Read Psalms 144 – 150
Highlights:
We open with one of David's battle songs as he marches forth to war. The second is victory coming out of battle. The last five psalms are a grand outburst of Hallelujah songs to the majesty of our Lord. God reigns; let all creation praise God; let the angels praise God; let the Saints praise God; HALLELUJAH, praise God!
LORD, what is man, that Thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that Thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away (Ps. 144:3-4).
The psalmist asks a question that truly reveals God's great love for mankind. Some might say that they don't see that in these verses. Let us analyze what the writer is saying.
The psalmist is praying to God and asking Him, “what is man”. This question is not really about man, but about God. The question is asking God why does He value man so much. The writer wants to know why it is man in whom the plan of God works.
The writer goes on to say that man is vain in nature. He also says that man's days are not long. He is here and then gone. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).
It seems the psalmist is asking, what good is man? What can his brief life accomplish? How could man be a benefit to God?
But God looks at man and sees something of great value. This is because He sees us for who we can be and not who we are. God is in the business of transforming the hearts and lives of men into those worthy to be servants in God's kingdom. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (Rom. 6:22).
God saw enough value in man that Jesus came to this earth and laid His life down for all mankind. The Lord looked at mankind and loved us enough to send heaven's greatest treasure to suffer and die in our place. God did this so that we would have the opportunity to spend all of eternity with Him in heaven. Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).
There are many that, at times, lack self-confidence. They belittle their own worth or maybe even the worth of others. The next time you question your own value or the value of another person, think about these verses. God saw us as we are and still valued us highly. As a matter of fact, He placed the highest price possible on us. Our value was so great that it cost the life of Jesus Christ.
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (1 Cor. 6:20).
Thought for Today:
The more we learn to praise the Lord, the more prepared we are for heaven.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who gives sight to the blind (Ps. 146:8). Jesus Christ opened blind eyes. Then touched He their eyes . . . . And their eyes were opened (Matt. 9:27-30; Mark 10:46-52; John 9:1-41).
Word Studies:
144:7 rid, rescue; 144:13 garners, grain storehouses; streets, fields; 145:3 unsearchable, beyond our understanding; 147:4 telleth, counts; 148:7 dragons, large sea animals.
Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord for hearing your prayers (Ps. 28:6-7).
Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:8
