The Daily Office for August 30, 2012
Scriptures
Job 8:11-19
Acts 10:17-33
John 7:14-36
Reading (Psalm 18:1-20)
Reflection
The theme of this psalm is the goodness of the Lord which gives rise to David’s song of praise. Psalm 18 was penned by David after he became king of Israel. But David refers to himself as the servant of the LORD, without a single reference to his royalty. Apparently, he counted it a higher honor to be the Lord’s servant than to be Israel’s king.
The second verse of this song is quoted in the New Testament in Hebrews 2:13 ("And again, 'I will put my trust in him.' And again, 'Behold, I and the children God has given me.'”). Verse 49 is quoted in Romans 15:9 ("As it is written, 'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.'”). Both of these quotes are presented as the words of the Lord Jesus and thus, although this psalm is in the historical context of King David, a king greater than David can readily be found in these verses.
Collect for the Day
God of peace, who called your servant John Bunyan to be valiant for truth: grant that as strangers and pilgrims we may at the last rejoice with all Christian people in your heavenly city; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.