PSalms Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.) How did these verses apply prophetically to the Messiah?

Transcription

1 PSalms Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.) Ps 69:4, 21 How did these verses apply prophetically to the Messiah? (w11 8/ ; w11 8/ ) *** w11 8/15 p. 11 par. 17 They Waited for the Messiah *** 17 The Messiah would be hated without cause. (Ps. 69:4) The apostle John quotes Jesus as saying: If I had not done among [the people] the works that no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have both seen and hated me as well as my Father. But it is that the word written in their Law may be fulfilled, They hated me without cause. (John 15:24, 25) Often the Law means the whole body of Scripture. (John 10:34; 12:34) The Gospel accounts prove that Jesus was hated, especially by the Jewish religious leaders. Moreover, Christ said: The world has no reason to hate you, but it hates me, because I bear witness concerning it that its works are wicked. John 7:7. *** w11 8/15 p. 15 par. 15 They Found the Messiah! *** 15 The Messiah would be given vinegar and gall. For food they gave me a poisonous plant, said the psalmist, and for my thirst they tried to make me drink vinegar. (Ps. 69:21) Matthew tells us: They gave [Jesus] wine mixed with gall to drink; but, after tasting it, he refused to drink. Later, one of them ran and took a sponge and soaked it with sour wine and put it on a reed and went giving him a drink. Matt. 27:34, 48. Ps 73:24 How does Jehovah lead his servants to glory? (w13 2/ ) 3 The psalmist expressed confidence that Jehovah would take hold of him by the right hand and lead him to genuine glory. (Read Psalm 73:23, 24.) How does Jehovah do this? Jehovah leads his humble servants to glory by honoring them in numerous ways. He blesses them with an understanding of his will. (1 Cor. 2:7) He bestows upon those who listen to his word and obey him the honor of a close personal relationship with him. Jas. 4:8. 4 Jehovah also entrusts his servants with the glorious treasure of the Christian ministry. (2 Cor. 4:1, 7) And this ministry leads to glory. To those who use their privilege of service to his praise and to the benefit of others, Jehovah promises: Those honoring me I shall honor. (1 Sam. 2:30) Such ones are honored with a good name with Jehovah, and they are likely to be well spoken of by other servants of God. Prov. 11:16; 22:1.

2 What does this week s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah? *** w15 2/1 p. 16 par. 3 Bible Questions Answered *** Jehovah God has chosen an ideal world Ruler his Son, Jesus. (Luke 1:31-33) As a man on earth, Jesus was interested in helping people. As King, he will unite people of all nations and relieve people of all suffering. Read Psalm 72:8, *** w15 6/15 p. 5 par. 10 Christ The Power of God *** If you had the power, would you not satisfy man s needs? Almighty God does have both the power and the desire to do just that and soon. Yes, relief is in sight! Read Psalm 72:16. *** w15 11/1 p. 7 God s View of War Today *** First, take comfort in this truth: God sees the suffering in the world today, and he intends to do something about it. (Psalm 72:13, 14) *** w14 6/15 p. 14 par. 13 You Must Love Jehovah Your God *** 13 Jehovah really cares for us. (Read Psalm 34:6, 18, 19; 1 Peter 5:6, 7.) Because we know that our loving God is always ready to help those who are faithful to him, we feel secure as part of the flock of his pasture. (Ps. 79:13) Moreover, God s love for us will be evident in what he will accomplish in our behalf through the Messianic Kingdom. After his chosen King, Jesus Christ, rids the earth of violence, oppression, and wickedness, obedient mankind will be blessed with lasting peace and prosperity. (Ps. 72:7, 12-14, 16) Do you not agree that such prospects give us reason to love our caring God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind? Luke 10:27. *** w14 8/15 p. 8 par. 8 What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah s Purpose? *** Throughout mankind s history, however, the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has shown favor to men and women who have trusted in him, have obeyed his laws, and have submitted to him as their Ruler. Read Psalm 71:5. *** w11 9/1 p. 17 How Can You Draw Close to God? *** Jehovah cares for those who love him. He protects them from anything that could jeopardize their faith and their hope of everlasting life. (Psalm 91:1, 2, 7-10) He warns us against ways of life that threaten our health and happiness. Jehovah teaches us the best way of life. Read Psalm 73:27, 28; James 4:4, 8. *** w11 9/15 p. 14 par. 13 Are You Letting Jehovah Be Your Share? *** 13 If you treasure your privilege of serving Jehovah, you can be sure that he will supply your physical and spiritual needs, just as he provided sustenance for the Levites. Think about David. Though he was in a cave, he could count on God to provide for him. We too can rely on Jehovah even when we see no way out. Recall that when Asaph came into the grand sanctuary of God, he gained insight into what was distressing him. (Ps. 73:17) Similarly, we need to turn to the divine Source of our spiritual nourishment. Thus we show appreciation for our privilege of serving God no matter what our circumstances may be. We are thereby letting Jehovah be our share.

