Background
Enormous physical suffering and intense mental pressure marked the opening and closing of the Messiah’s earthly ministry. Jesus Christ began “in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts” (Mark 1:13), where both his mind and body were under attack. Yet, he responded with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10) and quoted the scriptures concerning what he was to do.
Background
This Psalm is one of joy and majesty, for it tells of the Messiah’s crowning as King forever. It has a closing title: “To the chief Musician, upon Aijeleth Shahar.” This Hebrew expression means “dawn of the day.” This could refer to David’s coronation.
Background
This Psalm speaks of “His Anointed” (verse 6) and “the king” (verse 9). Jesus Christ is the central theme, for he is the Messiah and King who fulfilled the law.
Background
Before God had His prophets write down His Word, God wrote it himself in the heavens. The stars, planets, and heavenly bodies describe the coming Messiah and the enemy that he would overcome. See “The Heavens Declare the Glory of God” and “We Can Trust God’s Word, Part 1” for more detail.
Background
This Psalm includes the title: “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said.” David was pursued by Saul and escaped, by God’s grace, on several occasions.
Gene and I lived on Guam for seven years. While there, he wrote for the Pacific Daily News, including feature stories about interesting characters on the island.
Background
This Psalm shows the Messiah’s absolute trust and confidence in God’s help. The adversary constantly attacks, and the Messiah just as consistently goes to God for help. The Lord is faithful to deliver His Son.
Background
This Psalm is one of the greatest encouragements concerning Jesus Christ that he would have read about himself. Verses 8-11 are quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25-28) and by Paul in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:35). Jesus Christ had a glad heart and was at peace because of the hope of his resurrection.
Background
This Psalm is a “checklist” of what the Messiah would do. Jesus Christ would have found great inspiration and guidance in these scriptures.
This blog marks the beginning of a new journey for me and I plan on taking you with me, dear reader, if you are willing. I recently pulled out an ancient map that was a beloved part of my youth, and it is the map of Jesus’ life on earth, the good news of the Savior as recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.