Son of David

Comments on Genesis 20 are brief today, and we will focus mostly on the psalm.

Today we study the second half of Psalm 18. As you read it remember that first David said these words. Then, because this is a Messianic psalm, remember that it applies to Jesus too. Imagine Jesus saying these words. Some of the verses fit him better than they do David. David sure was mighty and powerful, but our Christ has defeated all the enemy. He has authority over all things in heaven and on earth. He has vanquished the old evil foe, and now reigns over all things. Keep that in mind...

Read Psalm 18:25-50

Now, also remember that because we are in Christ, we reign with him. We too are warriors strong and valiant. Maybe our arms can't bend a bow of bronze (I doubt mine could), but we have the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, the shield of faith, all the armor of God (See Ephesians 6). God has made us righteous before him, and therefore he makes us mighty and valiant. Be strong and courageous! The enemy flees! We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, our Lord! Thanks be to God.

Here is a quote from Bonhoeffer to help us consider the depth of God's Word: "According to the witness of the Bible, David is, as the anointed king of the chosen people of God, a prototype of Jesus Christ...David was a witness to Christ in his office, in his life, and in his words. The New Testament says even more. In the Psalms of David the promised Christ himself already speaks (Hebrews 2:12; 10:5)...These same words which David spoke, therefore, the future Messiah spoke through him. The prayers of David were prayed also by Christ. Or better, Christ himself prayed them through his forerunner David...Who prays the Psalms? David prays, Christ prays, we pray. We - that is, first of all the entire community in which alone the vast richness of the Psalter can be prayed, but also finally every individual insofar as he participates in Christ and in his community and prays their prayers. David, Christ, the church, I myself, and wherever we consider all of this together we recognize the wonderful way in which God teaches us to pray." Psalms: the Prayer Book of the Bible, Augsburg Fortress, p. 18, 19, 21.

Read Genesis 20

Well, today we see our champion of faith, Abraham, make another grave error - the same error he made with Pharaoh. We even get the impression that he and a wife had a habit of this (see his response in verse 13).

Abraham is rebuked, and rightly so. Though Sarah is apparently his half-sister (I had forgotten that!), Abraham's excuse is a half-truth, really a lie, not a justifiable reason.

We must remember that even the Patriarchs are sinful. Abraham fell into sin. David committed offenses against God too. The Son of David - now he is another story. He had no sin, except that he became sin for us. God is love.

Ask Yourself:

Why don't I feel like David that I can run against a troop or leap over a wall (Psalm 18:29)?

How do verses 30-36 help encourage me today?

Verses 37-42 are incredible. Can I believe these to apply to me and my life situation?

Pray:

Pray from your heart today. Thank your Lord Jesus that he has defeated sin, death, and the devil for you. Thank him that he has equipped you for spiritual battle. Ask him to strengthen you with wisdom and power. Ask him to help you resist the devil.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!