Psalm 119:49-80 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
Today we pick up Ps 119 from v. 49 to v. 80. Notice the range of words used to refer to the Bible: Word v. 49, promise v. 50, law v. 51, 53, 55, rules v. 52, statutes v. 54, and precepts v. 56. Please refer to the first devotional in Psalm 119 to remind yourself of the meanings or semantic range of these synonyms. Most of the 8 verse sections show a similar variety of synonyms for the Bible.
The Psalmist seems like such a joyous person. He is full of joy about the Bible. He loves the Bible (v. 48) for many reasons. For one, the Bible gives him hope (v. 49). He derives comfort from the Scriptures (v. 52). The Scriptures teach good judgment and knowledge (v. 66) and keeps us from going astray (v. 67). Yet, anyone who loves one thing will hate the thing opposite. Even Jesus in Matt 6:24, said one cannot serve God and money. If you love one; you will hate the other. This seems to make sense.
The Psalmist expresses strong negative emotions toward any who despises God’s word. “Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law” v. 53. This began in v. 21, “You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from Your commandments.” “You spurn all who go astray from your statutes. . . .” “I hate the double-minded” v. 113. “People do not keep your law” v. 136. “They “forget your words.” V. 139. “They are far from your law” v. 150. “I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands” v. 158. “They do not seek our statutes” v. 155. “I hate and abhor falsehood . . . .” v. 163.
This may seem too harsh to some, but you can’t love God and be indifferent about sin that rebels against His loving Word. When God speaks, everyone should be quiet and listen so everyone can obey. No one should be indifferent, and no one ever should rebel. He is worthy of prompt and heartfelt obedience. God is the sovereign of every nation. When the Psalmist feels hot indignation, this is not because he is emotional. Rather, he cares so very deeply about God’s Kingdom and how can a sovereign rule unless his subjects obey? We are not to despise sinful people. Yet we can object to the sinful bondage they are under which is in direction opposition to God’s Kingdom.
We must never separate God and His word. We can make a distinction between God and His Word, but this is how He communicates with His people. His Word is how He rules and governs His church. He does not rule the natural world through His word. But He instructs us and teaches us in His word. We gain wisdom by learning from and obeying the Scriptures.
I listened to a Q & A segment of a Ligonier conference where R.C. Sproul was asked, “My friends claim you believe in the Father. Son, and Holy Bible. Can you respond? R.C. just didn’t understand the question, which was a not-so-subtle slam on his view of inerrancy and the emphasis R. C. placed on the Bible. Those who made the statement truly believed that the Holy Spirit is neglected by Sproul’s doctrine of the Bible. Sproul substituted the Bible where the Spirit should be.
Yet those who assert such criticism must admit that without the Bible we are adrift in the Spirit. The Spirit may say one thing to this church and another to a different church. Or one thing to the pastor, and another thing to a member. But since nothing is written down, the message can be forgotten, misunderstand and the message is from the Spirit, so the person feels they have to obey God, the Holy Spirit. Confusion reigns.
You may have noticed another aspect of unbelievers in this Psalm. They deride (v. 51) the Psalmist from following God. They smear him with lies (v. 69) [presumably about him], show contempt and scorn (v. 22), plot against him (v. 23), taunt him (v. 42), the cords of the wicked ensnare him (v. 61), “they have wronged me with falsehood” (v. 78), persecute him (v. 84, 86 {with falsehood}, 157, 161 ), “almost made an end of me on earth (v. 87), “lie in wait to destroy me” (v. 95), afflict him (v. 107), lay a snare for him (v. 110), oppress him (v). 121), and break the law (v. 126, 136).
This means David constantly had people who were his adversaries and tried to stop him at every turn. I suppose since we was a king, that should be expected. I remember hearing about meeting President Regan convened with his administration heads. He read a number of press releases that were sharply critical of one of the secretaries. Secretary of Education, Interior, or one of them. After reading them the same individual was feeling slightly singled out and attacked. Then Reagan said, “What are the rest of you doing? We need more of this from the press. Good job, Mr. Secretary.”
Cherishing God’s word may mean we will face opposition. One wonders what the future holds for churches. Currently ministers preside at weddings and funerals and get tax free housing. Churches are not assessed taxes. Our giving is not taxed. So much could change in our country. We don’t want to instigate or initiate anything but at least we can be mindful and pray for those who do suffer here and around the world. And we can prepare by loving the Bible and our Lord Jesus so deeply that we have already determined we will not deny Him.
Our dear heavenly Father, thank you that we have hard copies of the Bible and many of us have multiple digital copies – all in our own language. Even though we may not face persecution, we pray for those in North Korea, China, and other hots spots where believers are afflicted. They are part of our family, and we lovingly pray for them. Yet, for us, we pray for a deeper devotion to You by reading the Scripture but especially obeying Your word. Open the eyes of our hearts Lord so we can behold wondrous things from Your law. In Christ’s perfect and glorious name. Amen.