I will praise you with an upright heart when i learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statuetes, do ot utterly forsake me
The psalmist prayer turns to praise as he learns. This is the fruit of lips that have learned something amazing. He finds God's words sweet, and a delight. What moves the heart wags the tongue and our delights are often betrayed by our mouths. You can tell a lot about a man by what he praises. By the things he exults. If the object of his praise is himself, his heart is vain and his idolatry is his own righteousness. If his praise is for his football team, his vainglory is by association.
Not that praise of good things is in its self evil, but if it is the dominant theme of our concern it pushes all others out.
David praises with an 'upright heart'. A heart that is set on the things above, where Christ is seated in the heavenly realms. There is no room in this heart for other loves. For he has built a beautiful refuge, an upright testimony, a clean and undivided heart that is able to exalt God. And isn't this the task of heaven, where we are free of the power, penalty and presence of sin, to delight, unashamed, fully unveiled, cleansed made whole, by the living God in his terrifying presence without shame or fear.
He has learned your righteous rules. By them is your servant warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
And so we come to his first request in prayer. "Do not forsake me utterly".
The beloved blessed and happy is not forsaken, though he may feel it and though he may be crying for deliverance.
His heart felt promise is to keep those statutes and to endure and as feeble is our keeping of it, HE is not feeble in holding on to us, is it a plea for mercy, is it a lonely cry?
It seems that despite the immanence of God in hearing and giving these life empowering words, that he still doubts that in the face of these satutes he still must abandon all self righteousness and cling to God for blessing. For only the safe keeping of God is safe. I would not pledge my heart to my own power of any kind for salvation.
"Pass me not O gentle saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
Whilst on others you are calling,
do not pass me by.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Psalm 119:3-4
They also do no unrighteousness,
they walk in his ways.
You have ordained precepts that we should keep them diligently
The way is both positively described and negatively by what it is not. The one who is blessed, does no unrighteousness. They are not engaged in or stepping out of the way to do things which are not righteous.
What is unrighteousness? - Crooked action, wrong action, rebellious action.
The blessing of holy restraint from evil actions by the power of the love of Christ ought to be compelling. You don't stab yourself in the eye with a fork because you know of the peril to your life and vision and your future if you do. And the blessed one is aware of what sin does and how it corrupts and turns us off the path, of how it pollutes the way and makes us stumble again and again. To put my hand to what i know is an injury is stupidity.
"they walk in his ways"
Jesus said "come follow me" "take up your cross" "deny yourself". Walking in his way means, not walking in mine. By His grace to follow after him in life. To stay on his path makes my way blameless because it is his way and He is Holy. Emulating other men and walking in their path is surely a dangerous trap and even paul says imitate me as i imitate Christ.
The man who walks in the way of Buddah, Mohammed or Krishna will have an end just like them. But the man who walks in they way of Christ will be like Him.
The psalmist turns now to Prayer "you" have ordained - Whatever God ordains is right. Ordain means to confer a holy order or to make an appointment, specific and with authority. That which God ordains reflects his holy character. It is true, just and righteous. Here the psalmist recognises that God ordains precepts. We have seen his way, his law, his testimonies and now we become more explicit in recognising His precepts. A precept is a rule laid down by authority to govern behaviour or thought. They are commands, direct instructions, mandated and non-negotiable.
The psalmist includes us corporately under these precepts and starts to get personal with the reader. It applies now to you and to me. This blessedness is ours under diligence to his precepts. In keeping the is our duty and diligence, care and responsibility
they walk in his ways.
You have ordained precepts that we should keep them diligently
The way is both positively described and negatively by what it is not. The one who is blessed, does no unrighteousness. They are not engaged in or stepping out of the way to do things which are not righteous.
What is unrighteousness? - Crooked action, wrong action, rebellious action.
The blessing of holy restraint from evil actions by the power of the love of Christ ought to be compelling. You don't stab yourself in the eye with a fork because you know of the peril to your life and vision and your future if you do. And the blessed one is aware of what sin does and how it corrupts and turns us off the path, of how it pollutes the way and makes us stumble again and again. To put my hand to what i know is an injury is stupidity.
