Psalm 119:89-90
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. You established the earth, and it abides. Psalm 119:89-90 (NKJV)
Psalm 119 was likely written by a Priest with exceptional piety, creating sections of 8 verses each and titled using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The Psalm was likely used as a teaching tool focusing on each part of God’s godliness. Our verses come from the beginning of the 11th section and as a transition between each half.
The Psalmist emphasizes that God’s Word is eternal, solid, firm in message. The Bible is just as relevant to our lives today as it was over the last several millennia. The Bible is not like a textbook that we study for a semester or two, memorize the key passages, take a test and pass, and then put it on a shelf likely never to be opened again.
When Diane and I recently moved to our new house, I found a box of my old college materials – including some old textbooks that I thought I might need for references down the road. The box had a blue moving van sticker and original tape from our move to Fargo, ND (3 moves and 40 years ago). Apparently, textbooks have a serious shelf life.
Our Psalmist compares God’s Word as “Forever” and compares it to the earth’s existence for billions of years within the universe. Astronauts when they view the earth for the first time from space have found the experience transformative. A sense of awe and wonder at our “fragile blue pea” (Neil Armstrong). Unlike 1000’s of earth maps, from space there are no lines separating countries, cultures, ideology, etc. Unlike God’s Word, our earthly maps are ever changing, following the latest ideological or political flavor of the month. Yet from space, the earth is like our Psalmist’s view as existing forever throughout all generations.
Of course, the Bible, God’s written Word, is not a stagnant textbook. To be read once and “shelfed”. It is a wonderful living document with its verses speaking to each of us depending on our daily circumstances. When I read the Bible, I constantly find new meanings for the Words as they apply to me today. In our Men’s Groups during our Bible discussions, it is enlightening to hear the different ways that God’s Word is speaking to each of us. My faith and understanding have grown so much through the many perceptions and perspectives shared in our group. Men’s Group has been a highlight each week in my faith journey.
Questions for Reflection:
- The next time you get a chance to be outside on a clear dark night, look up and be in awe of God’s creation. Realize that it took God 13.77 billion years to paint that picture just to share it with you tonight. Are our differences really that important to matter?
Prayer:
Dear Lord of our universe. Please help us to listen to each other, even when it may challenge my views. Help me to see differences as a means to broaden my understanding of Your Word, finding peace in all of your creations. In Christ. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment