Today’s Bible Reading is Exodus 1-2, Psalm 20, and Matthew 20. Today’s devotional is from Psalm 20.
Psalm 20 is a nation’s intercessory prayer for her king the day before he leads the sons of Israel into battle. The psalm is instructive and serves as a reminder of our responsibility to pray and intercede with God on behalf of our leaders.
I am afraid the majority of 21st century Christians look at the drama in Washington, DC as little more than political theater. Some Christians suggest we be impartial in political matters and give little thought or time to them. Of course, the matter of praying for those in authority is unquestionably commanded by God (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Let us consider Israel’s prayer for her king (Psalm 20).
Psalm 20:1-2 – “The LORD [Eternal God; Jehovah] hear thee in the day [time] of trouble [adversity]; the name [fame; renown] of the God [Elohim; the Mighty God] of Jacob defend [strengthen] thee; 2 Send thee help [aid] from the sanctuary [holy place], and strengthen [support;; sustain] thee out of Zion [site of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount];
Israel was confident the king had come before the LORD, sought His wisdom and offered sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God. The people prayed God would not only hear the prayers of the king, but would go before him into battle (20:1-2).
Confident the battle was the LORD’s, the people prayed He would accept the king’s sacrifices, hear, and answer his prayers (20:3-4).
Psalm 20:3-4 – “Remember [think of] all thy offerings [sacrifices], and accept thy burnt sacrifice [offering]; Selah [lit. pause; or pause to think]. 4 Grant [Deliver] thee according to thine own heart [mind], and fulfil [accomplish] all thy counsel [advice; purpose].”
Before the battle was fought, the people promised the LORD He would be the object of their praise believing He would answer their prayers and give the king victory (20:5).
Psalm 20:5 – “We will rejoice [sing; shout] in thy salvation [deliverance], and in the name [fame; renown; reputation] of our God [Elohim; the Mighty God] we will set up our banners [flags; standard]: the LORD [Eternal God; Jehovah] fulfil [accomplish] all thy petitions [request; desires].”
On a personal note, troubles and spiritual battles are an ever-present reality for us in this sin cursed world. Some adversaries threaten us with physical harm, others attack our character, question our motives and assail our testimony. We also face spiritual trials that tempt us to turn aside from God’s purpose, question His goodness, and threaten our joy.
Consider three spiritual lessons from Psalm 20.
The first, the LORD hears and answers prayer. Israel prayed for God to bless the king in battle and be his shield and fortress (20:1-2). Christian friend, we should pray the same for our President. As Israel prayed for her king, we should pray for President Trump.
The second, we need to pray and assure leaders of our prayers (20:3-4). More than an assurance of goodwill, Israel assured the king their prayer was for the LORD to grant him wisdom and bless his strategy for battle. Agree or disagree with his politics, believers should be brokenhearted to hear President Trump’s enemies assail him, his family, and supporters with a vitriol exceeding any we have witnessed in modern times. Such malicious attacks should move us to pray for our President and nation.
The third lesson expresses the faith of the nation in God’s grace and blessings. Before the battle was waged, the people were planning the victory celebration; confident God heard and would answer their prayers.
A farmer told the story how he heard a voice when he was walking through the woods near Washington’s army encampment at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. Drawing near, the farmer found General George Washington on his knees, his cheeks wet with tears, praying to God.
Returning home, the farmer assured his wife America would win her independence.
When the farmer’s wife asked how he could be so sure. He answered, “Because I heard Washington’s prayer.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – 1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Copyright 2019 – Travis D. Smith