Psalm 19:7-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 19:7-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
Verse 8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
Verse 9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Verse 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Verse 11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Verse 12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Verse 13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Verse 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Devotion
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure making the wise simple.
This Psalm has a very high estimation of the law. The law is God’s gift to humanity. But we, God’s children, cannot keep the commandments as we would want to, and as the Psalmist seems to imply is possible, so that “then I shall be blameless.” What then are we to do?
We talk of the two uses of the law. The first teaches us how to live. The second use reminds us that no one is perfect. Though we try, we cannot keep the law perfectly, so we need God’s forgiveness. And God has given himself to us in Jesus. Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates God’s love for us and relationship with us, as no attempted keeping of the law can.
Prayer
Gracious God, remind us of your never-failing grace given to us by Jesus. Amen.