Passage: Psalm 12
The Big Idea
David looks around and sees that the godly seem to have vanished, replaced by flattery and boasting. But God promises to arise for the poor and needy, and His words, unlike ours, are pure, like silver refined seven times. Jesus, the Word, is that pure, redeeming message.
Reflections
Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases! (v. 1). God is the source of true revival. When people fail, God can save. He brings hope when all seems lost, just as when Jesus, the faithful One, died, and resurrection came.
Flattering lips and a double heart (vv. 2-4). The flesh wants to impress and to seem like something it isn’t. It doesn’t have an undivided heart devoted to God’s glory. The only answer for the flesh is death: no to self, death to self, take up the cross and follow Jesus. Prideful words leak out of the flesh: “Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”
For the oppression of the poor… I will arise (v. 5). “Poor” and “needy” are words of humility. God sees those who need His grace, and He will always rise up. His faithfulness can’t be questioned. He brings them into a new reality, and He does it Himself. Jesus really loves me.
The words of the Lord are pure words (v. 6). His message to me is pure, never tarnished, not even by my sin. Jesus is the Word, pure and true. Silver often pictures redemption in Scripture, and Jesus is God’s message of redemption for all people. Refined on earth, He became a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Seven times refined: the perfect message, tested and true.
You shall keep them (v. 7). His ministry of grace looks like protection and preservation, and it never changes or ends. The way He fought for His people in Scripture is the way He fights for us.
The wicked prowl on every side (v. 8). When people choose evil over grace, disaster is around every corner.
Grace Takeaway
In a world full of empty words, rest on the pure Word of God. He sees your need, and He has promised to arise for you.
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