"they walk in his ways"
Jesus said "come follow me" "take up your cross" "deny yourself". Walking in his way means, not walking in mine. By His grace to follow after him in life. To stay on his path makes my way blameless because it is his way and He is Holy. Emulating other men and walking in their path is surely a dangerous trap and even paul says imitate me as i imitate Christ.
The man who walks in the way of Buddah, Mohammed or Krishna will have an end just like them. But the man who walks in they way of Christ will be like Him.
The psalmist turns now to Prayer "you" have ordained - Whatever God ordains is right. Ordain means to confer a holy order or to make an appointment, specific and with authority. That which God ordains reflects his holy character. It is true, just and righteous. Here the psalmist recognises that God ordains precepts. We have seen his way, his law, his testimonies and now we become more explicit in recognising His precepts. A precept is a rule laid down by authority to govern behaviour or thought. They are commands, direct instructions, mandated and non-negotiable.
The psalmist includes us corporately under these precepts and starts to get personal with the reader. It applies now to you and to me. This blessedness is ours under diligence to his precepts. In keeping the is our duty and diligence, care and responsibility
Psalm 119:1-2
Blessed are those whose way is blameless
Who walk in the Law of the Lord
How Blessed are those who observe his testimonies.
Who seek him with all their heart.
Looking forward and behind they have no fault with the path, they do not stumble in it, it is straight and causes no harm or danger. Their way or manner of life that they travel in is safe.
The way of blamelessness is step by step according to the Lord. Their way is trodden in right following. Not like those who walk in the way of sinners but walking in the Law of the Lord.
Their state of blessing comes from walking in and observing. Their eyes, their movement and their direction is all fixed on a blameless way of Gods Law and his testimonies. Testimonies are a declaration of truth that are meant to prove character or events, that are witnesses.
The second couplet shows that the goal is not just the law or being blessed, nor just testimony but that all these point to the knowledge of God that they deeply desire.
Their deepest being draws them to addd to their faith goodness, knowledge, love and to become effective in the knowledge of Christ.
What is blessedness? Is it happiness or a more privileged, gifted situation, a place of blessing, one of favour of delight, and sure footing. Why is his way blameless? Because he walks in the law of the Lord, what does he obtain by observing His testimonies, - Knowledge and nearness to God . His hearts desire.
Who walk in the Law of the Lord
How Blessed are those who observe his testimonies.
Who seek him with all their heart.
Looking forward and behind they have no fault with the path, they do not stumble in it, it is straight and causes no harm or danger. Their way or manner of life that they travel in is safe.
The way of blamelessness is step by step according to the Lord. Their way is trodden in right following. Not like those who walk in the way of sinners but walking in the Law of the Lord.
Their state of blessing comes from walking in and observing. Their eyes, their movement and their direction is all fixed on a blameless way of Gods Law and his testimonies. Testimonies are a declaration of truth that are meant to prove character or events, that are witnesses.
The second couplet shows that the goal is not just the law or being blessed, nor just testimony but that all these point to the knowledge of God that they deeply desire.
Their deepest being draws them to addd to their faith goodness, knowledge, love and to become effective in the knowledge of Christ.
What is blessedness? Is it happiness or a more privileged, gifted situation, a place of blessing, one of favour of delight, and sure footing. Why is his way blameless? Because he walks in the law of the Lord, what does he obtain by observing His testimonies, - Knowledge and nearness to God . His hearts desire.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
not desiderata
This poem really annoys me. it is not true in its aim, nor it's expected result. One might wish upon a star but that won't bring it any closer. Treading lightly on the earth will still discover nails where they fall as much as stomping. What really counts is solid ground for standing on.
Here is an adaptation, perhaps a little closer to how a follower of Jesus may have written it.
Go boldly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there is at the cross of Christ. As far as possible, with absolute surrender to Him, go the extra mile for all persons. Speak His truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; for their story will speak of a deep need for Him. Loud and agressive persons need our love too, and even though they are vexatious, the love of Christ compels us. If you compare yourself with others, do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but in sober judgement, remembering to consider others better than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements in thankfulness, and commit your plans to the Lord. Keep interested in your career that you may do everything to the glory of God, not as working for others, but working for God. However humble your work, remember that in due time, he will lift you up. Each day is a gift, not a possession. Be as wise as a serpent, but gentle as a dove. The world is full of trickery, but we did not come to know Christ this way. Many persons strive for high ideals, but none like Christ who stooped down low for us. Heros are fallible, Christ is a Rock.
