A Cause Greater Than Himself: Psalm 59
“1) Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. 2) Deliver me from those who do iniquity And save me from men of bloodshed. 3) For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; Fierce men launch an attack against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord, 4) For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me. Arouse Yourself to help me, and see.” Psalms 59:1-4
Psalm 59 is a prayer for deliverance and restoration. The occasion was 1 Samuel 19:11-43 after Absalom was defeated and the banished king was about to be restored to his throne.
It was an awkward time in the kingdom. Many former enemies who had joined the rebellion of Absalom against the king had to make amends with David.
David faced the task of healing a divided nation. Many had cursed and opposed King David as he fled from Absalom, but now they had to eat their words and face the return of the banished king. This was a defining moment in the reign of King David.
He faced two alternatives; He could be self centered and avenge himself on his enemies or he could be gracious and extend an olive branch. He had occasion to purge thousands from his kingdom for treason, or he could forgive and work toward national reconciliation.
David chose the path of forgiveness, grace and reconciliation. He had his eyes on a cause greater than himself. This Psalm and chapter in David’s life marked the character of a true leader. Few leaders have the humility and character of king David.
Every believer will have ample opportunity to do the same. Love demands it! At some point we all need to learn the lesson that our call is not about self.
In a sense, Jesus Himself is on a similar journey. He was rejected and despised by His own people but soon is coming back to sit on the throne of David. The banished king is about to return. The comparison with this chapter in David’s life is pregnant with meaning and insights.
Jesus consistently surrendered Himself to a cause greater than Himself. That’s why He went to the cross to redeem sinful humanity. His return will bring about the healing of the nations.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“1) Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. 2) Deliver me from those who do iniquity And save me from men of bloodshed. 3) For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; Fierce men launch an attack against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord, 4) For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me. Arouse Yourself to help me, and see.” Psalms 59:1-4
Psalm 59 is a prayer for deliverance and restoration. The occasion was 1 Samuel 19:11-43 after Absalom was defeated and the banished king was about to be restored to his throne.
It was an awkward time in the kingdom. Many former enemies who had joined the rebellion of Absalom against the king had to make amends with David.
David faced the task of healing a divided nation. Many had cursed and opposed King David as he fled from Absalom, but now they had to eat their words and face the return of the banished king. This was a defining moment in the reign of King David.
He faced two alternatives; He could be self centered and avenge himself on his enemies or he could be gracious and extend an olive branch. He had occasion to purge thousands from his kingdom for treason, or he could forgive and work toward national reconciliation.
David chose the path of forgiveness, grace and reconciliation. He had his eyes on a cause greater than himself. This Psalm and chapter in David’s life marked the character of a true leader. Few leaders have the humility and character of king David.
Every believer will have ample opportunity to do the same. Love demands it! At some point we all need to learn the lesson that our call is not about self.
In a sense, Jesus Himself is on a similar journey. He was rejected and despised by His own people but soon is coming back to sit on the throne of David. The banished king is about to return. The comparison with this chapter in David’s life is pregnant with meaning and insights.
Jesus consistently surrendered Himself to a cause greater than Himself. That’s why He went to the cross to redeem sinful humanity. His return will bring about the healing of the nations.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
