Scripture:
Psalm 89:32-37 ESV
[32] then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, [33] but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. [34] I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. [35] Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. [36] His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. [37] Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah
Observation:
This psalm was not written by David. However, he wrote most of them. There are a number of them that were put together by others. This particular psalm was written by a man named Ethan. He was familiar with David because he mentioned GOD’s promises to him. I think if we look at the verses that I was pointed to this morning and don’t take note of the statement in verse 32 we would lose the value of what is being said in some aspects. This statement is written as if it were the LORD speaking, and it states that HE will punish with the rod. I think it’s important to look at what that rod was called as a whole before we jump to conclusions. I believe in other scriptures, its name in the rod of correction. We can see in David’s story that he was not a perfect man he made mistakes, and when he did, GOD took the time to show HIS steadfast love by correcting him. The first one that comes to mind is when Bathsheba lost their first son, she was to give birth. The second one that comes to mind is when David counted the people, and pestilence took a large number of them. Now the question is, did that correction change how GOD felt about David or the promises that were made to him…? No, it did not. David made mistakes, but GOD’s love never changed. Neither did HIS promise. The promise the LORD made to David is still living on today. If you were ever looking for something that is impossible for GOD to do, we just found it. GOD can not lie. What HE said will happen will happen. That’s just all there is to it. HE is holy and righteous. So let’s take a look and this promise. What was it, and how has it stood the test of time? GOD promised David that his throne would be established forever. But David is gone. Solomon is not here, and there is really no more throne in Jerusalem if we are looking through the eyes of the world. However,… Jesus Christ is king. HE came from David’s family line. HE will always be king. Although HE died on the cross, GOD rose HIM back to life… never to die again. David’s throne has been established forever.
Application:
I know that was a pretty deep dive there at the end. Just to say GOD will correct the ones HE loves. That doesn’t change how HE feels about you, and it doesn’t make HIM a GOD who is just waiting to strike you with a lightning bolt. It honestly makes HIM exactly what HE says. HE is. A loving GOD. Holy and righteous in all HIS ways. I remember when I was a kid, I may have been around 6 or 7. My brother and I were given these Tonka trucks for Christmas. When we saw the commercial on TV that said they were indestructible. We accepted the challenge. We had carved a fort in the Blackberries out back, where we took the trucks to find out just how tough they were. As we suspected, they did not hold up to the rocks and sticks that we decided to test them with. I remember the rod of correction from that one. I’m almost 50 now, and it still has a spot in my mind. It did not change my father’s love for me, but it did change my behavior. That’s the takeaway here. Just because GOD corrects you does not mean HE doesn’t love you, and it surely doesn’t change. HIS promise to you salvation belongs to all who confess with their mouth and believe in their heart.
Prayer:
Father, you are the same today as you were yesterday. That will never change. Neither will your love for us. We trust that all things will work for good. Because that’s what your word says. I know that those who take the time to read this. Love you, and they want what you have for them. I pray that whatever is going on in their lives. You will bless in the manner that you see fit. If that is correction. Let them see it as an opportunity for growth. We know that your promises are yes and amen. If you said it, it will happen. Whether we mess up or not. We can not change your promise. Only you can, and you can’t lie, so we know that your promises will come true that a check we can cash. We know that you love us enough to correct us when we get off course, and we thank you for your gentle correction, your grace is so amazing let us not misunderstand it and use it as a way to live how we want. That’s not how it’s designed. You call us out of our sin…not leave us within it. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.