A Psalm or Song for the Sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. Psalm 92:1-4

Today’s Hymn

Words: S. Trevor Francis, 1875.

O THE DEEP, DEEP LOVE OF JESUS
Click here for tune.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
‘Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Thought Provoker

Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, said, “It is better to be faithful than famous.” Are you a faithful person? How would you define faithfulness? If you were to define faithfulness as doing what one has promised or keeping one’s word, would you agree or disagree with Roosevelt’s statement? Why?

Dad’s Study

Kings normally went out to battle their enemies in the spring. The armies of that day were not “all weather” armies and they could not withstand the rigors of winter and warfare at the same time. But there was something abnormal about this spring. David sent Joab and the army out to battle, but he stayed in Jerusalem. On the surface this one sentence seems insignificant in Scripture, but read 2 Samuel 11 and see what happened when David stayed in Jerusalem.

It was during this time that David was delinquent in his duties as King that he committed his sin with Bathsheba. Yet, in the midst of this sin God was still merciful to David. God gave him victory over the Ammonites, He was merciful to David in His righteous judgment against Him regarding his sin of adultery and murder, and He continued to give him victory over his enemies, even the descendants of Goliath. 2 Samuel records 10 chapters in this period between the sin with Bathsheba and the final defeat of the giants of the Philistines in 2 Samuel 21. After this, the Scriptures never again mention giants.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

God is merciful and long-suffering with His people. Even though we yet sin, God forgives and is faithful in keeping His promises to His people. God is faithful in calling His people to salvation even though they are sinners (Romans 5:8); God is faithful in forgiving His people when they sin (1 John 1:9); God is faithful in keeping His people from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13); and God is faithful to keep His people to the last day and fulfill all His promises to them (1 Corinthians 1:4-9).

Catechism

Question 45

Q. What is required in the second commandment?

A. The second commandment requires the receiving, observing (Deut. 32:46; Mt. 28:20), and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and ordinances as God has appointed in his Word (Deut. 12:32).

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee (Psalm 86:5).

Today’s Hymn

Words: S. Trevor Francis, 1875.

O THE DEEP, DEEP LOVE OF JESUS
Click here for tune.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
‘Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Thought Provoker

Perhaps neither you nor your family will be required to lay down your life at the hands of persecutors. There have been many faithful Christians who have joyfully paid the price of discipleship with their own blood. Discuss with your family what their last words might be just prior to martyrdom. The last words of William Tyndale have a familiar ring to them.

Dad’s Study

When God’s will was, that the New Testament in the common tongue should come abroad, Tyndale, the translator thereof, added to the latter end a certain epistle, wherein he desired them that were learned to amend, if ought were found amiss. Wherefore if there had been any such default deserving correction, it had been the part of courtesy and gentleness, for men of knowledge and judgment to have showed their learning therein, and to have redressed what was to be amended. But the clergy, not willing to have that book prosper, cried out upon it, that there were a thousand heresies in it, and that it was not to be corrected, but utterly to be suppressed. Some said it was not possible to translate the Scriptures into English; some that it was not lawful for the lay people to have it in their mother tongue; some, that it would make them all heretics. And to the intent to induce the temporal rulers unto their purpose, they said it would make the people to rebel against the king.

All this Tyndale himself, in his prologue before the first book of Moses, declareth; showing further what great pains were taken in examining that translation, and comparing it with their own imaginations, that with less labor, he supposeth, they might have translated a great part of the Bible; showing moreover that they scanned and examined every title and point in such sort, and so narrowly, that there was not one i therein, but if it lacked a prick over his head, they did note it, and numbered it unto the ignorant people for a heresy.

So great were then the froward devices of the English clergy (who should have been the guides of light unto the people), to drive the people from the knowledge of the Scripture, which neither they would translate themselves, nor yet abide it to be translated of others; to the intent (as Tyndale saith) that the world being kept still in darkness, they might sit in the consciences of the people through vain superstition and false doctrine, to satisfy their ambition, and insatiable covetousness, and to exalt their own honor above king and emperor.

The bishops and prelates never rested before they had brought the king to their consent; by reason whereof, a proclamation in all haste was devised and set forth under public authority, that the Testament of Tyndale’s translation was inhibited-which was about A.D. 1537. And not content herewith, they proceeded further, how to entangle him in their nets, and to bereave him of his life; which how they brought to pass, now it remaineth to be declared.

