January 30, 2020 -- Psalm 119:102 -- Paths of thankfulness

I do not turn aside from your rules,

for you have taught me.

Psalm 119:102 English Standard Version

One of my practices in preparing these devotions is checking out the original language. In this case the original language is Hebrew. And then I’ll look at other translations of the text. Here it is a bit odd because the ESV, the version I use for my personal devotions, is rather different in its word choice than other translations. Where ESV has “rules” other translations use the word “ordinances” or “judgments”.

The point is that God is the Just Judge over all the nations. He has determined the guilt of all those who refused to walk in His ways. The judgment of God is this: all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Those who place their trust in Jesus Christ have that judgment set aside and are judged “not guilty” of all the sins they commit. Christ became the sin-bearer. Christ Jesus became for us the Lamb of God by Whose death our sins were punished and in Whose righteous life we have been credited with a life approved by God. Simply put, the Father sees Jesus’ perfect life and credits this perfection to our account. The Father accepts Jesus’ sacrifice as if we had been punished for all our sins—Jesus voluntarily put Himself in our place.

The psalmist is rejoicing in the judgment of God. The psalmist is keenly aware of his own sinful behavior. We have seen it in previous verses. In verse 36 he recognized unless God moved his heart he’d be chasing selfish gain. He knows his soul clings to the dust—to the ways of Adam, his forbearer, the representative of our race who led us all into sin. So he knows he needs the life which can only be supplied by the Spirit of God—verse 25. On and on it goes, we are sinful creatures, shown unceasing grace by God for the sake of Jesus. It is by faith we take these truths and plant them deep in our heart. It is by faith we walk according to the law of God and keep His commandments.

These commandments guide our thank-filled living. We cannot earn our salvation. Believers do not add one thing to their salvation. Jesus paid it all. Jesus is lifted high as the glorious One. He is credited for bringing us to salvation. Our response is ever, only “thank You! You saved a wretch like me. Though I am unworthy, I give all I have and all I am in service to You.” Even our response of thanksgiving is something we need to have taught to us in the Word of God. Our own inclinations and thoughts of how to serve God are flawed. What mercy God shows us in setting us on the pathway of peace.

Spirit of God, we are fully aware of our sins. We know that we belong to You, Faithful God, and still we are inclined to sin. We work as if we think we need to earn the love of our Father in heaven. Forgive our waywardness. Spirit of God, give us the assurance of the fullness of the salvation that is ours in Christ. Spirit of God, continue to teach us by the Bible. Spirit of God continue to direct us in the ways of thankfulness. Triune God, in our lives, in our homes, and in this world—be glorified. Amen.