Friday, February 15, 2019


WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday February 17, 2019

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OUR MIGHTY GOD
(Sing the glory of our almighty powerful GOD)
(Psalm 66)

   The believer has become mature when he or she is able to see GOD’s hand, not only in good times, but also in suffering and pain. Psalm 66, like Psalm 65, is a psalm of thanksgiving to GOD for HIS provisions, guidance, protection, testing, and deliverance.
    The unknown psalmist here in this passage, is probably writing a song to acknowledge and celebrate a festive occasion of some sort that, also, will remain unknown to the modern-day reader. He is calling for the whole earth to shout in joyful praises to the LORD GOD of Israel, and to sing about the glory of HIS name (Vs.1-2).
    Psalm 66 is divided into two distinct sections. The first section (Vs.1-9), deals with corporate praise and worship, and the second section (Vs.10-20) is a reflection on the heart of an individual who is committed in his or her pursuit of GOD. True people of GOD need to be ever mindful of HIS constant redemption and deliverance of mankind through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.   
    Here in this poetic expression the psalmist calls for even the surrounding nations to join Israel in praising her GOD. “All the earth” is urged to praise the LORD in both “speech” and in “song”, and, to share in the jubilation with Israel, for GOD’s awesome salvation for those who follow HIM. He calls for all the nations to bless the LORD for HIS wonderful works and HIS preservation of, not just Israel, but rather, all mankind in general (Vs.6-8).
    In verses 10-12, the psalmist reflects on how GOD had tested Israel with all sorts of drudgery and oppressions, and had brought them through it all, and into a place of peace and bountiful blessings. And so the writer seems to understand completely how GOD works with the human side of HIS creation. GOD tests us like silver, in order to refine us and purify us from our iniquities that serve only to degrade us, and contaminate our souls.
    In verses 13-15, this able and qualified worship leader addresses the offers of animal sacrifices to the LORD, and here he offers with his, a heart-felt explanation of the specific reason for his offering. Here he says that it is to fulfill his vows, those sacred vows that he made to GOD, while he was being tested by HIM with deep troubles.
    Here he brings to the altar of GOD, the very best that he had to offer, which is something we should all do, even here in the so-called “Church Age”. We should bring to GOD, the very best of what HE has blessed us with, not in animal sacrifices, but rather, with the use of our bodies, mind, heart, and human spirit (soul), showing appreciation for the work and sacrifice of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.
    In verses 16-20 the psalmist addresses his audience with “a declarative praise” and exhortation to all those who genuinely fear the LORD. Here he shares with them, a personal testimony of what GOD had done for him. JESUS taught us on the Mount of Beatitudes that, the first thing we must do, in order to begin, or, enter into, “a right relationship with GOD”, is to “admit that we need HIM”. Here the psalmist says that he cried out to the LORD for HIS help, praising HIM as he spoke. It is an admission to GOD that he needed HIS help in order to overcome his situation.
    In verse 18, he admonishes his congregation that “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my LORD would not have listened”. “Repent” is the second step that we must make on our way to putting ourselves on the Road to Salvation. It is how we begin to get over the mountain that is, “ourselves”, which is the only thing that is separating us from GOD.
    After we “recognize that we need GOD” and then “earnestly repent”, GOD begins to listen, and pays close attention to our prayers. And when a Christian learns how to pray in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (GOD’s Will), asking in JESUS’ name, our FATHER GOD in Heaven, because of HIS unfailing love for us, will grant us the desires of our heart.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander





                                 
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