April 1, 2021 -- Psalm 14:7 -- Rejoice! Be Glad!

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,

let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Psalm 14:7 English Standard Version

Why is the focus on Israel and her salvation? Why is the whole world not in view? To understand this you’d have to go all the way back to Abraham’s story in Genesis 12 and 15. The LORD promised a seed, a righteous descendant from Abraham, those who blessed Him would be blessed and those who cursed Him would be cursed. Jesus is that Righteous One, He is the salvation that comes out of Zion.

What is more, when the LORD restores the fortunes of His people, Jesus, the Righteous One, rises with healing in His wings—salvation that sweeps across this globe. As was promised in Genesis 15, the blessing of the Righteous One would originate in Israel, with Abraham’s descendant, but His great blessings would flow to all nations.

As our world begins the celebrations associated with Resurrection Sunday, recognize this is anchored in Jesus Christ—the One blessed descendant of Abraham, the blessing bringer, Who restores the fortunes of His people. Look at the treasures from the storehouse of heaven which are poured out on believers!

In Jesus Christ the fortune of forgiveness is given to all who believe. Forgiveness between God and men, and forgiveness between people.

In Jesus Christ the fortune of joy is given—full life begins now in Him and continues through eternity.

In Jesus Christ the fortune of gladness is given—the Spirit of the Living God takes us residence in the heart of believers so that it is delight to draw closer and closer to the God, our Father, the Source of every good gift.

Blessed be Your Name, Triune God! What the psalmist prophesied in expectation, believers in Christ experience in wonder and exuberance—the LORD has restored our fortunes. Thousand, thousand thanks are due, dearest Savior unto You! Amen.

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