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God’s Appointment

17 Monday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 102, Psalms

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Reading:                                         Psalm 102               

 (Verses 12-17)

But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to show favor to her;
the appointed time has come.
For her stones are dear to your servants;
her very dust moves them to pity.
 The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
For the LORD will rebuild Zion
and appear in his glory.
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 102 begins as a lament, but today’s reading is drawn from the mid portion of the psalm, and rather than despair and grief, this section is filled with hope and promise. Though at present we may be plagued by troubles, a turning point is coming. This is the hope we have when we truly know our God.

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Autumn glory — photo by David Kitz

Despite experiencing the troubles and difficulties of an afflicted person, this is the psalmist’s personal confession: But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

What about you and me? Is the LORD enthroned as the Lord of my life? Is He calling the shots? Have I stopped to listen for His voice, or do I simply plunge ahead into my day without giving any thought to His will or His plans for me?

By the way, the LORD has plans for you that are nothing short of amazing. Here’s a look at the LORD’s plans according to Psalm 102: You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

This is the promise that we all have as believers. A time is coming when the LORD will show us His favor. It is an appointed time. You can be sure that the LORD keeps His appointments. He will show up in our lives to favor us—to bestow His grace. What a magnificent promise that is!

Do I know when that appointed time will come? No, I don’t. It’s the LORD’s appointment, not mine. He will arise and show compassion on His people. My responsibility is to be numbered among His people—the faithful ones of Zion. That brings us back to considering who is enthroned as the King of our lives. Lord Jesus, this is my confession: I want you enthroned in my heart forever. 

Response: Heavenly Father, reign in my life. Jesus, you are King forever. I bow my knee to you. Give me ears that hear what you are saying to me today and always. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you experienced the Lord’s favor? What did that look like?

Lord of All the Earth

30 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by in Psalm 97, Psalms

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Reading:                                          Psalm 97

Verses 1-7

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory.

All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods! (NIV).

Reflection

Who is in charge here? In any situation, that’s a legitimate question. There are always a variety of authorities in any given situation. A week ago I watched Prince William and his family get off a plane in Victoria, BC. On the tarmac the royal family was first greeted by the Governor General, then by the Prime Minister of Canada, then the Lieutenant Governor of the British Columbia and finally, the Premier of the province. They were all lined up according to proper protocol. Yes, there are a variety of authorities all deserving respect. But this question remains. Who is in charge here?

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Bilberry Creek, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz

The authorities of this world have jurisdiction over a certain geographic area or realm. Some authorities govern well and others rule as despots who plunder the wealth of the nation. But Psalm 97 reminds us that there is one great authority who rules over all. The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

The earth can be glad and the distant shores can rejoice because this King, this heaven-dwelling authority rules well. He does not plunder His faithful people and bring them to ruin. He reigns supreme from on high. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

We can rest assured that the LORD will do what is right. He is allied with goodness, mercy and truth. That’s why justice is the foundation of His throne. We should not fear His judgments because they are right and good. Yes, the authors of evil should be afraid, but if we have done right, we can count on the LORD as our defender. Now here is a proclamation that we all should heed. The heavens proclaim his righteousness and all peoples see his glory.

Response: LORD God, it is my prayer that all people will see your glory and bow before you, the magnificent King of Righteousness. Let the distant shores rejoice because you reign. Amen.

Your Turn: Is the Lord Jesus reigning over you and your home? Who has jurisdiction there?

Bowing before Royalty

27 Monday Jun 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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Because of your great mercy, I come to your house, LORD, and I am filled with wonder as I bow down to worship at your holy temple (Psalm 5:7, CEV).

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Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is bowing.

When was the last time you bowed? I don’t mean a slight nod of the head; I mean a deep reverential bow. There’s not much bowing done in western societies unlike in Japan. After living there for a time, bowing became second nature for me. I even remember bowing to other drivers at four-way stops.

I recently saw a picture of ladies curtsying as Queen Elizabeth II passed by on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday celebration. Bending the knee or bowing the head are signs of submission, respect and willingness to serve.

Are we willing to submit and serve the great King? King David was not too great to bow before the LORD. We read of his willing submission in Psalm 5.

Because of your great mercy, I come to your house, LORD, and I am filled with wonder as I bow down to worship at your holy temple (Psalm 5:7, CEV).

Consider this. We have the privilege to serve the LORD our King today.

Response: LORD God, I bow before you. I am your servant. Give me ears that hear you calling. Give me a willing heart to serve. You are my eternal King. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you enjoy serving or being served?

The Gallant Lover

17 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by in Psalm 45, Psalms

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Reading:                                          Psalm 45

(Verses 10-17)

Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:

    Forget your people and your father’s house.

Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;

    honor him, for he is your lord.

The city of Tyre will come with a gift,

    people of wealth will seek your favor.

All glorious is the princess within her chamber;

    her gown is interwoven with gold.

In embroidered garments she is led to the king;

    her virgin companions follow her—

    those brought to be with her.

Led in with joy and gladness,

    they enter the palace of the king.

Your sons will take the place of your fathers;

    you will make them princes throughout the land.

I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;

    therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever (NIV).

 Reflection

If we interpret Psalm 45 as a messianic psalm, as most Bible scholars do, then it logically follows that Jesus is the royal bridegroom and the church is his chosen bride. For reasons we cannot fathom, the King has fallen in love with us. Now this would make sense if we possessed some godly characteristic or showed some inclination to holiness. But the scripture declares that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Gatineau Park Trail -- David Kitz

Gatineau Park Trail — David Kitz

I am reminded of some romance novel, where the gallant lover takes off his coat and lays it in the mud so that his lady love can step across a puddle without soiling her shoes. Jesus is that gallant lover. But he did more than lay down his coat. He lay down his life that we might cross from death to life. Now that’s true romance! Jesus has romanced us into his kingdom, and I for one, am forever grateful.

Listen to the psalmist’s advice, “Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”  

If you have bowed your knees at the foot of the cross, He is your Lord. Be beautiful for Him; you are his betrothed.  The apostle Paul reminds us of this truth with these words of admonition:  I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him (2 Corinthians 11:2).

Having been redeemed by Christ, it’s now time to make yourself presentable before Him, the eternal Lover of your soul.

Response: LORD God, I want to be beautiful for Jesus. I make it my aim to please you today. Amen.

Your Turn: In what ways can you make yourself beautiful for the King?