end times or if perhaps this temple is symbolic or allegorical (like so many other pictures in Ezekiel).

In any case, the temple was hugely significant for Israel because it represented the covenant and God’s presence with His people. It was the center of national worship. It represented His love and faithfulness and reminded them of their responsibilities to obey and walk with Him. It pointed back to a golden age under the kingships of David and Solomon. Even though the people had pursued false idols and defiled the temple, they were still devastated when the Babylonians destroyed it.

Because Ezekiel had never had the privilege of serving in the original temple, this must have been a thrilling vision for him. While a prophet and in exile, he remained a priest. Even in the vision, he was not allowed into the Most Holy Place (41:3-4). But to receive and share from God a picture of this new temple was surely a deeply fulfilling ministry.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the ways in which God’s presence with His people is symbolized today is through the Lord’s Supper. Churches celebrate it to obey Christ’s command, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:14-20). The Lord’s Supper reminds us that the Resurrected One lives in our hearts and calls us to worship and obedience. We are also called to share this good news: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor. 11:23-29).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 17:1-15
I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you. - 1 Chronicles 17:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The heart of worship is always ready to adore our great God. That was the attitude not only of David but of countless believers through history. Augustine, for example, prayed: “O Lord in whom all things live, who commanded us to seek you, who are always ready to be found: to know you is life, to serve you is freedom, to praise you is our soul's delight. We bless you and adore you, we worship you and magnify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

For David in today's reading, a heart of worship meant he didn't want to live in a palace while the Ark remained in a tent. He wanted to build a proper temple. But he didn't rush ahead, as he had done previously. Instead, he consulted Nathan the prophet, showing that he had learned an important lesson about submitting all his plans, even ones with good motives, to the Lord. God's answer, however, was “no”—the honor of building a temple would go to his son, Solomon.

Though the request was denied, the Lord's answer was much richer than what King David had asked for. In what is often called the “Davidic covenant,” God confirmed that the kingdom would be secure, remaining enemies would be subdued, and a golden age was about to begin. The themes of homecoming and safety (v. 9) would have been especially poignant to the returned exiles for whom Chronicles was first written. They would also have been encouraged by the long-term promise that David's throne and house would be established forever, a promise with clear messianic implications (v. 14).

Jesus Christ fulfills that promise. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were both in the line of David. When He was crucified, it was under a sign proclaiming Him “King of the Jews” (Matt. 27:37). And the last book of the Bible opens by identifying Him as the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As with David, God has promised us many things within His plan of salvation. Keeping these promises close to our hearts can strengthen our faith. Good verses to memorize include Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; and Hebrews 9:28. In Christ, we have a “living hope . . . an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade,” and we are “shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 45-46; Ezekiel 46:1-8
The people of the land are to worship in the presence of the LORD. - Ezekiel 46:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Basement kitchens are found in many churches across America. On the counter sits a pair of well-used coffee urns. A few washed casserole dishes from last month’s potluck dinner lie unclaimed a few feet away. A handmade sign on the cupboard asks visitors not to eat the Cheerios and Goldfish crackers needed for Sunday school and nursery snacks. The trash can is filled with soda bottles and pizza boxes from a youth group meeting.

Church basement kitchens are cousins to the temple kitchen areas in today’s reading (46:19-24). Following the account of the new temple, Ezekiel narrated a new division of the promised land. The list of what does and does not belong to the ruler is a warning not to repeat the exploitation and injustice that led to God’s judgment. Leaders are instructed to protect the property rights of all citizens and reminded that in truth the land belongs to the Lord, as seen in the Year of Jubilee (46:16-18).

The bulk of this passage deals with offerings and holy days (45:13-46:24). The reasons behind the sacrifices are much the same as in the Mosaic Law—worship, purification, atonement, and gratitude—but the specifics vary in so many details that an entirely different time period seems to be in view. In addition, some sacrifices and holy days are not mentioned. It’s possible that these instructions are actually symbols and allegories. As with understanding the new temple, commentators differ as to whether the prophecy will be literally fulfilled during the end times or whether it speaks primarily to spiritual principles and meanings.

Might it be both? Take the kitchens, for example. They may very well actually be built one day as part of a new temple complex during the end times. Even now, though, at a spiritual level they speak to the reality that fellowship is an important part of worship. They remind us that within the community of faith, social and spiritual interactions merge with one another. A shared meal can bring glory to God!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It is often a good idea to seek out additional Scripture passages to help illuminate or give background to a biblical text under consideration. For instance, studying the sacrifices in Ezekiel 45 and 46 would correlate very well with a review of the sacrifices in the Mosaic Law (Lev. 1-7). For another example, the centrality of the temple within the book of Ezekiel might send an eager inquirer to such passages as Solomon’s dedication of the original temple (1 Kings 8).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 47-48; Ezekiel 47:1-12
And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. - Ezekiel 48:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bill Foege, a pioneer in global health, has saved millions of lives. He started working in Nigeria to vaccinate people against smallpox and contributed much to the eradication of the disease. He later headed up a task force working to improve immunization rates for the world’s children, raising the rate from only five percent in 1978 to 80 percent by 1990. Later, he persuaded a major pharmaceutical company to donate drugs to help end river blindness in Africa. Inspired by the life of Albert Schweitzer and a missionary uncle who served in Papua New Guinea, Foege works today with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, continuing to formulate strategies to improve health conditions worldwide.

