Today in the Word...

I recieved this e-mail the other day from Moody Bible Institute and wanted to share.

Read: Psalm 119:1-88

TODAY IN THE WORD

Our conception of the law, as 21st-century people in the West, typically includes a notion of rules that regulate behavior. We concern ourselves with staying within the rules; for instance, if we’re obeying the speed limit, we expect the police to leave us alone.

This view of the law might work when it comes to the rules of the road, but it’s very misleading for understanding what the law means in the Bible. Although the Hebrew word Torah can refer to the law code given to Moses, Torah doesn’t mean the same thing as our word “law.” Bible scholar William Dumbrell suggests that Torah means “direction for life within the framework of a presupposed relationship.” In other words, the Bible’s view of the law focuses on how we can live life the way that God intended within the context of our relationship with Him. That’s a whole lot more comprehensive—and a better motivation—than a set of “do’s” and “dont’s”! This focus on relationship highlights that obeying God’s law flows from our knowing Him. It’s only because we’re saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus that we can obey His Word.

Psalm 119 is one long meditation on the goodness and perfection of God’s law, also described as “commands,” “decrees,” and “precepts.” Certainly these words tell us what we should and shouldn’t “do,” but, more importantly, they reveal the glorious nature of God and His perfect ways.

The psalmist was so inspired by seeing God’s perfection through His Word that he wrote 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. He starts out by showing that the way to really succeed in life is all about God’s law (v. 1, 9—11). The last part of today’s reading describes the hope that the psalmist has because of God’s Word (v. 81). Now here’s a “framework” for living!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

As you read through today’s passage, start a list of the framework for living that emerges from these eleven stanzas. For example, those who follow God’s command will not be ashamed (v. 6), and their scorn and contempt will be removed (v. 22). God’s Word strengthens (v. 28), delights (v. 35), comforts, renews life (v. 50), and preserves (v. 88). As you meditate on this passage and the beauty of God’s law, praise Him for the life-giving gift that we find in His rich and deep Word!