Godlike Beings
Opening Prayer
Father, it is my heart’s desire that I might be a child who reflects Your likeness to the world.
Read Psalm 112:1-10
[1] Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. [2] Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. [3] Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. [4] Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. [5] Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. [6] Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. [7] They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. [8] Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. [9] They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. [10] The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What promises does Psalm 112 contain?Psalm 111, reminds us that the Lord provides both physically and spiritually for his people, bringing redemption, because he is “gracious and compassionate,” his “righteousness enduring for ever” (111:3-5,9). So, rightly, the invitation is to “praise the Lord” eternally (111:1,10). Likewise, Psalm 112 begins with praise, but now, strikingly, applies phrases used for God to those who fear him (1,3,4,9). A vital truth is illustrated here. The purpose of God’s covenant and redemption (111:9), according to the wider biblical story, is to fix a broken world and its people who often worship “created things rather than the Creator” (Rom. 1:25). It has often been remarked that we become like what we worship. So, if our “idols” are found in popular culture, little wonder we try to mimic them, ape their fashions, and reflect their attitudes and lifestyles. In contrast, the righteous, delighting in the Lord’s revelation (1), experience stability, whatever life may throw at them (6-8). Meanwhile, their generosity flows out to others, even when the darkness closes in (2-4,9).
Apply
Record promises God has given you. Let them remain before you in every circumstance.
Closing prayer
Majestic Lord, You alone are worthy of our adoration and obedience. I love You.
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