Psalm 68; Luke 7:18-35

Psalm 68
David continues to ask God to defeat his enemies, but he praises the Lord for His majesty and greatness, and he remembers all that God has done for him and his people.

What are some of the things this teaches us about what God is like?
1. He is a Father to the fatherless. Many people in our society suffer because they have no father in their lives, or their father has been absent or abusive or unfaithful to his family or otherwise disappointing. As believers we must remember that we are never "fatherless"! v. 5
2. He defends widows. And I think it's OK to make the application here that God is a defender of anyone who is helpless or oppressed. v. 5
3. He places the lonely in families. Sometimes they are not our biological families but families of believers. v. 6
4. He sets prisoners free. This is probably prisoners in the sense of Israel being taken into captivity as slaves, but we could make the application that God sets us free from many negative actions and emotions that chain our spirits and make us miserable. v. 6

vv. 7-16 rehearse the history of God's working for the nation of Israel.

vv. 17 and 18 look forward to the coming of Jesus and His ascension back to heaven.

vv. 19-35 records more exuberant and lavish praise and ends with these words, "Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth. Sing praises to the Lord. Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Tell everyone about God's power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!" (This reminds me of a sing that our choir has sung, but I can't quite remember it!)

Luke 7:18-35
The people are trying to understand just who Jesus is. John the Baptist and his disciples ask Jesus this question. His response is found in v. 22 when he asks them to remember what they have seen and heard. All these miracles were prophesied in the Old Testament, and so they have their answer. Many who believed John's message about the coming of the Lord eventually put their faith in Jesus. But some refused.

And then of course, there are always those who find fault no matter what we do. So if you sometimes feel that you can't do anything right to please some people, just remember that Jesus had the same problem! The wisdom that comes from the Lord is always right.