Yod

Introduction:

Knowing God through His revelation of himself to us, challenges us to evaluate and refine our understanding of His will.

Hebrews 11:6: Note the important principle being established here.

The one approaching God must believe that “he is.”

And, he must believe that God is coming to be a rewarder for those seeking him.

These are statements of reality about God.

Has this been lost on modern people?

Is God merely a concept, an arbitrary word that we substitute for whatever might have caused us to exist?

Is he some “higher power”?

The Bible challenges us, constantly, to think about our existence so that we might realize our need to understand the one who caused that existence.

We might include in this thought process the high honor it is to have access to the Word of God.

Being (Existence) Is no Accident:

The writer of this Psalm has referred to the Lord as his portion, and he has written from the perspective of God’s authority to teach and instruct in how to live.

Now, however, he makes a more direct statement about God’s relationship to him.

“Your hands made me.”

We should, most likely, not look at this as a literal statement.

Instead, this is a phrase (coupled with the term that follows) that refers to God’s role in the creation of humanity.

It may also point to the special relationship/place human beings have with God.

“Your hands fashioned me.”

Life is no random accident of time and space.

We possess life because God, with intentionality, put life here.

The picture here is of God as a wise, master craftsman fashioning a human life.

Discipleship Equals Learning and Obeying More than Feeling

God’s exercise of His creative power places upon us the responsibility to use our capacity for intelligent understanding to learn Jehovah’s commandments.

The writer requests for God to “cause me to understand so that I may learn your commandments.”

This now takes the form of a request for the Lord to take the active role in “causing” the ability to deliberate or discern.

Note that this “caused understanding” enables or results in learning your commandments.

Two things to consider for a moment:

Perhaps there are two realities about modern people, especially Americans that we need to think about in light of the principles of these passages. First, using our minds to understand matters of science or business, the academic side of life, does not stand in conflict with using our minds to understand the Word of God. These are not opposed to one another. It is a false choice, either way, to think we have to opt for one over the other.

Second, for almost a century, the principle pursuit of “religion” has been “feeling” not knowing. The God of the Bible isn’t looking to give us “vibes” or “experiences,” or “the tingles.” He wants to be known and understood.

He has revealed himself so we can know Him and understand Him with greater clarity. His existence is to be an acknowledged reality that explains our existence as human beings on this planet. He has intervened in human history, in limited ways, and He has given His Word so that we who are imperfect might have a better, more accurate understanding of His nature, His person.

Part 2: Introduction

Tonight, we will develop the Yod section further.

Much of what the writer will say echoes previous themes.

These themes are rooted in the biblically informed theology held by the writer.

We need a carefully developed, biblically informed understanding of God and of God’s deeds.

Even the crucifixion reveals God’s nature: Ro. 3:20-25; 5:8.

A High View of Scripture

Based on the teaching, there is most likely a parallel with the ideas of Prov. 3:19-21.

Having access to the commandments is the same as having access to the mind of our creator.

The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

What does it mean to “learn your commandments”?

This combination is yet another allusion to Deuteronomy.

Here are the relevant passages:

Dt. 4:10; 14:23; 17:19; 31:12-13.

Hence, it is no accident that the next statement refers to “those who fear you.”

This is the shared basis of community.

They rejoice with him based on seeing his commitment to the Lord’s commandments.

They are caused to rejoice because “he has hoped in your word.”

The writer does not feel betrayed or sense that God has done him wrong.

He sees his “affliction” as a needed form of humbling or lowering brought upon him by the Lord to cause him to develop in his spiritual maturity.

5 Subsequent Requests:

Comfort from God’s “CHESED.”

The arrival of the Lord’s life giving “mercy.”

This term refers to “compassion” and often occurs in tandom with “steadfast love.”

Ps. 69:16; Is. 63:7; Ps. 51:1.

Vindication on the “insolent.”

This echoes Ps. 119:69.

An opportunity to instruct those who fear you.

He mentioned speaking of the Lord’s testimonies in Ps. 119:46, but now, he has in mind being a source of learning for others who fear the Lord.

Also note Ps. 119:13.

Before, he wanted those who fear the Lord to rejoice at his obedience.

Now he wants them to learn more of the Word of God through his instruction.

Completeness or maturity (perfection) in the Lord’s statutes.

Note Ps. 119:1.