Scripture
They say, “Get an evil person to turn against him.
Send an accuser to bring him to trial…”
~Psalm 109:6, NLT
Quote
The imprecatory psalms lead to the cross of Jesus and the love of God that forgives enemies.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The subject of the imprecatory Psalms came up last week in our Bible Study class. Psalm 109 is a good example of how these Psalms can be grossly misunderstood. In Psalm 109:6, David transitions to what his enemies are saying about him and that is not clear in most translations. These curses listed in Psalm 109 are against David; not his enemies. Once you understand this one truth, you will see Jesus again and again in Psalm 109. Verses 6-20 are imprecations aganist David slash the Messiah. They are much more true of Jesus than David. Let me give you a list in my own words with the help of Daniel Estes. The curses are:
- His life to be cut short
- His influence destroyed
- His legacy erased completely
- His name forgotten
- His mothers sins unforgiven
- His descendants to be beggars {church is Christ descendants}
- His works to be forgotten, gratitude for what He did obliterated
- His entire family rot in hell {brothers, sisters, mom, dad, etc}
- His entire life, being, be thrown into the black hole of forgetfulness
- His judgment be without mercy
Think about if folks; the Sanhedrin felt the same contempt for Jesus that is listed above. True, David’s enemies hated him and wanted him dead. but Jesus was hated more and He faced and endured this incredible hatred in our behalf. I am weeping as I type. I lack in many areas but courage or the like of it is a great need in my life. My Warrior King walked into Jerusalem knowing what awaited HIM, and I don’t think the nails hurt Him any more than the pure unadulterated hatred. Hate is an ugly beast that has a ferocious appetite. Hate must be feared and avoided.
Praying for those who have hurt us and disappointed us is not easy. It takes an humble heart and a conscious effort, but it is a good antiseptic to hatred. We don’t have to like everybody. At the same time, we can hate no one. I pray for people I don’t really like and you can do the same.
Extra
Today is Big Mama’s anniversary: 54 years ago, she made the catch of a lifetime. She reeled in a keeper. Amen or O’me? She is one blessed woman. Seriously, she is a very good wife and a superb mother and grandmother. We all love Big Mama and pray that she has a good day. She deserves one for taking care of a slob for 54 years. For all of you who think I do nothing: I do put my dirty clothes in the hamper. I didn’t even do that for the first twenty years and then she made a new rule: if it is not in the hamper, it doesn’t get washed. I thought I could hold out longer than her but I hate wearing dirty underwear so I ran up the white flag.
Football has started, so has volleyball and fall basketball. I will be going to games every night this week except Wednesday and Saturday. I don’t know about you but we need some rain at 1120 Ironman. We are dry as a powder craig.
I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading the blog.
Extra/Extra
I was reminded of a story today, a true story, not a parable or a yarn. Years ago, I would guess over 30, there were two women who got on my last nerve. They had a special gift at pulling my string. I dreaded seeing them come and neither was shy. Exhaspertated, I complained to a deacon. I told him the two women were driving me nuts. He looked at me and said, “There are not going to change so if the situation is going to get any better, I guess your going to have to change.” I should have told the smart aleck that I was looking for sympathy, not advice. I did ponder what he said and I began praying about my attitude toward them. Guess what, the LORD answered. He changed me. Now when I see those two little women, I just grab them and hug them. Actually I love to pick at them. Both are still living but I don’t think they read the blog; at least I hope they don’t. If they do, the oldest one will give me a chewing.