Psalm 19

SLIDE 1 Tonight we turn to Psalm 19. As I mentioned last week, this will be the last psalm for a few weeks.

In Psalm 19 David changes directions. Most of his psalms have been cries for help or as we saw last week David sharing how God had helped him in his difficulties. But Psalm 19 is purely a psalm of praise. It has been called one of the noblest examples of Hebrew poetry. C.S. Lewis called Psalm 19 the greatest poem in the Bible saying:

I take this psalm 19 to be the greatest poem in the Psalms and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.

The psalm was written by David and we know that because of the inscription.

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Some believe the psalm to have been written while David was in the wilderness running from King Saul. Whenever it was written, it was written to be sung as a song of praise. In it David shows his deep love for God, for his creation, and for his word. The theme of Psalm 19 is God communicating with us. In the psalm David shows how God reveals himself to us. God makes himself known through nature or what theologians call “natural revelation.” God unveils himself through his word or “special revelation.” And lastly, God discloses himself inwardly through his Spirit. The German philosopher Immanuel Kant covered two of these when he wrote:

Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing wonder and awe, the more often and the more seriously reflection concentrates upon them: the starry heaven above me and the moral law within me.

Some will ask how we can know that God exists. It’s not an unreasonable question. David answers the question in this psalm. We know God exists because he reveals himself to us in nature, in his word, and in our spirit.

SLIDE 2 First, God reveals himself to us through the world around us.

God revealing himself to us in nature is referred to as his natural or general revelation. It refers to what we can learn from God by looking at the world around us. God is the Creator.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. (Psalm 19:1-6)

David says that nature tells us about God and he focuses on sky above him. Being a shepherd through his childhood David would have spent many nights under the open sky. He would have watched as the sun went down each evening in the west and came up the next morning in the east. This happened day after day without interruption. Since there were no streets lights, David would have seen the many stars visible at night. All of this, David says, proclaims the existence of God who made them. Even though the sun, moon, and stars don’t have mouths, David claims that they tell us about God. Creation is a “wordless book” that everybody can read because it needs no translation. God speaks through creation day after day and night after night; his speech “pours out” silently, abundantly, universally. Another psalmist wrote that’s exactly what nature does: SLIDE 3

Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. (Psalm 148:3)

SLIDE 4 David focused on the world above him, but there are many other “worlds” in God’s creation. They include the earth beneath our feet with all of its plants and animals. There’s the water also with plants and animals. And then there are worlds invisible to the human eye, worlds so small we need special equipment to see them.

Biologist Edward Wilson claims there may be as many as 1.6 million species of fungi in the world today. There are 1.6 million different kinds of fungi. He says there are 10,000 species of ants. I’m not sure many want to know how many different species of spiders there are. There are 300,000 species of flowering plants, between 4,000 and 5,000 species of mammals, and approximately 10,000 species of birds. Where did they all come from? Paul wrote in Romans: SLIDE 5

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (Romans 1:18-19)

How has the existence of God been made plain? SLIDE 6

20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

David, and a thousand years later Paul, insist there is no reason people can’t know there is a God. SLIDE 7 All they have to do is open their eyes and look around them at the earth and sky. Through nature they can clearly see evidence of God – his eternal power and divine nature. God speaks to the inhabitants of the earth by means of his creation. The existence of creation implies the existence of a Creator, and the nature of the creation implies that this Creator is wise enough to plan it, powerful enough to execute his plan, and able to maintain what he had made. A complex universe demands a Creator who can do anything, who knows everything, and who is present everywhere. As a result, people have no excuse for not knowing God.

God forbid his people from worshiping objects in the sky. SLIDE 8

And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars – all the heavenly array – do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:19)

Nor were they allowed to look to the sky in an effort to tell the future. They were to worship the Creator and not the creation. But people haven’t followed God’s commands. As Paul wrote: SLIDE 9

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen. (Romans 1:25)

People have preferred worshiping what was created rather than the One who created it.

