First Christian Church

By Bruce Humes

Pastor

We will continue to look at the 119rd Psalm mentioned in last week’s issue. A psalm that clearly speaks of God’s word and the blessings received from listening to or heeding what he has to say to us.

The psalmist begins in verse eight by asking the question, “How can a young man cleanse his way?” The young man is admitting that his ways need to be cleaned up, and he realizes something is amiss in his life. The word “cleanse” means to be translucent, or innocent, clean or pure, and the phrase “his way” in the Hebrew language means rut or stuck in a rut. The question the young man is asking is “how do I clean myself up and get out of this rut? How do I bring myself to the place of moral innocence or purity?”

We get the answer in verse 8b, “By taking heed according to Your word.” We don’t just accidentally become innocent or pure, it’s impossible to cleanse ourselves and get out of the rut we are in unless we take heed, which means to “protect against,” those things which takes away our innocence and purity.

So where does that hedge of protection come from? The answer again is given to us, “according to Your word.” God’s word, the source of understanding, and foundation for answering the young man’s question and ours as well.

Verse 10a says, “With my whole heart I have sought You;” The psalmist has total commitment in seeking God. It wasn’t a part-time task that he undertook occasionally. Verse 10b goes on to say, “Oh, let me not wander from your commandments!” A by-product of not continually seeking God with our whole heart is walking away from his statues, and commandments, something we must guard against.

The psalmist continues in verses 12-16, “Blessed are you, O Lord! Teach me your statutes. With my lips I have declared all the judgements of your mouth (he recognizes the sovereignty of God in making judgements). I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts, and contemplate your way. I will delight myself in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”Thepsalmistisrejoicing,meditatingandcontemplating God’s commandments and makes a promise to “not forget your word.”

Can we make that same promise? If we pursue hiding God’s word in our hearts we will continue growing with him.

If you wish to speak to someone at the church or if you have a need, call the First Christian Church office at (562) 431-8810. Leave a recorded message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.