3 *** w10 3/1 p. 22 Will the Earth Always Produce Enough *** Jehovah will not only eliminate the mismanagement of the earth and its resources but also ensure that the earth will produce abundantly for all its inhabitants. All obstinate disregard for God s purpose and all exploitation of the earth for selfish personal advantage will be put to a stop. On the other hand, those who willingly support Jehovah s rulership will experience the reality of the words found at Psalm 72:16: There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow. *** w10 5/15 p. 7 Why Honor the Elderly? *** The elderly ones among us are very precious to Jehovah. He does not abandon them. (Ps. 71:18) The true God actually fortifies them to keep on serving him faithfully. May we too continue to support and honor the elderly. *** w08 4/15 p. 8 par. 5 Seek God s Guidance in All Things *** When we follow Jehovah s guidance, we are seeking refuge with the God who cannot fail. Even if we meet opposition, Jehovah supports us. He will not let us down. (Ps. 71:4, 5; Read Proverbs 3:19-26.) *** w08 5/1 p. 30 Are Natural Disasters Punishment From God? *** As a matter of fact, Jehovah God has the means, the desire, and the power to end all suffering and to bring relief from the effects of natural disasters. Regarding God s appointed King, Jesus Christ, Psalm 72:12 foretold: He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. *** w08 9/15 p. 4 par. 5 Jehovah Provider of Escape in Bible Times *** 5 Like David, we can have full confidence that Jehovah is our Helper and the Provider of escape for us. Hence, when we face difficult trials or feel in desperate need of assistance, we can rightly pray that Jehovah quickly come to our aid. (Ps. 71:12) *** w06 2/1 p. 7 True Prosperity in God s New World *** Human efforts to build a truly prosperous yet moral society have repeatedly failed. However, God has promised that his Kingdom will provide an abundance of the material and spiritual things that we need in order to live well. (Psalm 72:16; Isaiah 65:21-23) *** w06 5/15 p. 28 par. 10 The Joys of Walking in Integrity *** 10 How gratifying to know that Jehovah has instituted an arrangement that is capable of solving all of mankind s problems the Messianic Kingdom of God! By means of it, the true God will make wars to cease and bring about abundant peace. (Psalm 46:9; 72:7) The anointed King, Jesus Christ, will deliver the poor one, the afflicted one, and the lowly one from oppression and from violence. (Psalm 72:12-14) Under Kingdom rule, there will be no food shortage. (Psalm 72:16)

4 *** w06 8/1 p. 5 Human Dignity Possible for All *** Later, when dealing with the nation of Israel, Jehovah showed compassion for orphans, widows, and alien residents members of society who are most often subject to abuse. (Psalm 72:13)

5 What points from this week s Bible reading can I use in the field ministry? *** w15 8/15 pp par. 2 Prepare Now for Life in the New World *** 2 As much as we look forward to such good things, the primary blessings in the new world will be spiritual. How deeply satisfying it will be to know that Jehovah s name has been sanctified and his sovereignty vindicated! (Matt. 6:9, 10) We will be thrilled to see Jehovah s original purpose for mankind and the earth being fulfilled. And just think how much easier it will be to draw closer to Jehovah as we approach, and finally reach, perfection! Ps. 73:28; Jas. 4:8. *** w14 4/15 p. 4 par. 5 Imitate the Faith of Moses *** 5 How can you resist the temporary enjoyment of sin? Never forget that sinful pleasure is fleeting. With eyes of faith, see that the world is passing away and so is its desire. (1 John 2:15-17) Meditate on the future of unrepentant sinners. They are on slippery ground... as they come to a terrible end! (Ps. 73:18, 19) When tempted to engage in sinful conduct, ask, What future do I want for myself? *** w14 4/15 p. 29 par. 10 Do You Appreciate Jehovah s Watchful Care? *** 10 The psalmist sang to Jehovah: You guide me with your advice. (Ps. 73:24) Whenever we need guidance, we can take notice of Jehovah by consulting his Word to find out his view of matters. Applying Bible principles not only benefits us spiritually but sometimes helps us to care for our material needs. Prov. 3:6. *** w14 8/15 p. 20 par. 19 How Jehovah Draws Close to Us *** 19 Drawing near to God is good for me, wrote the psalmist. (Ps. 73:28) May all of us continue to learn new things about Jehovah and come to appreciate even more the many reasons to love him. And may Jehovah draw ever closer to us now and throughout all eternity! *** w14 8/15 p. 25 par. 16 Hear Jehovah s Voice Wherever You Are *** Many servants of Jehovah have avoided disaster by listening to Jehovah during our meetings. As a result, they have become aware of wrong desires developing in their heart and have corrected their ways. Ps. 73:12-17; 143:10. *** w14 12/1 p. 4 Do You Know and Use God s Name? *** Some, though, may feel that because God is holy and almighty, it would be disrespectful to use his name. Of course, it would be wrong to use God s name in an unworthy way, just as you would not misuse the name of your close friend. However, it is Jehovah s will that those who love him honor his name and make it known. (Psalm 69:30, 31; 96:2, 8)