SLIDE 10 In Romans 10:18, Paul quoted verse 4. In that chapter he was discussing why so many of the Jews had rejected the gospel. Paul wrote:

But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:18)

The Jewish people could never say that they had not heard God’s message, because Psalm 19:4 says that the whole world has heard. SLIDE 11 Therefore, both Gentiles and Jews stand guilty before God and need to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ, and we must take the salvation message to them. It’s interesting that when Paul preached to Gentiles he started with creation before moving to the gospel message. He did this because nature proclaims the existence of God.

Phillips Brooks gave the first instructions about God to Helen Keller. She replied that she had always known there was a God but didn’t know what his name was. Even though she was deaf and blind she knew there was a creator. How can anyone else claim ignorance? But despite this universal message that pours out day and night to the entire world, most people ignore it and reject God because they would rather live as they please.

A common question asks if people are lost who have never heard about Jesus. There are two answers. First, yes, they are lost, because God speaks to them all day long, and they refuse to listen. And second, what are we doing about getting the message to these people?

SLIDE 12 Second, God reveals himself to us through his word before us.

God reveals himself to us through nature (natural or general revelation), but God has also spoken and continues to speak through his word. This is his special revelation. God is our instructor. The revelation of God in creation is truly wonderful, but nature is limited in what it can tell us about God. It can tell us that God exists but it can’t tell us much about what God is like, his attributes and his purposes for creation. So we need something that reveals more clearly the character of God. That “something” is the inspired word of God.

When he wrote about creation in verse 1 he used the name El, a name that speaks of God’s great power. However, when David wrote about God’s Word, seven times he used the “covenant” name, Yahweh. God is powerful enough to create the universe but also personal enough to reveal himself to his people. Israel was a very special nation, chosen by God to receive his law, covenants, and promises. SLIDE 13

19 He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. 20 He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. (Psalm 147:19-20)

The heavens declare God’s glory, but the Scriptures tell us what God did so that we may share in that glory. There is no conflict between what God does in his universe and what he says in his word. It was by his word that he created the worlds (33:9), and it is by his word that he controls the worlds (33:11; 148:8).

David recorded six different names for God’s word, six attributes of the word for those who receive it and obey it.

SLIDE 14 a) The scriptures contain the law of the Lord.

7a The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. (Psalm 19:7a)

This is the Hebrew word torah, which means “instruction, direction, or teaching.” Though it’s often translated as law, the word refers to all of God’s revelation. It comes from a word that means “to shoot an arrow.” In the area of teaching it refers to a teacher who aims to hit a target and achieve specific goals in the lives of the students. Unlike the textbooks that we write, God’s word is perfect, flawless, and complete. Because human language changes, we require new translations of God’s word; but the word of God never needs revision or improvement.

The author of Hebrews says the word of God has life. SLIDE 15

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

As we read Wednesday, Peter says it’s able to give spiritual life. SLIDE 16

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)

David says that God’s law refreshes his soul. It’s the same word he used in Psalm 23:3 that is often translated “restore.” It means “to revive, to give new life.”

SLIDE 17 b) The scriptures contain the testimony of the Lord.

7b The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7b)

The word “statue” can be translated as law. It’s the word used to describe the Ten Commandments. SLIDE 18

Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. (Exodus 25:21)

The word also means testimony. SLDIE 19 The Scriptures are God’s testimony to us about who he is, what he has said and done, and what he wants us to be and to do. The testimony God gives concerning in the written word is sure and reliable. The testimony of God provides principles of successful living and through it we become wise concerning salvation. SLIDE 20

. . . from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

SLDIE 21 David mentions the “simple.” He’s not talking about being mentally deficient or naive people who believe everything, but instead being childlike people who humbly receive God’s truth as Jesus said: SLIDE 22

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” (Matthew 11:25)

Are we willing to receive God’s testimony?

SLIDE 23 c) The scriptures contain the precepts of the Lord.

