March 17, 1999

EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
God's revelation of himself
impossible to ignore
___ Psalm 19:1-14
___By Dillard Wilbanks
___Travis Avenue Baptist Church, Fort Worth
___Psalm 19 answers the question, "How can I know God?" In its three distinct parts, a progression of doctrine is stated by the Psalmist. The skies reveal his glory; the Scriptures his greatness; and the soul his grace. Ours is a God who speaks!
___ God speaks through his world (Psalm 19:1-6). The witness of his creation is specific. The heavens are declaring God's wisdom, power, glory and goodness. It is not merely glory that is declared by the heavens but the glory of God. They deliver unanswerable arguments for a conscious, intelligent, planning, controlling and presiding creator.
___This revelation from creation is poetically described. The witness is inaudible. The heavens have no words for human ears. If they did, to what avail is the loudest declaration to a deaf man? However, this communication is sufficiently discernable to hold everyone accountable to God (Romans 1:20).
___ God speaks through his word (Psalm 19:7-11). This psalm now moves to God's special revelation given in his word. First, he tells of the nature and work of the law. The law, Torah, means "revelation." It encompasses all of the divine instruction relative to character and conduct in the whole of Scripture. It is declared perfect both in whole and in part. The practical effect is to turn man to God and to holiness through an inner renewal of his soul. Testimony speaks of the divine witness to what God is. This sure witness is so steadfast that no attacks upon it can ever weaken its force. A doubted gospel cannot make us wise. The statutes or precepts speak of divine directions to secure obedience and check disobedience. Through them we know how to please God, which brings joy to both his heart and ours.
___Commandment denotes the divine authoritative decrees whereby we can be enlightened to know assuredly the will of God. There is no greater joy for those in Christ than both knowing and doing God's will (John 5:30). Fear of the Lord denotes those who are in awe of him and order their lives accordingly. Judgments encompass the judicial decisions and sentences of Jehovah. Both are established through the revelation (Torah) of God wherein he reveals what is true and right. Thus, on the Day of Judgment we will all be accountable to that revelation. In Christ both God's truth and righteousness were incarnated (John 14:6).
___Verse 10 summarizes the incomparable value of God's words. His words are a treasure to be claimed and a taste to be savored. In keeping them there is great reward. Reward is found in doing the Father's will, in living a fulfilled life and in being ready to stand before Christ's judgment seat (Corinthians 5:10).
___ God's servant responds (Psalm 19:12-14). It is for the sake of the soul that God has revealed himself at all. The psalmist responds first with a quickened conscience--a consciousness of the growing power of sin. He, then, responds with a consciousness of the mighty power of God to cleanse and to preserve from sin.
___Finally, he desires a confident heart. His assurance is in the Lord--his rock, redeemer, strength and Savior. He beheld, believed and behaved in wonder and worship as a response to God's revelation. How much more accountable are we who know the full revelation of God in Christ Jesus!

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