Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Year 8, Day 177: Psalms 30-31


Theological Commentary: Click Here



In Psalms 30 and 31 we can see a neat contrast between God and humankind.  Before I go too far, though, understand that I am speaking in generalities.  Naturally there will be specific moments of human existence that do not conform to what I say.  There are exceptions to every generic rule.



In Psalm 30, we hear about why the Lord should be extolled.  His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime.  He makes us strong when His face shines upon us.  He is merciful.  He turns our mourning into dancing.  He clothes us in gladness.  These are reasons to praise Him.



In contrast, we hear about David’s experience with humanity.  Human beings conspire against David and seek to entrap him.  They want what he has.  The people around him turn him into a reproach.  They turn him into an object of dread, causing others to disassociate from him.  They whisper behind his backs, scheming against him and making him as dead.  They lie in their pride.  They try to cut David off from his Lord.



God is often spoken of as holy.  In the Bible, holy means different.  These psalms show us why God is holy.  Whereas human beings are generally self-centered and self-seeking – even the best among us have moments of selfishness, God is looking for our edification.  God desires to lift us up.  God desires to bring us to a better place.  Human beings desire to sacrifice others for their benefit; God desires to sacrifice Himself for our benefit.



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