Day 120, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalm 105; Psalm 24, Psalm 65; Psalm 68; Psalm 110; Psalm 19
Reasons to Celebrate!
Today’s Bible Reading: Psalm 105; Psalm 24, Psalm 65; Psalm 68; Psalm 110; Psalm 19
When we dedicate a new building site, it’s a time of celebration! We have a special event where we celebrate the start of a project, and photographers take many photos. Prestigious people and owners make speeches about the future use and benefits of the building.
When the construction crew lays the cornerstone, we applaud. Once the structure is finished, we celebrate once more. When the movers bring in all the furniture, computers, machinery, and other important items for our organization, we know it’s time to celebrate again.
The biggest celebration, however, is the ribbon-cutting ceremony; it’s the official opening of the building. There's much joy. Speeches are made with congratulations for all who made this moment possible, and they express hope for future success. People exchange gifts and express their best wishes for the organization. Sometimes, there ‘s a meal for everyone to enjoy.
Installing the Ark in Jerusalem
A piece of furniture that symbolized the holiness and presence of God in the days of King David was the Ark of the Covenant. Yesterday’s Bible reading and today’s reading focus on the celebration of bringing it up into the city of Zion (Jerusalem).
King David leads the procession as the Israelites bring up the Ark from Kiriath Jearim to Jerusalem. To commemorate the event, he writes some songs. These songs (Psalms) don’t praise their own merits or the generosity of donors; they worship God for his virtues.
Psalm 24 praises the LORD for being the Almighty God, worthy of worship.
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false (vs. 3-4, NIV).
Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty — he is the King of glory (vs. 9-10, NIV).
The people of Israel would sing these songs as a reminder of the Ark, the symbol of God’s presence. It’s not enough for a church to have beautiful furnishings—to stand in God’s holiness; we must be holy (1Peter 1:15-16). God can make our soul pure (more...), but we must practice righteousness to have his favor.
Church Furniture
For most protestant churches, the most treasured pieces of furniture installed for service are the pulpit and the communion table. After these things, we bring pews or chairs and instruments of music into the worship center.
Why are the pulpit and the communion table essential furniture?
The podium is the place where church leaders preach and teach God’sWord, the Bible. The communion table is a symbolic piece of furniture. On it, we periodically place baskets or plates of unleavened (yeast-less) bread and cups of wine or grape juice to remember the source of our common faith.
The unleavened bread, broken in pieces, symbolizes Christ dying for our sins bodily on the cross of Calvary. The small cups of wine or grape juice represent Christ’s blood, which he shed for us in our place. He substituted his life for ours to make amends for our wrongs.
Praising God
Psalm 65 praises the LORD for answered prayer, forgiveness, and God’s temple (a reference to the tabernacle in David’s time). It’s his place of worship and blessing.
Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.
When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.
Blessings come to those who are righteous. (vs. 1-4, NIV)
Psalm 68 praises the LORD for his care of his people. The Psalmist declares, “You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” (68:35, NIV). Israel’s mighty God is also our God if we have a relationship with him (more).
Also, in this Psalm, David lists the order of the procession into Jerusalem (Psalm 68:24-27). He doesn’t mention all the tribes, just a representative few. The southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah and the northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali represent all the tribes from south to north.Psalm 110 is a prophetic Messianic Psalm and foretells a coming day when the Lord Jesus Christ will reign from Jerusalem. The LORD may have revealed this Psalm to David when he transported the Ark to Zion’s holy hill, the city of Jerusalem.
Psalm 19 is a hymn of worship for God’s creation and his Word. David may also have written it for this occasion.
The Importance of Praise
Is praise a part of our worship? It should be. Our LORD is mighty and powerful, yet kind and personable. He loves each of us more than we can comprehend, and he's always available to talk to and learn from. He left us a book filled with true stories of people like us struggling in life and learning to live through faith in him.
We have much to rejoice about! God has been gracious, answered many prayers in glorious ways, and he's our strength, provider, defender, and deliverer. What can we praise God for today? What reasons do we have to celebrate God?
The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p. 844 Focus Verse
Psalm 65:4 (NIV) “Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.”
Discussion
Why are the pulpit and the communion table essential furniture in Protestant churches?
In a communion service, what do the broken pieces of yeastless bread and the wine (or grape juice) symbolize?
Many churches have beautiful furnishings, but how can we have God’s favor?
What reasons do we have to celebrate God, today?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead:After Israel installs King David and the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, it's not long before Israel faces enemies and has to fight. David learns that God is their defense and shield. He can also be Our Defense and Shield. Read more in our Next Lesson.
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