6 *** w13 6/15 p. 21 par. 19 Appreciate Jehovah s Loyalty and Forgiveness *** 19 May all of us continue to deepen our appreciation for Jehovah s endearing personality. We can do that by becoming acquainted with his qualities, reflecting on them, and then imitating them in our own life. (Eph. 5:1) As we do so, we will undoubtedly come to agree more and more with the psalmist who sang: As for me, the drawing near to God is good for me. Ps. 73:28. *** w13 6/15 p. 24 par. 1 Let Jehovah s Discipline Mold You *** AS FOR me, the drawing near to God is good for me. In the Sovereign Lord Jehovah I have placed my refuge. (Ps. 73:28) Here the psalmist expressed his confidence in God. What circumstances led him to this profound conclusion? Upon observing the peace of wicked people, at first the psalmist felt bitter at heart. He lamented: It is in vain that I have cleansed my heart and that I wash my hands in innocence itself. (Ps. 73:2, 3, 13, 21) When he came into the grand sanctuary of God, however, he was in a setting that helped him to adjust his thinking and maintain his intimacy with God. (Ps. 73:16-18) This experience taught that God-fearing man a vital lesson: Being among God s people, accepting counsel, and applying it are essential to a close relationship with Jehovah. Ps. 73:24. *** w12 2/15 p. 17 A Trait That Can Poison Our Minds Envy *** Associate with godly people. The composer of Psalm 73 felt envious of the wicked who enjoyed a problem-free life of luxury. However, he conquered his envy by going to the grand sanctuary of God. (Ps. 73:3-5, 17) Association with fellow worshippers helped the psalmist to recognize the blessings he derived from drawing near to God. (Ps. 73:28) Regularly associating with fellow believers at Christian meetings can do the same for us. *** w12 4/15 pp par. 15 Jehovah Safeguards Us for Salvation *** 15 One benefit of attending meetings is illustrated by the experience of the psalmist Asaph. Dwelling on injustices caused Asaph to question the value of serving God. Asaph grew discouraged. He described his feelings this way: My heart was soured and in my kidneys I was sharply pained. As a result, he almost stopped serving Jehovah. What helped Asaph to regain his balance? I proceeded to come into the grand sanctuary of God, he said. There, among fellow worshippers of Jehovah, he regained the proper perspective. He saw that the success of the wicked was only temporary, that Jehovah would without fail set matters right. (Ps. 73:2, 13-22) It is similar with us. The stress of dealing with the injustices of Satan s world can wear us down. Meeting together with our brothers refreshes us and helps us retain our joy in serving Jehovah.

