Bible Reading: Genesis 20 | Matthew 20 | Psalm 20
Devotional for January 28, 2025
Reading: Genesis 20 | Matthew 20 | Psalm 20
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Genesis 20
Chapter 20 highlights Abraham's failure to trust God and instead resorts to deception to avoid harm. As you read through the Genesis narrative, you will observe this becoming a family trait (deception). Despite Abraham’s efforts to lean on his understanding of things, God preserves him and remembers his covenant promise to him. This chapter stands before the birth of Isaac to remind us that even when we are unfaithful, God is faithful. That pattern continues throughout the Bible: God’s people are unfaithful, yet God remembers his promises and remains faithful. That should serve as a comfort. Our arrival at our heavenly rest depends on God getting us there, not on our perfection.
Matthew 20
The important section of this chapter is the parable Jesus tells at the opening (20:1-16). The parable is a reminder that it is God who works salvation in the lives of his people, and it is his prerogative to give good gifts to his people how he sees fit. Therefore, we have no reason to be jealous of anything our brothers and sisters possess since those things come from God. That is his option, and he works in ways that require no affirmation on our part.
This chapter also contains an important lesson regarding service in the kingdom. God’s people are to be servants of one another. The first will be last, and the last first. That is a hard lesson for us to learn in this life which teaches the very opposite. Yet, as the perfect example of humility, Christ calls his followers to live humble lives before others.
Applications:
The " serving " office is the church's highest office. In what ways are we serving others in the church? Do we serve in areas that are not as agreeable to us as others (E.g., cleaning the bathrooms, mopping the floors, cleaning up after fellowship meals, etc.)?
Serving others means being with others. We are a community of believers. A community that does not want to be with one another and serve one another is not a community.
When you serve others, we are most like Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
Psalm 20
Psalm 20 is the first of two Psalms known as “royal psalms.” The first is a prayer for protection for the King, which David offers. The eight “jussives” (Hebrew grammar indicating a polite request or wish) demonstrate the king's desire and hope. There are three stanzas.
20:1-3
The first stanza begins the series of requests and hopes of the king. First, the king desires to be heard in a day of trouble. Scholars believe that David offered this prayer during a time of battle. Therefore, the trouble he mentions is that of an opposing force or enemy. Second, the king desires the God of Jacob’s protection. David had his forces and armies, but his hope was not in them but in the God of heaven. We, too, must always remember that our hope is not in princes or presidents, but in the God of our salvation. Third, the king points out the sovereign power of his God. He asks for help “from the sanctuary. The reference is to the Most Holy Place, the place of God’s dwelling on earth, the throne of God. David, an earthly king, desires the help of the Most High King. Fourth, the king appeals to his standing before the Almighty King when he says, “May he remember all your offerings.” David belongs to the Lord. He is one of his children. Therefore, he will be heard, and the heavenly King will favor him. We have that same confidence as adopted children of the God of heaven. We are his. We belong to him. He purchased us through the blood of the Passover Lamb. Therefore, we can expect his help and favor. (Read WCF 12).
20:4-5
The second stanza continues with the words of desire from the king. He pleads with the heavenly King to give him the desires of his heart. We need to be careful and not interpret this desire in self-serving ways. Our desires should always be the desires of the heavenly King. If they are, he will grant you the desires of our hearts. We pray, Your will be done,” but too often, we pray it with crossed fingers, desiring our will be done. If so, the heavenly King will not give you the desires of our hearts. Our desires must be those he has communicated in his Word. The king also pleads for faithful worship when he asks for “shouts of joy.” The root of this worship and joy is the salvation of the heavenly King. He conquers all his and our enemies. He has conquered sin and the grave for us, and we should respond to him in worship. The king also pleads for the fulfillment of all his requests. The heavenly King delights in helping and answering his children. Though, there are many times when the answer he brings is not the one we want. In fact, the answer he brings is what we should have prayed. God does answer prayer.
20:6-8
This section has one main theme: our trust is not in earthly kings or armies but in the heavenly King who saves by his power and might. Again, we must always remember that earthly leaders will fail. They are fallible men. They are sinners. Therefore, we do not trust them but the King who holds the king’s heart in his hand.
20:9
David returns to the plea he offered at the beginning. He desires the protection and deliverance of the heavenly King.
Applications:
Pleading with God in prayer is essential to a healthy prayer life. David pleads. HE offers his desires. We should do the same.
When you pray, pray the Word of God. We must pray for things that are in accordance with his will.
Remember, our confidence is in the heavenly King. We do not place our hope and trust in fallible leaders.
Because our leaders are mere men, you must pray for them (1 Tim. 2:1).