Psalm 17

October 05, 2015 Monday Message:

“Hear me, Lord, my plea is just.” Psalms 17:1a NIV

David once again prays to God in Psalm 17. He first offers evidence, justification that the Lord should answer his prayer requests. “My prayer is not from deceitful lips. May your eyes see what is right. Probe my heart, examine me, test me; You will find that I have planned no evil, and my mouth has not transgressed.” Is your heart pure when you come before the Lord?

David restates the promise in scripture, that the Lord is forever faithful. “I call on my God, for you will answer me. Show me the wonders of your great love. Keep me as the apple of your eye, in the shelter of your wing.” Do we trust that God will be ever-faithful with us?

When Saul was king, he felt threatened by David, the future king, so he sent his soldiers to attack David. After David was on the throne, other countries were constantly attacking Israel. As David grew older, even his own sons sought to take over the nation. David had enemies in spades! “They have tracked me down, they now surround me, to throw me to the ground. They are like a fierce lion crouching in cover, hungry for prey.” Do you ever have days when you feel like everyone is out to get you?

David then calls upon the Lord for vengeance. “Rise up, confront my enemies, bring them down; with your sword, rescue me from the wicked.” Needing rescue from the wicked is a good time to call upon God.

No one picks up a sword to inflict a flesh wound. David is asking God to kill his enemies. He has no other solution – He believes that Divine intervention is the only answer. What God has for the wicked, David wishes upon their children and their children’s children. But Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies. But instead of praying for their death, we should pray that they would renounce their evil ways and repent.

And as for David – he’s the man after God’s own heart. The Lord will justify him. “I will be vindicated; I will see Your face.”

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Oct. 11, Pastor Michael Pilla opens up the book of Ephesians.