Bible Reading: Genesis 16 | Matthew 16 | Psalm 16
Devotional for January 22, 2025
Reading: Genesis 16 | Matthew 16 | Psalm 16
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Genesis 16
Genesis 16 contains the narrative account of Abram’s failure with Hagar. In the previous chapter, we saw God’s covenant promise that Abram would have an heir of his line. That future son would carry the covenant promise of Gen. 12 forward, with his line being as the sands of the seashore and the stars of the sky. Despite Abram’s faith, he faltered and sought to bring to pass the promise through his efforts. That effort failed miserably, and the line produced resulted in a bitter enemy for the people of God in the future. A few lessons can be learned from Abram’s failure. First, faith is not always easy. Trusting God’s promises, as sure as they are to come to pass, is not always easy. We are fallen creatures and do silly things even though we know we must wait on God and trust him. Second, true faith teaches us to do things God’s way. God’s ways are always best, though we sometimes get sidetracked and seek to accomplish his purposes our way. We must learn to do it his way.
Applications:
Trusting in the promises of God is demonstrated by doing things God’s way. The ends do not justify the means.
Faith is not always easy. God rarely tells us how he is going to accomplish his promises. We must learn to trust him.
Matthew 16
The important section of Matthew 16 is when Peter confesses Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. In this section, we are reminded of the church's ongoing mission. Jesus tells Peter that the gates of hell will never prevail against the church (16:18). So often, that verse is read defensively in that the fury of the evil one will not overrun the church. Though that is true, the point is that the church is offensive and will win the spiritual battle of the age. That should comfort the Christian as he pilgrims through this dark and challenging world. The labors of the king and Head of the church will not be in vain. The labors of his servants are not in vain either. The church will be victorious over all enemies.
Applications
The church will go through seasons of hardship and joy. Whatever the circumstances, we know the church will prevail over the forces of evil and the efforts of the Evil One.
Do not grow weary as you labor in the Kingdom of God. You are on the victor’s side regardless how it may look at this present hour.
Psalm 16
Psalm 16 is a Messianic Psalm. It speaks about the Savior and is mentioned in the New Testament writings. The other Messianic Psalms are 2, 22, 40, 45, 48, 69, 89, 95, 109, 110, and 118. Christopher Ash notes, “Desire shapes destiny. Those who wholeheartedly desire the living God will most assuredly spend eternity in his presence. In Psalm 16, this beautiful psalm, we hear the voice of one who both pledges that fullhearted allegiance and rejoices in the glorious assurance.”[1] The psalm has six stanzas.
16:1-2
The opening words of this “Miktam of David” (a term used here and in Psalm 56-60) begin with two declarations: The first is one of confidence in the protection of God. We are not sure of this Psalm's context, but we know the author who faced numerous challenges in life and many opponents. Throughout David’s life, his enemies sought his ruin, but he found refuge in the God of heaven. We quickly see why this is relevant as we apply this to the Lord Jesus. He was opposed by many and suffered at the hands of evil people. Yet, he entrusted himself to his Father in heaven. Second, there is a declaration of possession. David knows that the true God of heaven is his, and apart from him, he is utterly ruined.
16:2-3
In this stanza, we note the joy that comes to the King because of God’s people. He delights in them the way the Lord delights in them. They are the redeemed of the Lord. They are unique among all the people of the earth. They are the people who delight in their Lord the same way David delights in the Lord. 16:4 contrasts those who delight in the false idols of this world. Delight and joy will not be their portion, but sorrow and misery will result. We must be very careful to note erect idols in our lives. They will only bring sorrow and grief. Instead, we must delight in the true God of heaven and find hope in him and his people.
16:5-6
The theme raised in the previous verses continues in this section as David declares that the Lord is his portion. He is content with him and finds no relief or help anywhere else. He enjoys the inheritance that belongs to him (a reference to the inheritances given to the tribes of Israel in Joshua). He is joyfully content in God’s blessing on him, no matter what it is. We must learn to be content with the will of the Lord in our lives. Come what may, we must be willing to say, “It is the Lord’s will. Let him do what he thinks is best.”
16:7-8
In this section, David lives the words of Coram Deo (before the face of God). The circumstances may not be pleasant, but he trusts the Lord and expresses it in prayer throughout the day. Life is often hard, but as we learn to trust our Father and wait on him, seeking his face and counsel, we do not have to fear or be shaken by difficult circumstances.
16:9-11
These verses are applied to the Lord Jesus by Peter in Acts 2:24-31. The Lord Jesus trusted his Father’s will for him and was confident he would not abandon him. In that same way, we must trust our heavenly Father. He does not leave us in our times of distress.
16:11
There are two ways to live. We can live chasing the idols of this world, or we can live loving the world. One brings misery. The other brings joy. Choose the paths of righteousness. Hunger and thirst for it. Do not swerve from that which brings true joy and ultimate happiness in the New Heavens and the New Earth.
Applications:
Seek the Lord in times of distress. Pray fervently for his relief and commit your ways to him.
Remember the promises of God and be content with whatever he brings into your life.
[1] Christopher Ash, The Psalms(Volume 2, Psalms 1-50): A Christ-Centered Commentary, 1st ed (Wheaton: Crossway, 2024), 167.