The Bible Day 43: “Be Joyful for Salvation”(Psalm 21:1-7, Matthew 27:11-44, & Exodus 11:1-12:51)
Introduction:
In this evening's readings, beginning in Psalm 21:1-7(NIV), the psalmist expresses joy for salvation, acknowledging divine favor. Matthew 27:11-44(NIV) reveals the sacrifice of Jesus, bringing salvation to humanity, while Exodus 11:1-12:51(NIV) narrates the Passover, a symbol of liberation and the joyous promise of salvation. Together, these passages weave a narrative of gratitude, sacrifice, and deliverance, inspiring profound joy in the salvation bestowed upon believers.
Psalm 21:1-7(NIV) is a psalm of King David, celebrating God's deliverance and expressing joy for salvation. Here's a breakdown:
1. Acknowledgment of God's Strength (Verse 1): David begins by acknowledging God's strength and the joy he experiences because of it. This sets the tone for recognizing the source of salvation.
2. Answered Prayer (Verse 2): The psalmist rejoices because God has answered his prayers, emphasizing the connection between worship and the joy of experiencing God's salvation.
3. Desired Blessings Granted (Verses 3-6): David recounts the blessings bestowed upon him, symbolizing God's favor. This reflects the idea that salvation brings about not only deliverance but also abundance and blessings.
4. Trust in God's Salvation (Verse 7): The psalm begins with a statement of confidence and trust in God's salvation. The joy comes from the unwavering trust in God's ability to save and protect.
Biblical Parallel:
A parallel can be drawn with Psalm 20, which precedes Psalm 21. While Psalm 20 focuses on seeking God's help before a battle, Psalm 21 reflects the joy and gratitude after victory, highlighting the journey from reliance on God to experiencing His salvation.
Joyful Salvation Theme with Scripture Examples:
The theme of being joyful for salvation resonates throughout the Bible. One can find parallels in passages like Psalm 51:12, which speaks about restoring joy after repentance. Additionally, Luke 15:7 highlights the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, emphasizing the joyous nature of salvation.
In essence, Psalm 21:1-7 teaches spiritual lessons about acknowledging God's strength, connecting prayer and salvation, experiencing blessings, and maintaining trust in God. This joyful salvation theme echoes across various biblical passages, reinforcing the profound joy found in being saved by God.
The meaning of "Selah" in the Bible is not definitively known. It appears frequently in the Psalms, often at the end of a verse, and its exact meaning is a subject of scholarly debate. Some theories suggest it could indicate a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a moment to praise and exalt God. The precise interpretation remains uncertain, adding a layer of examination to the verses where they appear.
Matthew 27:11-44 (NIV) Breakdown:
1. Trial Before Pilate (Verses 11-14): Jesus stands trial before Pilate, showcasing His innocence. This highlights the unjust nature of His impending crucifixion, emphasizing the sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
2. Crowd's Choice of Barabbas (Verses 15-23): The crowd chooses to release Barabbas instead of Jesus, reflecting the rejection of the Messiah. This event is a pivotal moment illustrating the extent of Jesus' sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
3. Scourging and Mockery (Verses 26-31): Jesus undergoes intense suffering, including scourging and mockery. This physical and emotional torment symbolizes the depth of His sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
4. Crucifixion (Verses 32-44): The crucifixion of Jesus is central to Christian salvation. His sacrificial death fulfills prophecies and serves as atonement for sins, offering the gift of salvation to those who believe.
Biblical Parallel:
A parallel can be drawn with Isaiah 53, often called the "Suffering Servant" passage. Isaiah 53 prophesies about a servant who would suffer for the sins of others, aligning with the events of Jesus' crucifixion as depicted in Matthew 27.
Importance of Joyful Salvation with Scripture Examples:
While the crucifixion narrative in Matthew 27 is marked by suffering, the joy of salvation emerges in the subsequent events. Matthew 28:1-10 records the resurrection of Jesus, bringing immense joy and victory over death. Romans 5:10 emphasizes the pleasure of reconciliation with God through Jesus' sacrifice.
Additionally, Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. This underscores the concept that the joy of salvation is a motivator and a source of endurance for believers.
In summary, Matthew 27:11-44 depicts the sacrifice of Jesus, emphasizing the unjust trial, rejection, suffering, and crucifixion. The biblical parallel with Isaiah 53 enriches the understanding of Jesus as the suffering servant. The importance of being joyful for salvation is highlighted through subsequent events like the resurrection, and scripture examples emphasize the enduring joy in reconciliation with God through Christ's sacrifice.
Exodus 11:1-12:51 (NIV) Breakdown:
1. Prophecy of the Final Plague (Exodus 11:1-10): God forewarns Moses of the final and most critical plague, the death of the firstborn, setting the stage for the Passover.
2. Institution of the Passover (Exodus 12:1-28): God provides instructions for the Israelites to follow in preparing and observing the Passover. This includes the selection and sacrifice of a lamb, marking doorposts with its blood, and commemorating the event.
3. Execution of the Plague and the Exodus (Exodus 12:29-51): The final plague unfolds, sparing those with the lamb's blood on their doorposts. This leads to the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt, marking a significant event in their history.
Spiritual Teachings and Understanding:
1. Symbolism of the Lamb: The sacrificial lamb in the Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ, referred to as the Lamb of God in the New Testament, whose sacrifice brings salvation to believers.
2. Blood as Atonement: The marking of doorposts with the lamb's blood symbolizes atonement and protection, echoing the spiritual significance of Jesus' blood as the atonement for sin.
3. Liberation and Redemption: The Exodus from Egypt symbolizes liberation from bondage, mirroring the Christian understanding of salvation as freedom from the slavery of sin through faith in Christ.
Importance of Joyful Salvation with Scripture Examples:
1. Joy in Deliverance (Exodus 15:1-21): Following the Exodus, Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise, expressing joy and gratitude for their deliverance. This mirrors the joy in salvation through Christ, celebrated in hymns and praises within the Christian tradition.
2. Psalm 100:2: The psalmist encourages joyful worship, reminding us that the joy of salvation should permeate one's approach to God.
3. Luke 15:10: Jesus speaks of joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, emphasizing the profound joy that comes with salvation.
Biblical Parallel:
A parallel can be drawn with 1 Corinthians 5:7, where Paul refers to Christ as the Passover Lamb sacrificed for us. This draws a connection between the Old Testament Passover and the New Testament fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice for the salvation of believers.
In summary, Exodus 11:1-12:51 reveals spiritual teachings about the symbolism of the lamb, the significance of blood as atonement, and the themes of liberation and redemption. The importance of being joyful for salvation is exemplified through scriptural expressions of joy in deliverance, worship, and repentance. A biblical parallel with 1 Corinthians 5:7 further solidifies the connection between the Passover lamb and Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation.
In Christ, love Jared
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