God is the ultimate giver and saver of life, as seen in Ezekiel’s vision of the river of life flowing from His throne (47:1-12). This recurring image in prophecy can also be found in Revelation 22:1-2. In those verses, the “river of the water of life” flows from God’s throne and is lined by trees, the leaves of which bring healing to the nations, exactly as seen in Ezekiel. The water’s main properties are that it heals and gives life, suggesting a renewal of the physical creation as well as spiritual vitality. Christ Himself is the Living Water: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:7-14).

Following a description of the new boundaries of the promised land and new divisions of it among the twelve tribes of Israel, the book of Ezekiel draws to a close (48:30-35; cf. Rev. 21:1-7). The new Jerusalem will be renamed, “THE LORD IS THERE.” His presence and worship of Him will define this place and time in unprecedented ways. All through the book we have heard the refrain that God does what He does in order that “they will know that I am the LORD.” Here at last is the place where our thirst for God will be quenched (Psalm 84)!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s reading brings us full circle of our study this month. The transcendent and sovereign God we encountered in Ezekiel 1 is the same God who keeps promises made long ago to Abraham and Moses. The wrathful God who wielded the sword of justice is the same God who dwells with His people as friend and King. The holy God whose glory departed from the city is the same God who names the city to affirm His eternal presence with His people.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 10:1-18
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? - Psalm 118:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
We don’t have to look far to find accounts of injustice. In just one week we might hear news stories about a local politician who has accepted bribes in exchange for government contracts, investment bankers who profited from the economic calamity of their own clients, and young women trafficked into sexual slavery around the world. Despair might be an understandable response. So much is wrong in the world; who can make it right? Psalm 10 was written thousands of years ago, but it remains relevant today as a depiction of injustice in the world, our response, and God’s character.

The psalm paints a vivid picture of the perpetrator (vv. 2-11). More than a dozen verbs communicate that the wicked person actively pursues the demise of the helpless: he premeditates violence and boasts about triumph; he considers himself untouchable and disdains God. He is portrayed as a poacher: he “hunts” and “lies in wait” to “ambush,” then he “catches” his victims in his “net” (vv. 2, 8-9). The evil person denies God’s authority. He lives lawlessly as if he is in control and God is disinterested or even absent.

In contrast, the psalmist petitions God to respond according to His character. He invokes God’s covenant name, LORD, which calls for God to be faithful to His promises (v. 12). The word hand in the ancient world symbolized authority, power, and divine presence. “Lift up your hand” entreats God to punish the wicked and to help the helpless.

Psalm 10 affirms that God does see and respond to trouble and grief; God helps those who cannot help themselves (v. 14). Our God hears the cries of the afflicted, He defends the defenseless, and He encourages the oppressed (vv. 17-18). God is not only the compassionate defender of the weak; He is also the eternal King of all kings. We can have confidence that God is a righteous judge who calls the wicked to account for his deeds (v. 15). God protects the weak and abolishes injustice; He replaces terror with His peace.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In our world full of hatred, violence, and sins against the weak and powerless, Psalm 10 tells us who God is and how He responds to evil. Perhaps there is particular wickedness that weighs on your heart. Maybe you are overwhelmed by the general state of the world today. Let us begin this month in prayer, adopting the words and frame of reference of Psalm 10. Cry out to God on behalf of the helpless; bring the wicked before His throne for judgment; declare who God is; pray for His justice and peace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 68:1-19
Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. - Psalm 96:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, the spell of the White Witch has made it always winter in the land of Narnia but never Christmas. When the curse is broken, the effects of the long winter are reversed: the icy river thaws, trees blossom, and the snow melts to reveal the lush landscape. The signs of spring are the dawn of new life and change. They are also the result of Aslan’s return and foreshadow his redemption. We find similar signs of restoration in today’s reading.

Psalm 68 is a memoir of the journey of God’s people from Sinai to Jerusalem. From Egypt and throughout the wilderness wandering, God guided and sustained His people. From out of the wasteland, God led His people into the Promised Land; His enemies were scattered (v. 1) and kings and armies fled in haste (v. 12). Then He established His throne and dwelling place in Jerusalem (vv. 16, 29).

Paramount to Psalm 68 is the revelation of God’s character and conduct along the journey (vv. 1-7). The psalmist employs four distinct names of God that accentuate specific aspects of who He is. The most frequent is “God” or Elohim in the original Hebrew language, a common name for God. Adonai appears as “Lord” in English and emphasizes God as master (vv. 11, 17, 19). “The LORD” symbolizes God’s covenant faithfulness to His people (vv. 4, 16, 18; cf. Ex. 3:13-14). Finally, Shaddai is “Almighty” and highlights God’s power and strength (v. 14).

