Bible Reading: Genesis 9 | Matthew 9 | Psalm 9
Devotional for January 13, 2025
Reading: Genesis 9 | Matthew 9 | Psalm 9
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Genesis 9
Genesis 9 is an important chapter in the narrative, highlighting the Noahic Covenant in more detail. As with all covenants, God certifies it with a sign. In this case, the sign is a rainbow that he places in the sky, signifying that God will never destroy the earth with a flood again. Sadly, the corrupt mind of man has taken this sign and perverted it toward a wicked meaning.
This chapter also highlights several other important things. First, the issue of capital punishment is established (9:5-7). It is important to remember that this was not offered to deter murder as much as it was to highlight the value of human life as image-bearers of God. Second, Noah is permitted to eat as food from all living things. That differs from God's original directions to Adam and Eve. Significant in that is the prohibition regarding blood. Third, Canaan, one of Noah's sons, is cursed. That will have far-reaching implications as we move to the Exodus narrative. Finally, the chapter concludes with the death of Noah.
Applications:
Each time we see the rainbow, we should remember the promise made to Noah and give thanks to God. The rainbow is an everlasting sign of God's faithfulness to his creatures.
God considers the life of man very important because they bear his image. Therefore, any attack against another human being is ultimately against God. That is why murder is so heinous and requires the life of the one who commits that wicked act.
Matthew 9
Matthew 9 contains two main sections: The first highlights the mercy ministry of the Savior. In this section, he heals a person with paralysis, a woman who was ill for an extended period, restores to life a girl, heals a blind man and a mute man. These events highlight the Savior's love and compassion towards those affected by sin. These sections set up the final central section of the chapter when Jesus seeks to send out ministers to the harassed sheep. Jesus sees the people; the text tells us he is compassionate because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. The people of his day suffered under the cruelty of the leaders. Those who should have been leading and guiding God's people used them to serve their selfish interests. In this chapter, Jesus reverses the sad indictment of the wicked and evil shepherds of Ezekiel 34. We should also note the importance of praying for faithful leaders in the church. The enemy is active and will strive to destroy pastors, elders, and deacons as they seek to minister to the sheep. Therefore, pray to the Lord for faithful men the Holy Spirit gifts to lead and guide God's people.
Applications:
Whenever the struggles of this life come, remember the eternal compassion of Christ for his people. He not only ministers to the physical needs of the people but he also ministers to their spiritual needs.
Pray for faithful pastors, elders, and deacons. The task of the ministry is not easy, and Satan never rests in his efforts to destroy the church of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, pray that those men, called by the Spirit of God, would be faithful to the Good Shepherd of the Sheep.
Psalm 9
Psalm 9 has ten stanzas, each of them containing two verses. That observation lends itself to the symmetry of the psalm. As you read the psalm, take note of the numerous references to "praise" and "thanksgiving" (9:1, 27, 10, 11, 14, and 16). That observation helps us frame the psalm and find it helpful to pray and praise the God of our salvation.
9:1-2
The psalm opens with expressions of thanks. A few observations. First, the object of David's thanksgiving is the Lord. The covenant name is used here, highlighting that our covenant-making God is faithful and always keeps his promises. Second, notice that David gives thanks with his whole heart. The author has a deep-seated passion and desire to thank God. He does so with his whole being. Too often, our prayers of thankfulness are trite. Too frequently, they lack fervency. Too frequently, we move quickly through times of thanksgiving to petition. David starts with thankfulness. Third, his thankfulness is rooted in what God has done for him. That is a great place to start. Count your many blessings. Name them one by one, as the hymn of old tells us. In your family worship or personal times of prayer, list the many ways God has shown you his wonderful works through the week and years behind you.
9:3-4
One of the deeds David recounts is the protection afforded to him by those who hate him and the God of heaven. Christians need to understand their status in this fallen world. They are pilgrims and aliens. They are pilgrims traveling to a better country: the New Heavens and New Earth. They are aliens in that they follow the mandates of the true King, the Most High. Because of those things, the world will oppose and attack those of another country.
In the same way that countries will oppose invaders, the world sees the Christians as invaders, challenging their worldviews. Yet, through it, only Christians can give thanks during those times of opposition because the Just Judge of Heaven and Earth protects them. It is a comfort, indeed, and something to give thanks for often.
9:5-6
The idea started in 9:3 and continues with a slightly different emphasis: The end of the wicked. It may appear that they are winning the war. Sure, they win some battles, but their end is sealed according to the righteous and just judgment of the true Sovereign. They may attack and appear to win but lose when they attack God's people and the true King (See Psa. 2).
9:7-8
The theme continues with another shift in emphasis on the just Judge. This section focuses on his character and power. Note the descriptions:
· He sits enthroned – he is the King. No creature can change that. The world may oppose him, but he remains seated on his throne forever.
· His throne is one of justice – though the wicked of this world do not acknowledge him as the Judge. He remains the Judge regardless of the efforts of evil people.
· He judges in righteousness – That is, he judges according to his holy law. Every person must give an account of their life and whether they followed his just and holy mandates.
· He judges in uprightness – He cannot be corrupted, unlike the judges of this world. Every judgment he makes is right and good.
9:9-10
This section continues the reasons why we can be thankful. Notice that this Just Judge is a stronghold for the oppressed. The church of old, while enslaved in Egypt, was not out of the mind and eye of the God of heaven (See Ex. 2:25). He proved himself to be a stronghold for them as he delivered them from slavery. A stronghold is a safe place, and since it is how our God is described, it cannot be overrun by evil people. Therefore, you can trust him. He does not forsake his people. He loves them with an everlasting love. He does not promise ease of life or freedom from the terrors of the wicked, but he does promise to protect eternally, exacting justice on those who oppose him and his church.
9:11-12
The result is to praise your God! Do not think it a small thing that he is mindful of you and your struggles. Whatever the struggle, find refuge in the God of heaven and praise his name because he will not allow you to be moved.
9:13-14
This section is highlighted by a prayer we should use as we consider the justice and protection of the God of heaven. First, David asks for grace. How can we possibly endure the trials of this life and the attacks of evil people without the grace of God? Pray, "more grace to me, O Lord." Robert Murray M'Cheyne says that asking for more grace is a sure sign of grace. Second, David asks for the Lord to see and help. Of course, that is according to the Lord's will for you. He has promised to keep his eye on you day and night. Third, David desires to praise God. The fact that God cares for us, watches over us, and gives us the grace to persevere is enough reason to praise the God of heaven.
9:15-16
David returns to an indictment of the nations that oppose the church. He says that they will fall into the pit they made for us, that their evil actions will ensnare them. God can make a crooked stick straight. He can
turn the efforts of evil people on them. He can afflict their motives to harm them. God alone can do that.
9:17-18
The end of the wicked is as sure as God's existence. They will pay for their actions if they do not repent. They will suffer an eternal judgment. Yet, the true King does not forget the needs of the poor of this world. He remembers you, the needy, and will vindicate you on the last day.
9:19-20
David finishes this prayer with the hope that the true King will end the efforts of evil people. God will do that, perhaps in this life, but certainly in the life to come.
Applications:
Do not forget to thank your God for his many blessings. Do not rush past this essential part of prayer.
Remember that the wicked are not operating unseen by our God. He sees, and he knows. He will protect his church to the very end.
The wicked will not get away with their behavior forever. God may delay his justice for a season, but eventually, he will deal with them according to their deeds.
Pray for more grace from God, especially in times of trial and suffering.