In the registers of London it appeareth manifest how that the bishops and Sir Thomas More having before them such as had been at Antwerp, most studiously would search and examine all things belonging to Tyndale, where and with whom he hosted, whereabouts stood the house, what was his stature, in what apparel he went, what resort he had; all which things when they had diligently learned then began they to work their feats.

William Tyndale, being in the town of Antwerp, had been lodged about one whole year in the house of Thomas Pointz, an Englishman, who kept a house of English merchants. Came thither one out of England, whose name was Henry Philips, his father being customer of Poole, a comely fellow, like as he had been a gentleman having a servant with him: but wherefore he came, or for what purpose he was sent thither, no man could tell.

Master Tyndale divers times was desired forth to dinner and support amongst merchants; by means whereof this Henry Philips became acquainted with him, so that within short space Master Tyndale had a great confidence in him, and brought him to his lodging, to the house of Thomas Pointz; and had him also once or twice with him to dinner and supper, and further entered such friendship with him, that through his procurement he lay in the same house of the sait Pointz; to whom he showed moreover his books,a nd other secrets of his study, so little did Tyndale then mistrust this traitor.

But Pointz, having no great confidence in the fellow, asked Master Tyndale how he came acquainted with this Philips. Master Tyndale answered, that he was an honest man, handsomely learned, and very conformable. Pointz, perceiving that he bare such favor to him, said no more, thinking that he was brought acquainted with him by some friend of his. The said Philips, being in the town three or four days, upon a time desired Pointz to walk with him forth of the town to show him the commodities thereof, and in walking together without the town, had communication of divers things, and some of the king’s affairs; by which talk Pointz as yet suspected nothing. But after, when the time was past, Pointz perceived this to be the mind of Philips, to feel whether the said Pointz might, for lucre of money, help him to his purpose, for he perceived before that Philips was monied, and would that Pointz should think no less. For he had desired Pointz before to help him to divers things; and such things as he named, he required might be of the best, “for,” said he, “I have money enough.”

Philips went from Antwerp to the court of Brussels, which is from thence twenty-four English miles, whence he brought with him to Antwerp, the procurator-general, who is the emperor’s attorney, with certain other officers.

Within three or four days, Pointz went forth to the town of Barois, being eighteen English miles from Antwerp, where he had business to do for the space of a month or six weeks; and in the time of his absence Henry Philips came again to Antwerp, to the house of Pointz, and coming in, spake with his wife, asking whether Master Tyndale were within. Then went he forth again and set the officers whom he had brought with him from Brussels, in the street, and about the door. About noon he came again, and went to Master Tyndale, and desired him to lend him forty shillings; “for,” said he, “I lost my purse this morning, coming over at the passage between this and Mechlin.” So Master Tyndale took him forty shillings, which was easy to be had of him, if he had it; for in the wily subtleties of this world he was simple and inexpert. Then said Philips, “Master Tyndale! you shall be my guest here this day.” “No,” said Master Tyndale, “I go forth this day to dinner, and you shall go with me, and be my guest, where you shall be welcome.”

So when it was dinner time, Master Tyndale went forth with Philips, and at the going forth of Pointz’s house, was a long narrow entry, so that two could not go in front. Master Tyndale would have put Philips before him, but Philips would in no wise, but put Master Tyndale before, for that he pretended to show great humanity. So Master Tyndale, being a man of no great stature, went before, and Philips, a tall, comely person, followed behind him; who had set officers on either side of the door upon two seats, who might see who came in the entry. Philips pointed with his finger over Master Tyndale’s head down to him, that the officers might see that it was he whom they should take. The officers afterwards told Pointz, when they had laid him in prison, that they pitied to see his simplicity. They brought him to the emperor’s attorney, where he dined. Then came the procurator-general to the house of Pointz, and sent away all that was there of Master Tyndale’s, as well his books as other things; and from thence Tyndale was had to the castle of Vilvorde, eighteen English miles from Antwerp.

Master Tyndale, remaining in prison, was proffered an advocate and a procurator; the which he refused, saying that he would make answer for himself. He had so preached to them who had him in charge, and such as was there conversant with him in the Castle that they reported of him, that if he were not a good Christian man, they knew not whom they might take to be one.

At last, after much reasoning, when no reason would serve, although he deserved no death, he was condemned by virtue of the emperor’s decree, made in the assembly at Augsburg. Brought forth to the place of execution, he was tied to the stake, strangled by the hangman, and afterwards consumed with fire, at the town of Vilvorde, A.D. 1536; crying at the stake with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice, “Lord! open the king of England’s eyes.”

