the LORD, my tender

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 23

David describes the LORD as his tender, the one who looks after him. The LORD guides him so that he goes down the right paths. The LORD makes sure he gets to the green pastures where he can feed without fear. The LORD’s staff is there to rescue him from when he strays, as he is prone to do. The LORD’s rod is there to protect him from the beasts of prey, or to discipline him for his own good. Guidance, provision, discipline and protection: these are the tasks of a leader. We learn how to shepherd from the  shepherd king. He learned from the Good Shepherd.

LORD, teach us to trust your leadership, and to lead in such a way that our followers are confident of their safety and future.

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free to say ‘no’

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND07 (3)1 Chronicles 27

In addition to providing for the temple that his son would build, David also appointed military and civilian leadership for Solomon’s administration.  Once the LORD had secured David’s position as king, David took advantage of the honor showed him by the Israelites to establish a solidified leadership for the people.  It was wise for him to do so.  This set Solomon free to pursue other matters, and lessened the chance that he would lose the respect of the people.  Part of Solomon’s revered wisdom was that he knew when not to involve himself in matters that others were responsible for. He was free to say ‘no’ to some things.

LORD, give us discernment to know what our responsibility is, and what problems belong to others.

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He will remember

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND06 (3)Psalm 22

It is difficult to extract this psalm from the Christian tradition that surrounds it since many of its words were fulfilled by Christ on the cross.  But it is important to see the psalm in its original context.  David is being derided and scoffed because he dares to believe that the LORD will deliver him.  Indeed, he boasts that the LORD will be worshipped by all who cannot keep themselves alive, but go down to the dust.  When Jesus quoted this psalm on the cross, he was not just choosing words to express his anxiety.  He was testifying to the reality of the God who raises the dead.  Even in his darkest hour, he saw the future, and it held hope. God will remember his own.

LORD, in our dark hours, may we always remember that you will remember us.

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no secular jobs

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND05 (3)1 Chronicles 26

Administrators and protectors of the the temple and its treasures were also appointed by David.  He searched for men of great skill and proven leadership to assign.  No task was left to chance.  For David’s monarchy, there would be no such thing as a mere government worker. Everyone who served, served the LORD.  For believers in Christ, there are no secular jobs.  Everything we do, we do as to the LORD, and not for men.  The call to work is a call to display integrity in matters large and small. 

LORD, give us a fresh vision of the eternal significance of what we do.

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confidence in the king

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND04 (3)Psalm 21

This psalm continues to celebrate the triad of the LORD, the king, and his people.  The people remind the LORD that their king rejoices in his salvation.  They remind the king that the LORD will destroy his enemies, and give him strength to undo their plans and put them to flight. 

LORD, help us to be the kind of leaders that people can pray to God like this about.  May they be confident that we are yours.  May that confidence be based on reality.

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connecting

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND03 (3)1 Chronicles 25

The ministry of music that would accompany the offerings included songs from 288 men who were skilled and trained in singing to the LORD.  The LORD was speaking through the musicians to the people as they prophesied.  But the people were also singing to the LORD and rendering worship to their creator.  Sometimes words can have a tremendous emotional impact when accompanied by music.  I was reminded of that recently when I watched a musical about the birth of Christ.  Most of the songs I knew, but I found myself weeping at the reality of the incarnation. We need that. We need to connect with the LORD. 

LORD, help us to connect with you on a heart-to-heart level through song.

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save the king

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND02 (3)Psalm 20

This psalm is a prayer from God’s people for their king.  They appeal to the LORD to enter into the plans and purposes of their king and give him salvation (success and deliverance when he faces trouble).  They express trust, not in their mighty army (horses and chariots) nor in their gross national product.  They trust in the LORD.  They realize that success as a nation only comes when the LORD saves their leaders.

LORD, save our leaders – in every sense of the word.

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our place

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1F (3)1 Chronicles 23-24

The Levites were a subculture in the land.  Among them were chosen officers who served the temple and its services.  They were part of the community but they had special tasks, and were honored by reason of their place among the people.  There were no menial tasks.  Each was to be performed as unto the LORD.  So it is in living the Christian life.  The Holy Spirit gives each believer spiritual gifts as he sees fit.  Rather than seeking to be someone else, or do something else, we should seek to be ourselves in the most honorable way.

LORD, show us our place, and give us zeal to take it.

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going deeper

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1E (3)Psalm 19

Let me introduce you to my LORD, the Master of the universe. Look at space, with all its wonders. He created that, and didn’t even break a sweat. He is awesome.

Interested?  Get to know him better by looking at the book he gave us.  His law is perfect.  If you’ve gone the wrong direction, the Scriptures can lead you back.  His truth is amazing?

Still there?  There is yet a deeper knowledge of the LORD that is yours for the asking.  You can have a personal relationship with him. He can become YOUR rock, and YOUR redeemer. Knowing him like this can change you.

LORD, we want the deepest and closest relationship with you possible.

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here shall be the house

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1D (3)1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

After David had purchased the threshing floor of Ornon and averted the plague, he builds an altar there and sacrifices to God on the site.  Then, he gets the idea that the site could serve as the location of the temple Solomon is to build.  So, he declares “here shall be the house of the LORD God.”   Those reading David’s words centuries later would look up and see the results of that declaration.  the massive temple and all its associated grounds and buildings would remind generations that it was the LORD who had established Israel, for his purposes.

LORD, may our lives be so dedicated to you, that generations after us people will know that you lived in us.

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