
Psalm 25
When we read the words “the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful” (Psalm 25:10) we grow hopeful that as His children we will live lives which are blessed, don’t we? However, we need to read these words in context.
David knows that Almighty God is the source of goodness so when He instructs us sinners (25:8) it is with the expectation of a response. Are we following in His ways by living lives of goodness? What does that mean?
Little children are constantly asking “why”? This is one way they learn. Why does God look for us to show Him we are believers?….and how? First of all, scripture is clear, isn’t it? David writes that the blessing we hope for comes when we “keep the demands of His covenant” (25:10). Do we today in the twenty-first century understand the demands of God’s covenant?
Jesus died for our sins, creating a new covenant. The old regime of salvation by keeping the law has passed away. “The new covenant is in My blood” (Luke 22:20), Jesus said, meaning that it is by believing and receiving His death on the cross as the penalty for our sins, we have eternal salvation. Sounds too easy and it is!
There is more….Jesus taught all those who follow Him to love one another because “it is by this that all will know you are My disciples – that you love one another”. If we are honest it is not always easy to love those with whom we differ. Part of that same verse, which is seldom quoted, tells us “As I have loved you, you must love one another” (John 13:34-35).
There may be sacrifice in offering our love to others. Are we willing to become Christ-like in our response to God’s love? If not, can we expect God to be faithful to us? The new covenant in His blood about which Jesus spoke, was poured out. That creates a word picture…a jug being emptied.
Reflection:
If we say we follow Jesus, are we willing to be emptied in the sake of Christ? What might that look like? Oh dear children of God, let us examine our hearts to see if we measure up to the expectations of a Holy God! Can we truly pray “Show me Your ways O Lord. Teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour and my hope is in You all the day long” (Psalm 25:4-5)?