Be holy, because He is holy. Do not feign affection, rather love till it hurts. Love is a verb, not a feeling.
In the face of all dryness and disenchantment, His love conquers all.
Listen to older wiser people, surrendering youthful lusts. Feed daily on the Word of God to strengthen you for sudden misfortune. Do not pray to your imagination of God, instead remember your Creator, and Redeemer is near. Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness, but he has promised to never leave you or forsake you. Be disciplined, and always remember the Grace of God.
You are a child of God, more than anything else in the universe. Christ came to redeem fallen man, not the trees or stars. You are precious in his sight. Whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding according to his will.
Therefore be at peace with God by the blood of Christ, and not by your strivings or imaginings. What ever you do in word or deed, do for the Glory of God. The world is still beautiful, despite the brokenness of sin, there are hints all over of His kindness and His mercy. Be careful. Strive to behold His Glory.
Here is an adaptation, perhaps a little closer to how a follower of Jesus may have written it.
Go boldly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there is at the cross of Christ. As far as possible, with absolute surrender to Him, go the extra mile for all persons. Speak His truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; for their story will speak of a deep need for Him. Loud and agressive persons need our love too, and even though they are vexatious, the love of Christ compels us. If you compare yourself with others, do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but in sober judgement, remembering to consider others better than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements in thankfulness, and commit your plans to the Lord. Keep interested in your career that you may do everything to the glory of God, not as working for others, but working for God. However humble your work, remember that in due time, he will lift you up. Each day is a gift, not a possession. Be as wise as a serpent, but gentle as a dove. The world is full of trickery, but we did not come to know Christ this way. Many persons strive for high ideals, but none like Christ who stooped down low for us. Heros are fallible, Christ is a Rock.
Be holy, because He is holy. Do not feign affection, rather love till it hurts. Love is a verb, not a feeling.
In the face of all dryness and disenchantment, His love conquers all.
Listen to older wiser people, surrendering youthful lusts. Feed daily on the Word of God to strengthen you for sudden misfortune. Do not pray to your imagination of God, instead remember your Creator, and Redeemer is near. Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness, but he has promised to never leave you or forsake you. Be disciplined, and always remember the Grace of God.
You are a child of God, more than anything else in the universe. Christ came to redeem fallen man, not the trees or stars. You are precious in his sight. Whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding according to his will.
Therefore be at peace with God by the blood of Christ, and not by your strivings or imaginings. What ever you do in word or deed, do for the Glory of God. The world is still beautiful, despite the brokenness of sin, there are hints all over of His kindness and His mercy. Be careful. Strive to behold His Glory.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
C.S.Lewis Reading Marathon
Upon reading a few bits here and there, i found C.S.Lewis' writing very compelling.
So I emailed everyone I knew who might have some of his books, to borrow from their library anything written by him.
And so begins my C.S.Lewis marathon.
I had already read the Narnia series and a few essays and 'Mere Christianity' and 'Surprised by Joy', but i really wanted to get a deeper sense of the way he thinks and to grow in my own reasoning powers and perception of the world around me.
Beginning with 'The world's last night and other essays' was an easy way to get used to his style in small amounts and a broad introduction to his thoughts on a variety of topics. Each of the essays aims to expose what Lewis considers to be flaws in commonly held views or arguments about culture or the nature of belief or 'God' or other topics. He comes about by reason and different premise to an altogether different view. Lewis presses against the 'pre-question-question' as I would call it, which is so often never asked because so many arguments are about some thing or another, but have a foundation in an earlier premise of people which is apparent to Lewis as a choice of ignorance against alternatives that could discredit their views.
The collection is a great starter, and I'll leave you to the fun of reading them and entering into a posthumous discourse with Lewis through his essays. They are very witty but not in a callous or malicious style, but elegant in delivery and humbly presented.
