Scripture: Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:8-10 ESV
Observation: In Psalm 25, David seeks instruction and guidance from the Lord because he knows that Yahweh alone can rescue him from the destructive force of sin, whether his own or that of his enemies (verses 16-21). He also understands that God initiates, that his heavenly Father makes known his will and all truth and leads us in paths of righteousness (verses 4-5). Why? Because the Lord is good and upright (verse 8 above). But David surprises his audience with the added detail that their God instructs sinners. Sinners?! Holy and righteous Yahweh draws near to sinners? Yep.
Takeaway: David’s psalm points us to our glorious Gospel of grace—initiated by the three persons of the Godhead. The Father has sent his Son into our world to draw near to us sinners and invite us to follow him in all truth (John 14:6). Indeed, Christ, who is “good and upright,” who knew no sin, become sin (died a sinner’s death) that we, who were once hopeless sinners, might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21) and enjoy intimate fellowship with our Creator. And the Holy Spirit teaches us how to respond to this incredible gift of forgiveness and reconciliation by following Jesus in his path of righteous living.
What is our part? In a word, be teachable. David notes the attributes of a teachable spirit: humility and a holy, healthy fear of the Lord (verses 9, 12, and 14). He is God, and we are not. If we secure this reality in our minds, his steadfast love and faithfulness will strengthen and guide us in all truth through trials and temptations onward and upward.
Prayer: Father God, you are good and upright. You guide us in steadfast love and faithfulness. Would you please help us remain teachable, exercising humility and reverence, that we might press on through our sin-marred world following the righteous path of your Son? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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