O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.1
How could David exhibit so much passion? Surely, he knew the object of his prayers! He knew his God, reverentially and lovingly. Twice he says, O God. Who is this God that he knew was mighty to save? If not the Name that is above all name, that every knee would bow to, and every tongue confess as Lord.2 How was David familiar with God’s might? Did he recall his childhood, while indwelt by the Spirit he killed lions and bears with his bare hands as he tended over the sheep3? Or Goliath4? And David grew stronger and stronger . . .5 Thus when he sinned, in reverential fear, he pleaded to God, Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.6 The same Spirit that Jesus instructed his disciples to wait for—I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.7
Since all wisdom comes from God,8 having an intimate relationship with Jesus is like honey to our flesh— Know that wisdom is such to our soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.9 There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might.10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. . .11
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and never changes.12 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.13 The finished work of Jesus14—his death on the cross, burial, resurrection, and ascension is what defines us. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for; and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.15
Through the prophet Joel: And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, even on my male servants and female servants, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. . . . And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.16
Paul was deep into Judaism and extremely zealous for the traditions of his fathers; but when he encountered Jesus and was given direct revelation, he started preaching the good news: a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. . . .17 We are blessed, chosen, holy (set apart for his purpose), predestined, redeemed, forgiven, made blameless; thus, adopted as sons through Jesus Christ.18 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.19 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.20
Abide in me, and I in you. . . .21 If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.22 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . .23
Notes:
1. Psalm 54:1-2
2. Philippians 2:10-11
3. 1 Samuel 17:34-36
4. 1 Samuel 17:1-54
5. 2 Samuel 3:1b
6. Psalm 51:11
7. Luke 24:48-49; Act 1:4-8
8. Proverbs 2:6
9. Proverbs 24:13-14
10. Jeremiah 10:6
11. Jeremiah 10:10
12. Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8
13. John 15:3
14. John 19:30
15. Proverbs 16:6
16. Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32
17. Read Galatians
18. Ephesians 1:3-10
19. Ephesians 1:13-14
20. Ephesians 2:8-10
21. John 15:4
22. John 15:7-8
23. Matthew 28:18-20
