A Song of Determination

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

A Song of Determination

Date: Oct. 31, 2022

Passage

Psalm 129:1-8 (ESV)

A Song of Ascents.

1   “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—
    let Israel now say—
2   “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
    yet they have not prevailed against me.
3   The plowers plowed upon my back;
    they made long their furrows.”
4   The LORD is righteous;
    he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5   May all who hate Zion
    be put to shame and turned backward!
6   Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
    which withers before it grows up,
7   with which the reaper does not fill his hand
    nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
8   nor do those who pass by say,
    “The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
    We bless you in the name of the LORD!”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 129:2

“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
yet they have not prevailed against me.

Some people, and some nations, have had a continuous hard struggle just to continue to exist (1-2). Israel was such a nation. Being weighed down or driven along by tough circumstances can seem like having our back plowed with a plow (3). But with faith, we can find God’s purpose even in this. The author of this Psalm sets an example of acknowledging our hardships but determining to not let our spirit be crushed by difficulties. If we have faith, we know that God will give us strength to endure, as well as inner freedom in Jesus (4). Let’s also remember that Jesus’ back was plowed with whips for our sins.

In the second stanza of the Psalm, the author prays earnestly that the oppressors of God’s people will not be blessed. It may not seem like a Christian prayer, but it is better to pray for God’s justice than to take revenge into our own hands.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, when I feel hard pressed or even oppressed, give me strength and help me find your spiritual victory. Thank you for Jesus who suffered so much for me.

One Word: One Word: With God’s help I will be victorious.

Victory and Final Judgment

Revelation 20:1-15

Key Verse: 20:15

And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Today's Question

What is the misery of man's fallen condition?

See answer and references