Psalm 19: The God who is wise

Lessons from David- Psalm 19

'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands' (1)

All of creation witnesses to the existence of a generous and wise God. He can create things well- and does so with grandeur. Just look at the sun (5-6), the centrepoint of our universe. God is brighter, everlasting and more majestic than this.

And God's wisdom is also revealed to us in His Word, described here as perfect, trustworthy, wisdom-giving, joyous, radiant and precious. 'By them is Your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.' (11)

How often do we view God's commands as limiting factors on our lives? Instead we should follow the psalmist's example, and humbly come befre God's Word so that our errors can be discerned (12). By coming to God's Word humbly and prayerfully we are asking God to change us to be increasingly blameless and holy.

'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.' (14)

Who is Jesus? -John 1

At the start of his gospel, John wants to make it crystal clear to us who Jesus Christ is. Why? Because it's the key to knowing Him and loving Him. And it stops us from dismissing Him as a man, eccentric or unusual as He may be.

For Jesus, John claims, was no mere man, but the Word, who was with God and who was God through all eternity (1-2). Jesus created the universe with God the Father (3); He is the source of life (4), and He humbled Himself to come to the earth He created, and suffered rejection there (10-11).

'Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God' (12). Why did Jesus, the mighty Creator of the universe, bother to come down to earth? To make it possible for YOU to become a child of God. It's not our natural status- we are children of sin. But Jesus was prepared to endure rejection by some, in order to give life to others who would accept Him.

What a cost it was, for the glory of the Son of God to be transformed and hidden in human flesh (14). And He didn't come down for a sinister purpose- to 'catch us out'- but offering grace and truth (14). Jesus came to make God known to us (18). That's so incredible, showing such amazing love and compassion, that it provokes us to stop, look and love Jesus. If you were in His position, would YOU have come to earth to save one like yourself? Ugly with sinful selfish thoughts and behaviour? Think long and hard. The answer is: 'probably not'.