7 *** w11 2/15 p. 16 par. 17 Gaining God s Approval Leads to Everlasting Life *** 17 What about you? Are you offering God acceptable sacrifices? If not, will you make needed changes and begin praising Jehovah publicly? When faith moves you to start preaching the good news, your offering will be more pleasing to Jehovah than a bull. (Read Psalm 69:30, 31.) *** w11 3/15 p. 32 par. 15 Keep Awake, as Jeremiah Did *** 15 God s people appreciate that the preaching of the good news is not only a public service to those who hear it but also an act of worship to our God. Whether we find a receptive ear or not, rendering sacred service to Jehovah by means of our preaching brings us great joy. Ps. 71:23; read Romans 1:9. *** w08 10/15 p. 8 par. 4 Jehovah Watches Us for Our Good *** 4 Of course, we cannot literally take Jehovah by the hand and walk with him. But we can do so in a figurative sense. How? The psalmist Asaph writes: I am constantly with you; you have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel you will lead me. (Ps. 73:23, 24) Simply put, we walk with Jehovah when we closely follow his counsel, which we receive primarily through his written Word and through the faithful and discreet slave. Matt. 24:45; 2 Tim. 3:16. *** w07 4/15 p. 19 Do You Remember? *** How can we show that we are happy to wait for Jehovah? We are awaiting... the day of Jehovah, looking forward to relief when he eliminates all ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:7, 12) But eager as Jehovah is to end all evil, he is exercising restraint so as to bring about the salvation of Christians in a way that will glorify his name. We should trust that Jehovah knows the right time to act, and in the meantime, we should actively praise him. (Psalm 71:14, 15) 3/1, pages *** w06 1/1 p. 23 par. 16 How Firm Is Your Trust in God? *** Still, a sincere Christian looks to Jehovah for guidance. (Psalm 48:14) In all his ways in congregation matters, education or secular work, relaxation, or anything else he modestly seeks Jehovah s counsel. Psalm 73:24. *** w06 5/1 p. 7 Follow Jesus Example and Show Concern for the Poor *** HOW WILL JESUS DELIVER THE POOR ONE? Psalm 72:12 JUSTICE: Let him judge the afflicted ones of the people, let him save the sons of the poor one, and let him crush the defrauder. (Psalm 72:4) During Christ s reign over the earth, there will be justice for all. There will be no place for corruption, a scourge that reduces many potentially rich countries to poverty. PEACE: In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more. (Psalm 72:7) Much of the poverty in the world results from human conflicts and war. Christ will bring perfect peace to the earth, thereby eliminating one of the main causes of poverty.

8 COMPASSION: He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save. From oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul, and their blood will be precious in his eyes. (Psalm 72:12-14) The lowly, poor, and oppressed will become part of one happy human family, unified under the leadership of the King Jesus Christ. PROSPERITY: There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth. (Psalm 72:16) During the reign of Christ, there will be material prosperity and plenty. People will not suffer from the food shortages and famines that are frequent causes of poverty today. *** w06 6/1 p. 11 pars Highlights From Book Two of Psalms *** 69:4. For us to keep peace, it may sometimes be wise to give back by apologizing, even if we are not convinced that we are in the wrong. 70:1-5. Jehovah hears our urgent pleas for help. (1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:13; 2 Peter 2:9) God may allow a trial to continue, yet he will give us wisdom to deal with the situation and the strength to endure it. He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 10:36; James 1: :5, 17. David developed courage and strength by making Jehovah his confidence in his youth even before he confronted the Philistine giant Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) Young ones do well to lean on Jehovah in all that they do. *** w06 7/15 p. 11 par. 7-p. 12 par. 3 Highlights From Books Three and Four of Psalms *** 73:2-5, 18-20, 25, 28. We should not become envious of the prosperity of the wicked and adopt their ungodly ways. The wicked are on slippery ground. They will surely fall to ruins. Moreover, since wickedness cannot be removed under imperfect human rule, our putting forth effort to eradicate it would be futile. Like Asaph, we are wise if we cope with wickedness by drawing near to God and by taking delight in a close relationship with Him. 73:3, 6, 8, 27. We must guard against boasting, haughtiness, scoffing, and defrauding. This is the case even though adopting such traits may seem advantageous. 73: When we are confused in our thinking, we should hold back from making our perplexing thoughts public. Telling a story like that would only discourage others. We ought to meditate peacefully about our concerns and resolve them in association with fellow believers. Proverbs 18:1. 73: Becoming sour at heart because of the seeming well-being of the wicked is likened to reacting like unreasoning animals. This reaction is impulsive, based strictly on the senses. Rather, we should be led by Jehovah s counsel, fully confident that he will hold us by the right hand and support us. Additionally, Jehovah will take us to glory, that is, into a close relationship with him.

9 *** w06 10/1 p. 30 par. 19 Hope in Jehovah, and Be Courageous *** How do we keep Jehovah at our right hand? We do so in at least two ways. One, we let his Word guide us in every aspect of life; and two, we look to the glorious prize Jehovah has set before us. The psalmist Asaph sang: I am constantly with you; you have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel you will lead me, and afterward you will take me even to glory. (Psalm 73:23, 24) With such assurance, we can truly face the future with confidence.