Psalm 119:13

Psalm 119:13

I recount Your laws

At first sight, this verse barely seems worthy of comment, it appears to simply be saying that the author likes to recite the written laws of God. He speaks them out loud and in so doing gains a great deal of satisfaction. So, is this a recipe to be followed by us all? After all, many Jews do this, they take the sacred scrolls and read them out loud. Many of them learn the words and repeat them in their synagogues, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, in their private devotions.  In truth this is the practice of many Christians, it is one that is followed in most churches.

Perhaps we should just take a moment and reflect on what this verse actually tells us. It is telling us that these words do not start with a scribe writing them on a scroll, their origins are from the mouth of God. It is He who spoke them first. All the Scriptures, including the laws and decrees, have a heavenly author. The words we read do not originate on earth, they come from the mouth of God! In fact, we can say that the Bible is the only book, found on earth, that is written by a God! (Correction, The God!) When the rules and commands are recited, it is as if we are speaking the words of God with the voice of God. This is so special, so precious, so unlike any other proclamation we might ever make. To read God’s Word, out loud, is an enormous privilege. To read His Word quietly is one of the highest of all callings. Well, that is how our ancestors perceived it! Maybe we underestimate and undervalue this Book? Maybe we have never truly grasped how sacred are its texts and how honoured we are to own them and to have access to them. These are the words of God, “With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth.” Hallelujah!

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