Psalm_82

Scripture - What stood out?PSALM 82:1God has taken his place in the divine council;

    in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: Observation - What does it say?Another psalm of Asaph. This fairly short psalm has one major theme: its cry for justice on behalf of those who are being oppressed by the wicked. Understanding - What does it mean?Initially when I read this psalm I glossed over the two lower case “gods” (NIV has the quote marks around it, I was reading ESV which does not) which appear in verse 1 and verse 6. When I read it again my slightly sarcastic mind-voice had taken over…”You guys think you are “gods”?...And I knew that didn’t sound like God the father! After reading several commentaries the majority interpretation was that God was referring to us(humans) as gods in the sense that we were very much like Him. In the second half of verse 6 He says, “...you are all sons of the Most High.” (sons I believe is understood to mean all genders in this case) I remember growing up whenever my father disciplined me as a child he would without fail tell me how hard it was for him to have to do this. That he loved me so much that wished he didn’t have to discipline me. I also remember my father repeatedly telling me how he prayed fervently that his sons would look just like him when we came out of the womb. And so as I read Psalm 82:1 again, I read it with the lens of a loving Father who really doesn’t want to have to discipline us. Because we remind Him of Him. God loves us of this I have no doubt. And it is out of his love he disciplines us. It is out of His righteousness that He applies His justice. And it is out of His grace that He grants mercy. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today? I believe that God looks at us much like my father looked upon me. I can still see the love in his eyes as he would retell me the story of how much he wanted his sons to be like Him. I can still see the love in his eyes as he explained to me how much he disliked having to discipline me.  I believe when God judges “in the midst of gods” he is reminding us that we remind Him of Him, that he loves us, and that He does not enjoy having to discipline us. Today I choose to look in the mirror and say out loud “ I am an image bearer of God and God loves me.” I praise and worship you Lord! -kenneth lee 

Mark 15

Scripture

‭‭Mark‬ ‭15:31-32‬ ‭

“The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Theelders, leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the entire high council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. They accused Jesus of various bogus crimes. They asked Pilate to take Jesus into custody and demanded that Jesus be crucified for his crimes. Although Pilate found that no crimes were committed on Jesus’ part, and soon realized that the leading priests had Jesus arrested out of jealousy, Pilate ultimately caved in to the crowds' persuasion, and had Jesus crucified.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

It wasn’t nails that held Jesus up on that cross, it was love.

From being flogged with a lead tipped whip, spit on, mocked, beaten, taunted, and ultimately crucified, Jesus had to endure so much even before reaching Calvary. Why though? He was in fact God incarnate. He could have easily done what the crowd was mocking him to do, which was to save himself and come down from the cross that day. But Jesus was on a mission. It was to fulfill God’s will, not his. The whole world’s sins would be placed on him that day, and Jesus was the perfect sacrifice to fulfill God’s requirements. The bloodshed of the lamb without any blemish. His blood covered this world’s sins. Jesus paid the debt he did not owe because we had a debt we could not pay. Jesus’ love for us kept him on that cross that day. He knew God’s desire for an eternal relationship with mankind. A relationship with a mankind that is so sinful, and a God who is so Holy. And the only way that was going to happen is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Now if only mankind would put their trust and faith in Jesus, that relationship would be restored.

 

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”-‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭

 

Life Application

 

Who said life was going to be easy?!

 

Life is filled with its ups and downs. Life is never easy. No one ever said that it would be. What makes us think we can go through life without any hardships and pains, when God did not even shield His one and only Son from them? But take heart! Put your faith and trust in Jesus. He is on our side! Jesus has overcome the world and even overcome death so that all who put their faith and trust in him can do the same!

 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”-‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬

 

-Moses Gaddi

 

Psalm_80

Scripture

 

Psalm ‭80:3

 

‭“Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

The author of this psalm, (Asaph), is pleading to God to show His glory, reveal His mighty hand, and rescue Israel from the constant sorrow and oppression they are in. As a matter of fact, the author uses this same exact verse three times in this chapter (verses 3, 7, and 19)! To me, it shows the seriousness of their situation. It shows the desperation and need of Israel to have a spiritual revival and awakening. One so great that it can turn the tides of their situation in a way that the people repent from their sinfulness towards God and never look back.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

There are two “A’s” needed for a revival to happen: Admission and Acceptance.

 

In order for Israel to make change in their situation, they needed these two “A’s” to happen in their lives. They needed to Admit their wrong doings, and they needed to Accept the fact that they cannot do it alone and they need God’s guidance and help. The fact that they turned their backs on God, and tried to do things their way is what caused them to be in the situation they were in. Now don’t get me wrong, they are still God’s children, His chosen ones, but there are still consequences for their sinful actions. We serve a God who is just, but He is also gracious and forgiving. Israel needs to turn back to God, rely on His strength, and not their own, and then God will reveal His presence and power in their lives.

 

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”-‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭

 

“I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.”

Habakkuk‬ ‭3:2‬

 

Life Application

 

Are you in need of a revival?..Seek God first!

 

Father God I pray for revival in this world. I pray for a spiritual awakening. I pray that this world sees its faults, admits their mistakes, and accepts your invitation in their lives. May You reveal Yourself in a way that changes their lives for the better Lord. May we all see that we can’t do it alone...We need YOU! May Your people stand in the gaps for their loved ones, neighbors, and friends. May we unite to pray for their salvation. May You bring the change this world so desperately needs. In Your Holy and precious Name I pray, Amen.

 

-Moses Gaddi

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