Humility

Continued from my August 27 blog post on Psalm 131, (part one), found here.

History –

This Psalm is placed between one of the clearest Psalms of lament (Ps. 130) in the whole Psalter and a Psalm (132) which would have been prayed after David”s death, when the “dwelling place of the Lord” was built by Solomon at the place chosen and promised to David.

David knew the humbling of having to rely solely on the Lord.  Psalm 130 cries for mercy and forgiveness, a cry David knew too well.  His adultery with Bathsheba  (2 Samuel 11) could not be hidden from the Lord, and all he could do was watch and pray while the Lord exacted a penalty for that sin (2 Sam. 12).  He had to live with the Lord”s displeasure, the sword would not depart from his house; he had to run from a rebellion and disgrace promulgated by his own son in Absalom (2 Sam.15-18).  And yet, with David there also is the sure confidence in the Lord.  He had come from a humble place — the youngest son — shepherd boy of his father Jesse (1 Sam. 16) to high and mighty places — King of the Kingdom, founder of a dynasty, holder of a promise from the Lord that a descendant of his would rule forever (2 Sam. 7).

While he bided his time, waiting for the Lord”s promise spoken through Samuel that he would be king to be fulfilled, David was scrupulous, insisting that the Lord”s first chosen king (Saul) be honored and protected, even when Saul attempted to have him killed (1 Sam. 24 & 26).  He waited on the Lord and insisted those around him do the same.  He accepted the promise without taking action himself to bring it about; he accepted discipline and curse when they were spoken by casino the Lord.  ”His heart never was lifted up, his eyes were not raised too high, he did not occupy himself with things too great and marvelous for me.”  His hope remained in the Lord.

In this respect, David foreshadowed the greater humility of his greater Son.  When offered the kingdoms of the world by Satan, Jesus never flinched (Luke 4).  He knew his task before him — the curse be must endure, the promise that would be gained.  He was clear about his Father”s words and will for him, and he also knew when things were not for him to know (only the Father knows casino online the last day, Matthew 24).  Unlike a weaned child separated from its mother, Jesus never cried and carried on about the change in his circumstances and the great “unfairness” of it all.  He knows who he is, what he is about, and what is at stake.  He took his place  with the lowest of the low, crucified outside the city naked on a tree, without a cry of regret, accursed  and abandoned by all.

And from there he was raised by the Lord of the universe to the head of the table — that every knee should bend and every tongue confess at the name of Jesus (Romans 14).  He is, was, and always will be the true Israel who hopes in the Lord.

And all of this is ours as a gift from him.

Let us pray:

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up — I know that I have sinned.  My eyes are not raised too high — I am not worthy to look into your face.  I”m sorry I occupy myself with things too great and marvelous for me outside my Lord Jesus.  But you have calmed and quieted my soul by sending your Son to take my place and pay my bill.

In him I am calmed.

Jesus is the only hope for this Israel — this one who struggles with God.  We thank you Lord, for Jesus, who is our hope forever and ever.

In his name, Amen.