The truth of the matter was that I liked being alone out there in the early morning. I liked seeing the night pale and the stars wink out one by one, like candles snuffed by a quiet wind. I liked seeing the pink color in the east and the dark trees begin to take on shape.”
–Louis L’Amour (Chancy)
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
–2 Peter 1:19 (NKJV)
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I know this is not Monday, but I want to draw your attention to some particular Psalms. The term “Selah,” do you remember what it means? Most closely it is “think on this,” or “contemplate.” It could mean a hardy “Amen!” — so be it. There are many verses in the Old Testament that prophesy about the coming Messiah–Jesus. It would do us well to contemplate on a few of them as we go into this Easter weekend.
There are many Psalms regarding Jesus as Messiah and I want to point out a few for us to focus on going into the weekend. Here are several that were fulfilled during the Easter week.
“Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.” –Psalm 118:25-26 (NKJV) cf Mark 11:9
“Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” –Psalm 41:9 (NKJV) cf John 13:18
“All those who see Me ridicule Me; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, ‘He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!'” –Psalm 22:7-8 (NKJV) cf Matthew 27:42-43
“For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet.” –Psalm 22:16 (NKJV) cf Matthew 27:35
“They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” –Psalm 22:18 (NKJV) cf John 19:23-24
“They also gave me gall for My food, and for My thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” –Psalm 69:21 (NKJV) cf Mark 15:36
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” –Psalm 22:1 (NKJV) cf Mark 15:34
“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” –Psalm 16:10(NKJV) cf Acts 2:27
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” –Psalm 118:22 (NKJV) cf Acts 4:11
“The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.'” –Psalm 110:1 (NKJV) cf Hebrews 10:13
These are only a few verses to remind us that the Messiah was prophesied in the Psalms. By studying the Psalms we see the Messiah identified as Prophet, Priest, and King. He is declared the Son of God. These verses from the Psalms would be some of the Scriptures that the disciples and early followers of Jesus would study together. They now had a new light upon the Old Testament.
This Easter, do more than go through the rituals of Easter. They are important for sure, but take time to contemplate the coming of Jesus. Remember what those words He said on the cross — “It is finished!” — really meant. Glory in the grace that is given to us because of the resurrection when death was defeated.
“How well your blessed truths agree!
How wise and holy your commands!
Your promises–how firm they be!
How firm our hope and comfort stands!”
–Isaac Watts
———————————-
I know this is not Monday, but I want to draw your attention to some particular Psalms. The term “Selah,” do you remember what it means? Most closely it is “think on this,” or “contemplate.” It could mean a hardy “Amen!” — so be it. There are many verses in the Old Testament that prophesy about the coming Messiah–Jesus. It would do us well to contemplate on a few of them as we go into this Easter weekend.
There are many Psalms regarding Jesus as Messiah and I want to point out a few for us to focus on going into the weekend. Here are several that were fulfilled during the Easter week.
“Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.” –Psalm 118:25-26 (NKJV) cf Mark 11:9
“Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” –Psalm 41:9 (NKJV) cf John 13:18
“All those who see Me ridicule Me; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, ‘He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!'” –Psalm 22:7-8 (NKJV) cf Matthew 27:42-43
“For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet.” –Psalm 22:16 (NKJV) cf Matthew 27:35
“They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” –Psalm 22:18 (NKJV) cf John 19:23-24
“They also gave me gall for My food, and for My thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” –Psalm 69:21 (NKJV) cf Mark 15:36
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” –Psalm 22:1 (NKJV) cf Mark 15:34
“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” –Psalm 16:10(NKJV) cf Acts 2:27
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” –Psalm 118:22 (NKJV) cf Acts 4:11
“The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.'” –Psalm 110:1 (NKJV) cf Hebrews 10:13
These are only a few verses to remind us that the Messiah was prophesied in the Psalms. By studying the Psalms we see the Messiah identified as Prophet, Priest, and King. He is declared the Son of God. These verses from the Psalms would be some of the Scriptures that the disciples and early followers of Jesus would study together. They now had a new light upon the Old Testament.
This Easter, do more than go through the rituals of Easter. They are important for sure, but take time to contemplate the coming of Jesus. Remember what those words He said on the cross — “It is finished!” — really meant. Glory in the grace that is given to us because of the resurrection when death was defeated.
“How well your blessed truths agree!
How wise and holy your commands!
Your promises–how firm they be!
How firm our hope and comfort stands!”
–Isaac Watts