The next book i read - 'Till We Have Faces' is a retelling of an ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche. Lewis weaves through the tale threads of jealousy and love, the supernatural miracle and greek reason, deity and mortality, ugliness and beauty, knowledge of other and of self, disbelief of what is hidden or revealed (more importantly why it is so).
The work strongly spoke to me of how we do not know ourselves that well, and though we demand to know others and demand reply of their love to ours, what is seemingly love to us is only selfishness and desire for possession In another sense it also speaks of a persons disbelief of the supernatural despite contrary indicators however strong yet not direct or personally to them, and that until one meets 'face to face' or by personal relationship, we will not see it the same as those who like psyche have a new relationship or experience beyond our comprehension.
Crudely put, it's kind of like Paul Kelly's 'Everything's turning to white'. There's so much water so close to home. As much as we would by our own failed reasoning disassociate ourselves from horrors outside ourselves, our true face or reality at home is revealed to be much the same.
as an aside while we're on the paul kelly thing: a woman's point of view
As I am not a woman, i can not vouch for his telling the tale from a woman's point of view and how well he should convey that... But some of my friends who are women, like this book very much and would probably say it's a fair expression in as much as a man might be able to represent.
Anyhow - i'll let you know how i get on with the next few soon! 'Miracles' is the next book.
So I emailed everyone I knew who might have some of his books, to borrow from their library anything written by him.
And so begins my C.S.Lewis marathon.
I had already read the Narnia series and a few essays and 'Mere Christianity' and 'Surprised by Joy', but i really wanted to get a deeper sense of the way he thinks and to grow in my own reasoning powers and perception of the world around me.
Beginning with 'The world's last night and other essays' was an easy way to get used to his style in small amounts and a broad introduction to his thoughts on a variety of topics. Each of the essays aims to expose what Lewis considers to be flaws in commonly held views or arguments about culture or the nature of belief or 'God' or other topics. He comes about by reason and different premise to an altogether different view. Lewis presses against the 'pre-question-question' as I would call it, which is so often never asked because so many arguments are about some thing or another, but have a foundation in an earlier premise of people which is apparent to Lewis as a choice of ignorance against alternatives that could discredit their views.
The collection is a great starter, and I'll leave you to the fun of reading them and entering into a posthumous discourse with Lewis through his essays. They are very witty but not in a callous or malicious style, but elegant in delivery and humbly presented.
The next book i read - 'Till We Have Faces' is a retelling of an ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche. Lewis weaves through the tale threads of jealousy and love, the supernatural miracle and greek reason, deity and mortality, ugliness and beauty, knowledge of other and of self, disbelief of what is hidden or revealed (more importantly why it is so).
The work strongly spoke to me of how we do not know ourselves that well, and though we demand to know others and demand reply of their love to ours, what is seemingly love to us is only selfishness and desire for possession In another sense it also speaks of a persons disbelief of the supernatural despite contrary indicators however strong yet not direct or personally to them, and that until one meets 'face to face' or by personal relationship, we will not see it the same as those who like psyche have a new relationship or experience beyond our comprehension.
Crudely put, it's kind of like Paul Kelly's 'Everything's turning to white'. There's so much water so close to home. As much as we would by our own failed reasoning disassociate ourselves from horrors outside ourselves, our true face or reality at home is revealed to be much the same.
as an aside while we're on the paul kelly thing: a woman's point of view
As I am not a woman, i can not vouch for his telling the tale from a woman's point of view and how well he should convey that... But some of my friends who are women, like this book very much and would probably say it's a fair expression in as much as a man might be able to represent.
Anyhow - i'll let you know how i get on with the next few soon! 'Miracles' is the next book.
Riding to work.
The caress of early sunshine, and wafting of breeze
A scent of cut grass and eucalypt trees
The yards and the parks all shine vivid green
A cormorant comes up from fishing the stream
The churn of the traffic, and rumble of wheels,
A turn of the pedals and movement of heels.
Huge drafts of air drawn down to my lungs
Feed life to the blood hotly coursing my limbs
And i remembered to text my boss 'i'll be late'
He replied 'take your time, your safety's at stake'.
But then i saw time is not mine nor is his,
But a gift sublime for thankfulness
To engage and enjoy all that is best
for as many days as we might have strength.
@daveyjcrocket
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