Also notice the descriptions of God’s actions in Psalm 68 (vv. 5-6). God advocates for vulnerable people. In all four illustrations, God reverses the plight of the people. God fathers the orphans; He protects the defenseless widow; He restores people once isolated to community; and He frees captives. Along the journey, God has demonstrated who He is: Almighty God, Eternal King, Father, Savior, and Renovator. Psalm 68 ends with a call to worship grounded in the assurance that God daily bears our burdens (v. 19).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Tucked within Psalm 68 is a picture of how the righteous, those who love God and follow Him, respond to God’s character: gladness, joy, and praise (vv. 3-4). They glorify Him for who He is. Identify a characteristic of God from our passage that is meaningful to you. Perhaps you have experienced His fatherly care or protection in the past, or maybe you desire to see His restoration or kingly rule. Today worship God for who He is: acknowledge His character and praise Him for His deeds.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 146:1-10
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. - Psalm 20:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Worship Lyrics and the Hidden Narcissism” is the title of a worship pastor’s blog post from 2009. He noted that the lyrics of many modern praise choruses are self-centered, and after a conference for worship leaders, he lamented: “Each song seemed to define God according to our experience of Him,” rather than the other way around. We need to evaluate lyrics for subtle narcissism, “which places us at the center of the worship experience instead of God.” The pastor then encouraged his readers to be thoughtful about how lyrics reflect God’s Word. Some of the best examples of God-centered expressions of worship come from Scripture, especially the book of Psalms.

Psalm 146 is a wonderful example of a song grounded in the acknowledgment of who God is. The entire Psalm is bracketed with praise (vv. 1-2, 10). The psalmist clarifies that worship emanates from one’s inner being and continues for a lifetime. Verses three through six contrast the person who places his security in humans with the one who trusts God for help and hope—this one is called “blessed.” “Mortal men” diminish compared to the eternal and faithful Creator (v. 6).

The psalm resounds with ten proclamations of who God is and what He does (vv. 7-10). God advocates for the oppressed. In the original Hebrew, the first line of verse 7 reads: “the one who executes justice.” The Lord feeds the hungry and releases the prisoners; He heals the blind and lifts up the humble. The Lord cares for the displaced and vulnerable people among us, like refugees, orphans, and widows. Notice the important contrast: God loves the righteous, but obstructs the plans of the wicked (v. 9).

Psalm 146 praises God as the eternal King (v. 10), and He is the faithful covenant keeper (v. 5) who can remain true to His promises for all generations. He is a God who not only cares about the oppressed, but also has the power to deliver from sin and to defeat the wicked. He is worthy of all our praise.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Where do you place your help and hope? Whom do you trust for security and peace? The world says our success and safety lie in our own hands or the hands of other humans, in our talents and achievements, in our investments and insurance. Psalm 146:3-6 teaches the exact opposite. We are mortal and powerless to save; God is forever faithful and mighty to save. If you are trusting yourself or others for help and hope, pray that God would transform your heart and actions to trust only in Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 7:1-17
Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail. - Zephaniah 3:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Old Testament was originally written in the Hebrew language, and the two words translated “justice” and “righteousness” often appear together. We often associate them with punishment for wrongdoing, but this doesn’t capture the entirety of these biblical words. Righteousness and justice are also about “being right, doing right, and putting things right” relationally, socially, and politically. According to one Bible scholar, righteousness is about “God re-establishing right order in the fallen world.” These words occur in today’s passage as we continue contemplating God’s character.

As seen before, God is our refuge, shield, savior, and deliverer (vv. 1, 10). The middle of Psalm 7 is saturated with words like “justice,” “judge,” “righteousness,” and “righteous” (vv. 6-11), revealing more dimensions of who God is. He is both ruler and righteous judge; He decrees justice and expresses His wrath daily. Psalm 7 teaches that the LORD judges all people righteously according to the integrity of their minds, hearts, and actions (vv. 3-5, 8-10). The outcome includes eliminating the violence of the wicked and establishing the righteous (v. 9).

Psalm 7 emphasizes God’s righteousness as the measure of evaluating our own righteousness (vv. 8, 9). God’s people are to live in a way that exemplifies the justice and righteousness of God in their relationships with other people. For example, in verse 5, the psalmist says if I have treated another person unjustly, then let the victim be vindicated. Yet, the psalmist argues that he has acted with righteousness (v. 8). He beseeches God to confirm that he has imitated God’s righteousness in his own relationships.

The fulcrum of Psalm 7 is the declaration of God as righteous judge (v. 11). The beginning of Psalm 7 affirms that precisely because God is not capricious or unjust, He is able to be a trusted shelter and redeemer (v. 1). The psalm ends with thanksgiving and praise in response to His righteous judgment.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Psalm 7 is certainly turned outward—“let the LORD judge the peoples,” but it is also turned inward—“judge me, O LORD” (v. 8). It is always easier to cite God’s righteous judgment in reference to the sins of others; accepting God as our own righteous judge often proves uncomfortable. Today let us come before God in humble confession, inviting His Spirit to search our hearts for unrighteousness (Ps. 139:23-24). Then let’s rejoice in the assurance of our pardon in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1-2).