Bible Reading: Genesis 7 | Matthew 7 | Psalm 7
Devotional for January 9, 2025
Reading: Genesis 7 | Matthew 7 | Psalm 7
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Genesis 7
Genesis 7 continues the flood narrative that started in chapter six. There are two main sections in this chapter to consider. First, the preparation of Noah to enter the ark. God gives direct commands to Noah for the building of the ark, and it is God who tells Noah what to do as he prepares to enter the ark. Next, in 7:1-10, we see God’s specific instructions for preserving the creatures he made. Though all of God’s world has been infected with sin, the animals are only subject to it due to man's sin. God preserves them in the ark as he does Noah and his family. Then, in 7:11-24, we witness the judgment of God on the earth and its inhabitants. In some sense, this entire act of God is a baptism in which the earth is ceremonially cleansed from the pollution of sin. Two items within the flood narrative are essential: The preservation of Noah and his family through God’s sovereign work and the picture of cleansing that comes from the floodwaters. The work of salvation and baptism are acts of God and not man.
Applications:
God does save a people by his work. It is not an act of man but one of a gracious sovereign God.
God does judge sin, and he will in this life and the life to come.
Your baptism is a picture of the redeeming work of Christ to deliver you from the judgment to come.
Matthew 7
Matthew 7 completes the Sermon on the Mount section of Matthew’s gospel. In this chapter, Jesus takes up several subjects. First, he treats the issue of hypocrisy in judgment (7:1-6). These verses have been often misunderstood and wrongly applied. Some argue that Jesus is teaching that we are never to make judgments about the behavior of others. If that is the case, verse 6 would be strange, as would many other sections of Scripture (e.g., Matt. 18:15ff.). Jesus teaches us that we are not to judge in hypocrisy. Instead, we must be mindful of our sinful tendencies before we judge and address issues with our brothers and sisters.
In the next section (7:7-11), Jesus teaches on the subject of prayer – specifically praying for the help of the Holy Spirit. Our Father in Heaven promises to grant His Holy Spirit to all his children who ask for him.
The following section (7:12-13) is the Golden Rule. It is a rule that we have heard quoted many times in our lives. We are to live unto others as we would have others treat us. Sadly, this rule is often broken. We must be more careful about speaking and acting towards our brothers and sisters and the watching world.
The next section (7:15-27) is a powerful conclusion to the entire Sermon where Jesus warns people about making a mere profession of faith without any substance. That substance is proven in our lives, specifically, in our obedience.
Applications:
Judging is not sinful in itself. Hypocritical judging is sinful. Before confronting another person, we should pray, seek God’s wisdom, and evaluate our lives.
We need the Holy Spirit to live faithful lives before God. Be encouraged that as you ask for his help, our Father in Heaven will give that help.
Evaluate your Christian life. Is it a mere profession of faith, or do you see fruit coming by obedience to all that is commanded? We will never be perfect, but we should grow and mature as we follow the Savior.
Psalm 7
Psalm 7 contains five stanzas of varying length, the longest being 7:12-17. The inscription that heads this Psalm gives some context of the issues that moved David to write this Psalm. It reads, “A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, the Benjaminite.” Commenting on these words, Christoper Ash states, “This may suggest that the psalm comes from the period when David fled Saul. His words were presumably the false accusation against David. The Cush spoke to, or about, David, and that David spoke to the Lord, is evidence of faith, then as now – for faith always issues in prayer rather than retaliation.”[1] Is Ash is correct, and it appears from the context of the psalm, this helps us frame the psalm and apply it to daily life.
7:1-2
The opening stanza frames David's appeal by summarizing the problem that leads him to prayer. A few observations are worth noting. First, David appeals to the Lord in prayer. Notice that he is not complaining to others but takes his frustrations to the God of heaven. The problem is distressing as one whom evil people and evil actions are pursuing. False accusations are tough to endure. They have the potential to ruin lives and reputations. They can destroy homes, families, ministries, and other things. The matter is no small thing. Second, note how David appeals to the Lord’s protection. He says, “In you do I take refuge.” The Lord knows the truth as he is the God of truth. False accusations may fool others, but never fool a holy, all-knowing God. Third, he bemoans the struggle when he describes it in vivid language. Metaphorically, he ascribes it to those who, like a lion, will tear his soul apart.
7:3-5
In this section, David admits that he may not have acted justly or wisely in these circumstances. He is open to correction and rebuke and is searching his soul to see if any evil is in him. He is honestly assessing his responses to these slanderers and is open to the just consequences of his sin if it is found. David's humility is a model for all of us. None of us walks perfectly. When faced with false accusations,
we tend to slander in return. When these things come to our door, we tend to return evil for evil. Instead, we should entrust ourselves to the One who knows the truth.
7:6-7
In this section, David appeals to God's justice. He seeks justice and wants relief from the evil actions of others. There is nothing sinful in appealing to the One who is the Just Judge of all the earth for relief and vindication. David desires it because he knows that he is being wronged.
7:8-11
David, again, appeals to the righteous character of a holy God and finds relief from him only. He first appeals to God for relief and justice when he says, “Let the evil of the wicked come to an end.” David displays a certain degree of realism. No reasonable person wants the false accusations of wicked people to continue. Yet, he continues to entrust himself to the Just Judge. Second, David appeals to the help that comes from God alone when he says, “My shield is with God who saves the upright of heart.” A shield wards off the attacks of things that will harm or kill. David entrusts himself to the One who is a shield for the righteous.
7:12-17
The Psalm concludes with the due consequences of evil people with evil tongues who slander others. In the end, they will fall into the pit they created for those they attack. Through it all, David trusts the Lord by turning this miserable existence into an opportunity for praise for God’s faithful care.
Applications:
People will slander us. It is a fact of this fallen world. However, we must entrust ourselves to the God of truth.
People will issue false accusations against us. Again, our help is in the name of the infinitely wise and all-knowing Lord. Trust him.
Do not repay evil for evil. The Just Judge of heaven and earth will vindicate you in this life or the life to come.
[1] Christopher Ash, The Psalms(Volume 2, Psalms 1-50): A Christ-Centered Commentary, 1st ed (Wheaton: Crossway, 2024), 76–77.