Such was the power of his doctrine, and the sincerity of his life, that during the time of his imprisonment (which endured a year and a half), he converted, it is said, his keeper, the keeper’s daughter, and others of his household.

As touching his translation of the New Testament, because his enemies did so much carp at it, pretending it to be full of heresies, he wrote to John Frith, as followeth, “I call God to record against the day we shall appear before our Lord Jesus, that I never altered one syllable of God’s Word against my conscience, nor would do this day, if all that is in earth, whether it be honor, pleasure, or riches, might be given me.”

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Tyndale’s executioners heard the chilling cry, “Lord! open the king of England’s eyes.” Tyndale’s last words echo the hearts of many of God’s people at the moment of their execution that lovingly cared more for the souls of their enemy than their own well-being. Our Lord looked down from the cross and uttered, Father forgive them; or they know not what they do. Stephen cried out as the stones pelted his body, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge (Acts 7:60). Our hurried lives frequently keep us from having this same heartfelt perspective. Can you say that you care more for the souls of others around you than you do your own wellbeing? Spend time in prayer asking God to open the eyes of friends, loved ones, and yes, even enemies to His forgiveness through the blood of His Son.

Catechism

Question 45

Q. What is required in the second commandment?

A. The second commandment requires the receiving, observing (Deut. 32:46; Mt. 28:20), and keeping pure and entire all such religious worship and ordinances as God has appointed in his Word (Deut. 12:32).

O God thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Psalm 63: 1-6

Today’s Hymn

Words: Philip P. Bliss, 1876. This is perhaps the last hymn Bliss wrote before he died in a train wreck. He survived the initial crash, but was killed trying (unsuccessfully) to rescue his wife. The lyrics were found in his belongings after the accident. This song is one of the first ever recorded on a phonograph. George Stebbins made the recording during a demonstration of Thomas Edison's new invention in New York City.

MY REDEEMER
Click here for tune.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

Refrain
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.

Refrain

I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.

Refrain

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.

Refrain

Thought Provoker

When I began seminary in 1996, my mother gave me a book by a liberal Christian sociologist who at one time was well thought of by many in the evangelical community. It was called The Kingdom of God is a Party. He made a poor argument for saying that the tithe was only for a festival thrown for the poor of Israel. But his point behind his faulty exegesis was golden. The other 90% of our income and possessions are God’s also. Therefore, God is concerned with not just how we dispose of a tenth of our material things, but all of it. It should all be spent or saved with the purposes of God in mind because it all came from God.

Dad’s Study

Verse 1 begins by with “Now after this,” referring to David’s conference with Nathan and his intimate time with God. It is clear in the text that David’s successful campaigns against the Philistines, the Syrians, and other hostile neighbors was related to his reception of God’s revelation to Nathan and David’s subsequent intimate time of thanksgiving and prayer with God. The Lord used these experiences to give David confidence to strike at Israel’s enemies.

Verses 5-13 give detail as to the plunder and tribute that David acquired by his conquests of his enemies and from grateful neighbors. But in this account we don’t hear of David padding his bank account or building a racetrack for the horses he captured, or creating accessories for his houses from the valuable metals he captured or was given in tribute. Here it is recorded that he brought it to Jerusalem and gave much of it to be used in the temple that his son, Solomon, would build. David knew that his success was not his own doing, but God’s. Therefore, his wish was to joyfully use the materials he acquired through the military and diplomatic victories to glorify God through His temple, and as we read in verse 14, justice and fair administration in Israel.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Through our entire life we must be mindful that all we have and experience is from God. If we are lifted up, it is a blessing from God to be used to glorify him and achieve His purposes. If we only know suffering on this Earth, it is also for the glory of God and our future sanctification and glorification (Romans 8:28). Most of us (subscribers to the DDD) live in the wealthiest areas of the world. If we could spend every cent and use every moment with a godly purpose in mind, what might God let us be party to? A great awakening? The discovery and evangelization of an unknown tribe?

Greg Bailey – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 43

Q. What is required in the first commandment?

A. The first commandment requires us to know (1 Ch. 28:9), and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God (Deut. 26:17), and to worship and glorify him accordingly (Mt. 4:10).

“O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as Thee, Lord? Faithfulness is Thy very character. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of Thy presence, Lord. Amen.”

