pleas for mercy

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND21 (3)Psalm 28

David dares to ask God to act justly and drag off his hypocritical enemies.  But for himself, he pleas for mercy. When God grants him victory over his enemies, he praises God who has heard his pleas for mercy.  Then he asks the LORD to turn that same favor toward his people, and to save and bless them, be their shepherd and carry them forever (8-9).  These are not the words of a braggart, who thinks he deserves blessing.  They are the words of a man who knows who God is, and understands grace.

LORD, give us your mercy, for your name’s sake.

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win – win

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND20 (3)2 Chronicles 2

The building projects imagined by David and launched by Solomon were more than just personal dreams.  They were a political success because they solidified trade agreements between the nations.  They were a social success because the provided employment for the resident aliens in the land without taking jobs or land from the Israelites. They were a means of worship because it was clear that it was the LORD’s greatness that was being proclaimed, not just that of the king.  Not all of Solomon’s projects turned out to be win-win in the long run, but these did.

LORD, give us wisdom to use our strength to bring praise to your name.

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bring it on

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND19 (3)Psalm 27

This is a song of a man, and a people, who have many reasons to fear. However, they have one great reason not to fear: their relationship with the LORD.  The evildoers, adversaries, foes, armies, war, day of trouble, and false witnesses who breath out violence – all will come.  Bring it on.  God is my light in dark times, my salvation in dangerous times.

LORD, teach us to trust in you as we wait for your deliverance.

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good sense

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND15 (3)2 Chronicles 1

The Bible contains many examples of Solomon’s wisdom, but the most important lesson anyone can learn about wisdom is what Solomon demonstrates here.  James 1:5 instructs believers that they should ask for wisdom, and that is what Solomon did.  The other blessings came to Solomon because he had the good sense to ask for good sense.

LORD, give us wisdom.  May our choices honor you.

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after grace

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND14 (3)Psalm 26

This is a prayer from a man who expect the God of justice to act, sweeping away sinners.  Instead of asking God to prevent him from ever experiencing difficulty, David asks God to prove, try and test him (2).  He wants the LORD to hold him accountable to the same standard that he uses to judge the unrighteous.  How can he ask for that?  He also asks God to redeem him and to be gracious (11).  After grace has done its work, creating lives of innocence and devotion, the believer need not fear God’s holiness.

LORD, do your work in us, and we will never fear your judgment upon us.

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full of honor

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND12 (3)1 Chronicles 29:22-30

After a 40 year reign, David dies “at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor (28).  Most of us would settle for either one of those legacies.  Which is the most important?  Without honor, a long life is a sentence, and wealth becomes another master to enslave.  With honor, long life is prolonged joy, and riches become the means to helping others. 

LORD, give us lives full of honor.

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The LORD is my friend

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND11 (3)Psalm 25

The LORD who is a shepherd in psalm 23 is a friend in psalm 25.  He is by David’s side to teach him the right way to go, to forgive and forget his sins, and to guard and deliver him from harm.  In fact, the last verse implies that this friendship applies to the whole of Israel.  The covenant is the testimony of that friendship.  Those who put their faith in God have gained an eternal friend.

LORD, thank you for your friendship.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, friends, relationship with God | Tagged | 1 Comment

eternal abundance

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND18 (3)1 Chronicles 29:1-22

Freewill giving toward the temple construction was a privilege.  Seeing how much had been given, both the king and the people burst forth in praise.  It was a testimony of the power and presence of the LORD among all the tribes.  Bear in mind that it had not been too many years since the nation of Israel was a ragtag group of oppressed and vulnerable peoples.  God had not only restored their unity through the monarchy, he had also given them untold wealth.  This is not a guarantee that every follower of God will become wealthy.  It is a reminder that the one who decides our fate is free to bless us extravagantly.  There are no restrictions to his generosity.  Because that was true of the LORD, it could be true of the Israelites.

LORD, help us to get our eyes off of our present lack and remember your eternal abundance.

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the real King of glory

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND10 (3)Psalm 24

The title indicates that this is a psalm of David.  It seems another way of reminding those who seek the king of glory in Jerusalem that David is not really the one.  The real King of glory is the LORD, the God of Jacob – and David.  If you go to Jerusalem looking for blessing, don’t stop at the palace.  The LORD blesses and imparts righteousness to those he cleanses and purifies.  He cleanses and purifies not those who side with him, but those who seek him.  We seek him because we need him.  The King of glory is also the King of grace.

LORD, we seek you because we need you.  Cleanse us and bless us, that we might point others to you, the way David did.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, glory, kingdom of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

surrendering sovereignty

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND09 (3)1 Chronicles 28

These are not the actions and words of a sovereign king, passing on his dominion to his son.  They are the words of a servant, a steward of God’s household.  David had it in his heart to build. God said no.  God chose Solomon to build his temple.  David’s charge to all the people is to seek out God’s commands and obey them (8).  These are not the words of a totalitarian despot. David’s throne was “the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel” (5).  The LORD made the choices. Who makes the choices for you?

LORD, we surrender our sovereignty to you. You make the choices, and we will carry them out.

Posted in David, discipleship, leadership, obedience, Solomon | Tagged | Leave a comment