Psalm 19
Two witnesses proclaim God's glory. His Works and
Word harmoniously respond. May the joint testimony teach us!
1, 2. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the
firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto
night shows knowledge."
Debased and senseless is the mind which creation's
wonders fail to touch. Survey the canopy above our heads. It is magnificent
in all which constitutes beauty and splendor in perfection. From morn to
night light strides along its azure path, illumining the world. When
evening's shades prevail, the stars hang out their countless lamps, and stud
with spangles the brilliant skies. We marvel; we admire. We trace the great
Creator's skill and reverently adore. It must be a mighty mind who planned
this exquisite machinery. It must be mighty power which framed these glowing
orbs, and gave them their appointed courses. They could not will their own
formation. They could not array themselves with brightness. It must, also,
be gracious benevolence which arranged such lovely helps and solace for us.
On all the heavens God's glory is inscribed. The skies in all their parts
show what His hands have wrought. The record never ceases. Day follows day,
repeating the instruction. Night succeeds to night, telling the great
Creator's praise.
3, 4, 5, 6. "They speak without a sound or a word;
their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all
the earth, and their words to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens
where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his
wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun
rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat."
The lessons of the skies are universal. Wherever man
breathes, in torrid or in frigid zones, the canopy of day and night speaks
the same voice. Throughout earth's length and breadth the heavens teach
plainly the invisible things of God, even His eternal power and Godhead. Let
the sun's voice especially be heard. The heavens are His splendid tent. In
the dawn he breaks forth arrayed in gladness, as a joyous bridegroom. He
strides along stately in giant-strength. He girds all heaven in his path,
and with his all-penetrating rays searches earth in all its parts. In all
his course, in all his might, one is his witness. God is my Maker. Worship
Him. So then they are without excuse who do not read God in creation's
volume. The Spirit by the mouth of Paul declares their guilt, and passes
just sentence, and seals their reprobation. The Spirit, also, adopts these
terms to show the Gospel's progress through all lands. Let this inspirit
missionary zeal!
7 - 11. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting
the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The
commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Reverence for the
Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is
fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are
sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to
those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them."
From the witness of God's WORKS there is an easy transit
to the witness of His WORD. Both spring from the same source; both
spread abroad the same truth—God's glory. Six distinct titles here designate
the Word. Each bears a separate character, and each describes a separate
effect. How worthy is this glorious Word of constant study! Let it be read
on bended knee until all its efficacy molds our hearts. None are so wise and
happy as the Bible-taught. This study is the richest feast. It regales the
soul far more than sweetest dainties can please the palate. It gives wise
warning for our every hour. Obedience is wise blessedness.
12, 13. "Who can understand his errors? cleanse me
from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let
them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright, and I shall be
innocent from great transgression."
Every step which strays from the strict path of perfect
love is error. Who can count up these countless deviations! They far exceed
the ocean's sands. They may be hidden from man's eye, but all are patent to
omniscient scrutiny. Let the thought drive us to the all-atoning blood, and
prompt the earnest prayer, Cleanse me, O Jesus, cleanse.
Especially let us seek grace to keep us from bold sins of
mad presumption against God's rule. Indulged, they soon establish habits
which rule with tyrant's force; and may lead to sin against the Spirit, for
which no pardon can be found.
14. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of
my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my
Redeemer."
Precious, indeed, will be this psalm if it thus leads to
wrestling hold of Christ, who is all strength and all redemption to us.