In Psalm 19, David testifies to God’s revelation of himself through creation and through his written word. He uses the terms law, testimony, statutes, commandment, judgments to refer to the Scriptures that were available to him at that time. Today, we have the completed revelation of God in what we call our Bible. David’s inspired account in Psalm 19 is true of all of God’s revelation because it is God’s revelation of himself, not man’s opinion.
David shares several of the benefits that accrue from giving the right attention to God’s word. Here is just one, “Moreover by them [God’s judgments] is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:11). God’s word provides both warning and reward.
Mankind needs warning. We live in a world that is cursed by the fall and darkened by the corruption of sin. Consequently, “the whole world lieth in wickedness” (I John 5:19). If we don’t recognize that, it is because we ourselves are deceived. Jeremiah testified “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Jesus himself testified “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Dark hearts living and attempting to navigate in a dark world need warning.
We need a beacon of truth that speaks to both what we cannot see as well as that which we choose not to see. God’s word is that truth. We need to understand the implications of our choices and pursuits as well as our accountability to God, the Creator. God’s word gives that understanding. We need to know that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). God’s word gives that warning. It is clear, emphatic, reliable.
But his word also promises reward to those who keep his testimony. The true blessings of life come from following God’s word and keeping his commandments. The Psalmist records those who delight in and meditate upon God’s word shall “be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:2-3). This is quite a promise. Those who keep his word shall draw from an unfailing source of nourishment, live fruitful lives, endure hard times well, and know prosperity in all the arenas of life. Solomon spoke of this life in this manner. “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).
The word of God does indeed provide both warning and reward. But it is more than just a roadmap that directs us to a blessed life. It is the very portal that brings us into a living relationship with the God of the word, the Source of all blessings, the Giver of all good things. His word brings us to him. “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy” (Psalm 43:3-4; emphasis added). “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). You can only know this God through his word!
From the Chaplain 