Psalm 19 and the gospel message

Psalm 19 and the gospel message

In Psalm 19, David recounts how God has revealed His Glory, Providence, and Law and finishes with man’s only rightful response to this revelation.
Psalm 19 can be divided into four sections:

Section 1: The Glory of the transcendent God
Transcendent: Super-eminent; surpassing others; very excellent; superior or supreme [Webster, 1828]
"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 display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."

This section tells us that God’s glory can be seen by everyone. There is never, and has never, been a time when this glory could not be seen. God’s creation displays information that is available for those who are listening.
From God’s creation we can see:
1) His Transcendence [“glory”]
2) His Power and abilities [“work of His hands”]
3) The stability, constancy, and unchanging nature of God [“day after day…night after night”; i.e. “He is glorious, He is glorious, He is glorious….!”]
4) This glory, seen in creation, is not spoken with literal words [see verse 3 NIV alt translation and NET Bible]; yet it is spoken to everyone.
5) The omnipresence of His glory [“goes out into all the earth”]

Of note: Romans 10:18 tells us that the knowledge that can be obtained by observing God’s creation is the gospel message itself! [Read Romans 10:14-18—Cp Acts 10-11:14; story about Eugene Kimble]

Section 2: God’s Personal Providence
Providence: The care and superintendence which God exercises over His creatures. He that acknowledges a creation and denies a Providence, involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence. Some persons admit a general providence, but deny a particular providence, not considering that a general providence consists of particulars. A belief in divine providence is a source of great consolation to good men. By divine providence is understood God Himself. [Webster, 1828]

"In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
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 hidden from its heat."

The Sun is the most obvious declaration of God’s perfect personal Providence for every one of us. The size, distance, and make up of the Sun is perfectly suited for sustaining life on earth. Without the Sun, there could be no life on earth.
From this section we learn:
1) God has placed the Sun in a special place in the heavens [“He has pitched a tent for the sun”]
2) The daily appearance of the Sun in our sky is a joyful, victorious event [“like a bridegroom” “like a champion rejoicing”
3) This obvious announcement of God’s personal Providence and care is felt by everyone [“nothing is hidden from its heat”]. There is no place on planet earth where the heat of the Sun is not felt! Even the depths of the oceans, or the deepest caves are heated by the Sun.
The Sun: 1) Provides for our physical needs 2) Declares God’s personal love and care 3) Also specifically shows God’s glory, power, and might

Section 3: God’s Law; Providence for the soul
"7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?"

God has also revealed Himself in His Law and Word.
Of Note: God has written His Law and Word not only on paper, but on our hearts (conscience).
[Romans 2:14-15], thus God has revealed this Law to everyone. His written Word, however, is precious [Romans 3:2] and powerful [Hebrews 4:12]. Between our conscience and His Word, He has given us everything we need for life and godliness [2 Peter 3:3]

From the attributes of the Law, we see the attributes of God: perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, eternal, sure and righteous, precious, and infallible.
We also see that the Law is intended for our good. It is provided for us in a personal way to revive the soul, make us wise, give joy to the heart, light to the eyes, to warn us and to provide a great reward for those who keep it.

Section 4: Our rightful response
"Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

The only rightful response that we can have to seeing God’s transcendence in His creation, His personal, physical care through the Sun, and his soul-reviving righteous Law provided in His Word, is an attitude of repentance.

It is obvious from creation, the sun, our consciences, and the Bible, that God is a personal God. He desires a personal interaction and relationship between Himself and His image bearers. He is the Great Provider and wants a repentant and humble heart that comes to Him personally.

The Psalmist prays for hidden sins to be forgiven, and to be protected from willful sins. He also desires that not only would his words be pleasing to God, but the thoughts in his heart.

The next time we see a beautiful sunrise, sunset, or starry sky, meditate on the greatness of God, His personal care, His righteous Word, and present to Him a repentant, humble heart.

2004 EadsHome Ministries
All materials produced by EadsHome Ministries are free for your use as long as a profit is not made.
Materials copyrighted to others are specifically noted and linked.