Today’s Hymn

Words: Philip P. Bliss, 1876. This is perhaps the last hymn Bliss wrote before he died in a train wreck. He survived the initial crash, but was killed trying (unsuccessfully) to rescue his wife. The lyrics were found in his belongings after the accident. This song is one of the first ever recorded on a phonograph. George Stebbins made the recording during a demonstration of Thomas Edison's new invention in New York City.

MY REDEEMER
Click here for tune.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

Refrain
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.

Refrain

I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.

Refrain

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.

Refrain

Thought Provoker

Bonus Question to pique curiosity (the answer appears at the end): Two verses in this chapter are credited as the inspiration for one of the most famous and well beloved of all spiritual songs. What are the two verses in this chapter? What is the name of the hymn?

One parental responsibility in training children is saying “No.” Think back to the last time this occurred in your family (maybe as early as this morning?). How is a negative answer often received by your children (reasons, complaints, accusations, apathy)?

Parents, has God ever told you “No”? How did you respond (reasons, complaints, accusations, apathy)? Maybe you can relate a personal example to your family.

Hearing “No” (from parents or God) may be unpleasant, but is always for our benefit. How we respond often reveals the condition of our heart.

What can we learn from David’s response the day God told him “No”?

Dad’s Study

First Chronicles 17 is divided into three parts: David’s desire to build God a house (1-2); God’s determination to build David a house ([dynasty], 3-15); David’s responsive prayer (16-27). Second Samuel 7 is the parallel passage (in that DDD, the focus was on God’s covenant with David, parallel to verses 3-15 here). Today, we will highlight David’s response (also related in 2 Samuel 7:18-29).

David was called “a man after God’s own heart.” Here we can see why. David first responded in prayer, an act of worship which, in itself, acknowledges the authority and position of God. The words of David’s prayer reveal his humility before the Lord (16-22). Earlier in the chapter, God reminded David of his past–God “took thee” (v. 7) and “was with thee” (v. 8). Ten times God promised for David’s future “I will,” which assured David of His continuing grace and goodness. No wonder David was humbled!

David concluded in prayer by expressing his trust in the Lord to fulfill His covenant (23-27). David did not let the disappointment of a “No” to his request keep him from growing faith in his Lord.

Humility (“blessed are the poor in spirit”) and trust (Acts 16:31) are always an appropriate response to our Lord.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

There is a word play in 1 Chronicles 17 that assists us in applying this chapter. It is the word “sat” in verses 1 and 16 (which is the same Hebrew word again in verse 1, and verses 4 and 5 translated “dwell”). David’s desire to build God a “dwelling” began as he “dwelt” in his own house. After God covenanted with David that He would build him a house (dynasty), David was found “dwelling” before the Lord.

Where do you “sit” today? Do you “dwell” on the blessing of the Lord? Do you “dwell” in the Lord Himself? Both are good. One is best.

“Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord; Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word; Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone” (A.B. Simpson).

Answer to the Bonus Question: Verses 16-17 inspired the former slave-trader and later preacher of the gospel, John Newton, to write his famous spiritual song, “Amazing Grace” (S.W. Duffield).

Pastor Jim Covington – Bell Gardens, CA

Catechism

Question 43

Q. What is required in the first commandment?

A. The first commandment requires us to know (1 Ch. 28:9), and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God (Deut. 26:17), and to worship and glorify him accordingly (Mt. 4:10).

Our gracious God, please give us hearts of thanksgiving and worship. You are in every way worthy of the constant praises of your people. May You often hear from us words of thanksgiving and praise. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Philip P. Bliss, 1876. This is perhaps the last hymn Bliss wrote before he died in a train wreck. He survived the initial crash, but was killed trying (unsuccessfully) to rescue his wife. The lyrics were found in his belongings after the accident. This song is one of the first ever recorded on a phonograph. George Stebbins made the recording during a demonstration of Thomas Edison's new invention in New York City.

MY REDEEMER
Click here for tune.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

Refrain
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.

Refrain

I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.

Refrain

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.

Refrain

Thought Provoker

There are times when I have gone on a trip, and been very thankful for the hospitality that was given, and the way the host family from the church has treated me while I was there. But, after returning home, I almost totally forgot about it, and have even failed at times to send a note of thanks back to them. Part of our sanctification in Christ is becoming increasingly thankful, verbally and tangibly, for the goodness of God. In our lesson today, we will see David display this right reaction to God’s goodness.

