October 1, 2023

Audio Below

Psalm 19

 A Symphony of Revelation
October 1, 2023

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Intro

Psalm 19 is a majestic symphony of praise, vividly illustrating the divine imprints found in both the natural world and God’s Word. This psalm is a timeless acknowledgment of God’s omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience, revealing His glory across the breadth of creation and the depth of His scriptures.

In approaching this Psalm with a Christ-focused New Covenant perspective, we observe the intricate intertwining of divine revelation through both Creation and Word, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Here, Christ is seen as the epitome and embodiment of God's creative power and His redemptive revelation, as He permeates every verse with His essence, exemplifying the perfection of God’s laws, the wisdom found in His decrees, and the life-transforming power of His presence.

Through this lens, we reflect upon the three predominant themes of Psalm 19. 

• First, the majestic proclamation of God’s glory in creation, signifying the inherent knowledge of the divine. 
• Second, the profound richness of God’s Word, mirrored in the life and teachings of Jesus, the living Word made flesh. 
• Finally, a prayer for personal renewal and sanctification, emphasizing our continuous aspiration for righteousness and divine approval, achieved only through the grace and sacrifice of Christ.

As we look into these themes, we will consider Old Testament revelations with the truths unveiled in the New Covenant, discovering the harmonious symphony of God’s unchanging love and eternal plan of salvation echoed throughout the ages.

I. God’s Revelation in Creation (Verses 1-6)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

Talking Points:

• The heavens and skies declare God's glory and craftsmanship, akin to how Christ's life and miracles reveal the divine nature of God.
• Every day, nature speaks of God's greatness, reminding us that Jesus Christ, the Word, was there from the beginning (John 1:1-3).
• 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched —this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
  
• Though Creation speaks without words, its message is universal, reaching every corner of the earth, just as the Gospel message is for all.

Harmony:

• Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and by Him all things were created. Thus, as Creation glorifies God, it also testifies of Christ's creative role.
• Colossians 1:15-16 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
  
  

II. God’s Revelation in His Word (Verses 7-11)

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Talking Points:

• The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. This speaks to the Word becoming flesh in Jesus, who brings revival and restoration.
• God's statutes and commands bring wisdom and joy. Similarly, Christ's teachings guide and nourish our souls.
• The reverence of the Lord is pure, and the judgments of the Lord are true. Christ's sacrifice on the cross serves as the ultimate judgment and testament to God’s justice and mercy.
• The Word is a treasure, and by it, servants are warned and rewarded. It’s a reflection of how Jesus guides, warns, and promises eternal life.

Harmony:

• Jesus embodies God’s Word and Truth. 
• John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
  
• He fulfills the Law, not by abolishing it, but by bringing it to its fullness.
•  Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
  
  

III. The Prayer for Personal Renewal (Verses 12-14)

12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Talking Points:

• The Psalmist acknowledges his hidden faults and asks protection against presumptuous sins. It echoes our need for grace and redemption found only in Christ.
• Seeking to be blameless and innocent reflects the righteousness we receive through faith in Jesus.
• The desire for one's words and heart to be pleasing to God finds its greatest example in Jesus, whose every word and action was in perfect alignment with the Father's will.

Harmony:

• Jesus became our righteousness, and through Him, we can approach God with confidence, seeking renewal and transformation.
• 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
• Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
  
  

In conclusion, Psalm 19 paints a vivid picture of God's multifaceted revelation, through Creation and His Word. The layers of this psalm beautifully harmonize with the New Covenant's focus on Christ as both Creator and the living Word, the embodiment of God's perfect law and our path to renewal.

To Him who reigns above the skies

In majesty and grace,

To Christ, our Savior and our Light,

We lift our hearts in praise.

For boundless love and endless might,

For mercies ever new,

Be glory, honor, power, and might,

Forever, Lord, to You!

Amen.