See Salvation Through Creation
The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.
Psalm 19:8 (CSB)
Psalm 19 is a psalm that many scholars believe should be read on Christmas Day. The Psalmist declares that creation testifies to the existence and glory of the Lord. We will find that diving into the law of the Lord leads to a deeper understanding of who God is, and that we must recognize our need for God and respond accordingly.
Creation Testifies (1-6). The Psalmist begins by praising God’s creation. Through its beauty, the world honors the Lord and reveals His majesty. This magnificent creation proclaims the Lord, showcasing the truth of the Creator of all. The apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 1:20, declaring that creation reveals the invisible God.
The Significance of God’s Law (7-10). Creation showcases the Lord, leaving humanity without any excuse to deny His existence. The Lord gave His Word to build upon the truths discovered in creation, revealing the deep truth He wishes for humanity to grasp. The Psalmist proclaims that the Word of the Lord is perfect, trustworthy, just, and sincere. The Law of the Lord is flawless, serving as proof of our need for salvation and a source for reviving the soul. The Word of God is dependable, firmly grounded in the Lord, and is entirely inerrant and infallible. The Bible is just as it is the inspired, revealed message of the Righteous One. The paths of truth are just and offer guidance in the quest for righteousness. The Psalmist emphasizes the purity of the Lord’s law, indicating that its message is utterly clean, free from any unrighteousness.
The Need for Forgiveness (11-13). The Psalmist highlights Scripture's role in revealing humanity's true condition. We all fall short of the Lord's expectations and requirements, leading to a life marked by sin. Therefore, we all require forgiveness from the Lord and the unique protection that only He can provide. The Psalmist seeks forgiveness for breaking the Law of the Lord and desires to be seen as clean and innocent. Only the Lord can grant this state through Christ. The forgiveness bestowed comes with an additional appeal for divine protection. This protection encompasses the strength and ability to achieve victory over the struggles of the flesh.
Responding to the Truth (14). The Psalmist concludes the psalm with several emphatic commitments. He vows to ensure that the words he speaks honor the Lord, expressing a desire for his speech to consistently offer praise and declarations to God. Additionally, he commits to meditating on the Lord in his heart, engaging deeply with the truth found in the Law of the Lord. This meditation aims to align his heart with God and to embody that truth with faithfulness. Once these two commitments are realized, we join the Psalmist in pledging to embrace the truth that the Lord is our rock and Redeemer. As our rock, the Lord provides the sole foundation for our lives. As our Redeemer, He alone brings about and offers redemption.
QUESTIONS
How does creation reveal the presence of a Creator and the existence of God?
Why must we seek the Lord for true protection from temptation and the war waged against the flesh?