8a The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. (Psalm 19:8a)

The precepts of God are his detailed instructions concerning the practical matters of everyday life. In the Old Testament God’s statutes addressed what his people ate, how they dressed, and how they kept clean. It addressed most every aspect of their lives. God laid down certain basic laws and commandments, and the statutes applied them to specific situations. The New Testament epistles repeat nine of the Ten Commandments for believers today, omitting only the fourth commandment to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. The statutes of government are sometimes confusing and at other times contradictory. But God’s are always perfect and bring joy.

Slide 24 d) The scriptures contain the commands of the Lord.

8b The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (Psalm 19:8b)

The word “command” means “that which is appointed.” Because God loves us, he commands us what to do, warns us what not to do, and how we respond is a matter of life or death. God’s commands are pure and lead to a pure life, if we obey from the heart. Jesus said: SLIDE 25

Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. (John 7:17)

We are enlightened and learn God’s truth when we obey what he says. We are strangers on this earth and the word of God is the road map to guide us. The psalmist prayed: SLIDE 26

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. (Psalm 119:19)

SLIDE 27 e) The scriptures show us the fear the Lord.

9a The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. (Psalm 19:9a)

That’s an unusual way to describe the Scriptures, but it reminds us that we cannot learn the word of God unless we show reverence and respect for the God of the word. To teach the Bible is to teach the fear of the Lord.

SLIDE 28 f) The scriptures contain decrees or judgments of the Lord.

9b The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. (Psalm 19:9b)

Decrees can be translated “ordinances,” “verdicts,” or even “judgments.” It refers to the decisions of a judge. Throughout the Bible we see God passing judgment on what people and nations do. We see his rewards, rebukes, and punishments. They help us understand what pleases God.

SLDIE 29 David ends this section about God’s word describing how we should treat it. He says concerns God’s law, testimony, precepts, and judgments:

10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:10-11)

Because the way we treat the Bible is a reflection of our attitude toward God, it isn’t difficult to determine if we are in a right relationship with him. Do we desire God’s word because it’s precious to us, even more than wealth. The Psalmist declared:

SLIDE 30 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. (Psalm 119:14)

SLIDE 31 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. (Psalm 119:72)

SLIDE 32 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold. (Psalm 119:127)

We read Wednesday where we should crave God’s word as babies crave milk. Are we satisfied reading God’s Word? Would we skip a meal to spend time meditating on the Scriptures? To have an appetite for God’s word is a mark of a healthy Christian whose priorities are straight. The Lord has sent the Holy Spirit to teach us his word, and if we walk in the Spirit, we will learn and live the truth.

SLIDE 33 And third, God reveals himself to us through his witness within us.

So God reveals himself to us through nature and through his word. However, unless we have a personal relationship with God so that he is our Father and Jesus is our Redeemer, what we see in creation and what we read in the Bible will do us so much good. We need God to reveal himself to us personally.

12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)

David asks who can know their own sins. We are almost driven to defend ourselves and make excuses for ourselves. We overlook our sins and even of those we love. We need someone from the outside to reveal them to us. Jesus said concerning the Spirit: SLIDE 34

And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. (John 16:8)

SLIDE 35 God’s word is described as a light in Psalm 119:105 and a mirror James 1:22-25 to help us see ourselves and search our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) that we might recognize and acknowledge our sins, especially our “secret sins” – those we don’t even see ourselves – and “sins of ignorance” – those we don’t even realize we’ve committed. God reveals them to us.

SLIDE 36 So David turns to God for help and seeks his forgiveness. And David asks that God would guide him so that he won’t repeat them. He not only needs nature to reveal God to him and God’s word to reveal God’s will for him, he needs God with to help and guide him.

You remember Peter’s response when Jesus asked the disciples who they thought he was. SLIDE 37

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

And what did Jesus say? SLIDE 38

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)

How did Peter know who Jesus was when most people thought he was one of the prophets come back to life? Jesus said it was because God had revealed it to him.

SLIDE 39 In Matthew 2 the magi started on their journey because of a star that directed they way. They were following what God revealed by through nature. Once in Jerusalem they were led to Bethlehem because of guidance from God’s word. But even when they arrived in Bethlehem and worshipped the Savior they didn’t really know who he was. We need the revelation from God.