Dad’s Study

After the failure of the first attempt to bring the ark into the city, David delightfully brought it home to Jerusalem this time, in the proper way. And now, having experienced the goodness of God in seeing the symbol of His presence brought into his hometown, we see him express his thankfulness to the Lord in several ways.

He turned first to His God and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then, he blessed the people verbally and tangibly. He gave out food to all the men and women. Next, we see that as king of the land, he instituted official and continuous praise and thanksgiving to God to show his heart of worship to the Lord.

But the bulk of the chapter is taken up in the song of thanks to the Lord. David sang out his thanksgiving to God. It is clear from everyday life that those things that thrill us and excite us become subjects of song. We are compelled to sing about what is dear to us. Probably every husband reading this has at some time or another, if not frequently, sung to his wife (or, if your voice isn’t very pleasant, at least you have sung about her!). People sing about beautiful places, great events, and even treasured material things. And though David was uniquely inspired by God Himself, we too are called to give the Lord thanks in song: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! . . . Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works.” In this song, there are reminders of God’s past works and faithfulness as a covenant keeping God, as well as declarations of His character as glorious, good, faithful, and holiness. So, our songs ought to declare who God is and what He has done.

One final note at the end of the chapter is that David’s experience of God’s special presence, and his joy in the Lord, was something that he intended to bring back to his family. Having experienced this great blessing of the Lord, he went home to share it with those closest to him.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

We should react to the goodness of God in our lives as David did. Do we generously give to the Lord, or show great kindness to others, when God has been good to us? Does the Lord’s goodness to ourselves return on the heads of others that we love? Also, how often do we sing praise to the Lord for His goodness to us? The heart of a healthy Christian is a singing heart. It rejoices and gives thanks to God both for His everyday blessings and His unusual works of kindness in our lives. Let us strive to be a joyful, thankful people.

Pastor James Williamson – Missoula, MT

Catechism

Question 43

Q. What is required in the first commandment?

A. The first commandment requires us to know (1 Ch. 28:9), and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God (Deut. 26:17), and to worship and glorify him accordingly (Mt. 4:10).

“Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive. Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory” (Jeremiah 13:16-18).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Philip P. Bliss, 1876. This is perhaps the last hymn Bliss wrote before he died in a train wreck. He survived the initial crash, but was killed trying (unsuccessfully) to rescue his wife. The lyrics were found in his belongings after the accident. This song is one of the first ever recorded on a phonograph. George Stebbins made the recording during a demonstration of Thomas Edison's new invention in New York City.

MY REDEEMER
Click here for tune.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

Refrain
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.

Refrain

I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.

Refrain

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.

Refrain

Thought Provoker

Pride is a strong enemy of the Christian. It manifests itself in so many ways and is constantly present, waiting to cause us to stumble. One way pride is manifested is when we are rebuked for our sin. Pride will tempt us to deny our wrong, make excuses for it, and shift the blame to others. Pride stands in the way of restoration to God and the pathway of obedience. See the example from David of how to overcome pride that attempts to block the path of repentance.

Dad’s Study

David returns to retrieve the ark three months after the ill-fated attempt recorded in 2 Samuel 6. This time, however, after the painful lesson learned regarding the consequences of disobedience, David is diligent to inquire of the Word of God. David gives clear commands regarding who is to move the ark (verse 2) and instructs the Levites to be diligently obedient in how the ark was to be carried (verse 11-12). David did so in clear acknowledgement of his prior error (verse 13) and let the realization of this sin fuel his zeal for obedience in the future.

The end result is that God’s ark was moved in the way in which He commanded it to be moved, God was worshipped in the way He commanded that He be worshipped and this brought great joy to David and all the people. All, that is, except at least one that Scripture tells us about. Michal, Saul’s daughter, David’s wife, despised him when she saw him rejoicing in the Lord. Such is the case, that those who despise God are enraged when they witness His people worshipping Him with great rejoicing.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

David provides an example of zeal in repentance. Even though the consequences of his sin were harsh and the rebuke of God severe, David did not resent it. Instead, he turned to God and eagerly sought in the law to identify his error and correct it. He then pursued obedience with great zeal and was rewarded with closeness to God and great joy in worship.

Catechism

Question 43

Q. What is required in the first commandment?

A. The first commandment requires us to know (1 Ch. 28:9), and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God (Deut. 26:17), and to worship and glorify him accordingly (Mt. 4:10).