Reverence denotes giving respect and honour. The scripture demonstrates this truth when men bow before a person of high office reflecting their reverence for the office. The Bible marks this bowing down out of respect as an act of reverence (2 Samuel 9:6; 1 Kings 1:31). God's word marks the refusal to bow as showing disrespect and a lack of reverence (Esther 3:2, 5). Every Christian should consistently demonstrate an adequate understanding of biblical reverence. Why? There is only one way to serve God acceptably: with “reverence and godly fear.” Today's verse teaches that reverence entails some relationship to fear, though reverence is not fear. Since men cannot serve God “acceptably” without reverence, living reverently toward God remains an essential element for a healthy Christian life.
Reading commentaries offers varying opinions concerning the definition of purity. However, the Bible offers some exacting details which give the right definition. Today's passage speaks of the “pure blood of the grape.” In other words, nothing was added to the juice—it was pure. There are several other substances in scripture identified as pure: gold (Exodus 25:39), olive oil (Exodus 27:20), myrrh (Exodus 30:23), incense (Exodus 37:29), and language (Zephaniah 3:9). Each instance emphasizes that nothing exists to corrupt the nature of the original. These substances are not combined with other materials to dilute or defile them. In essence, purity demands the absence of any substance that corrupts, defiles, or taints in any way.
Psalm 51 describes some of the dire consequences resulting from David’s sin with Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel chapters 11-12). Our passage commences with David’s testifying about his desire to be washed (Psalm 51:7). The next verse speaks of his desire to hear joy and gladness. David then goes on to express his desire for a clean heart and a right spirit. David was experiencing the debilitating results of his sin. Sin diminishes the spiritual blessings that God intends. In addition to these lost blessings, David also lost his joy. Joy is offered to the people of God, but never unconditionally. The conditions necessary for fulness of joy were discussed in the previous lesson, but it should be noted that the opposite actions yield contrary outcomes.
The Bible records Jonathan and David's strikingly close friendship like that of siblings. Regardless of this cherished relationship, Jonathan's father, king Saul, feared and despised David. Both king Saul and his son died during battle, thus paving the way for David to ascend to the throne of Israel. Once David became king, he sought for an opportunity to show kindness to any of Jonathan’s remaining family members. After searching through the land, it was discovered that Saul and Jonathan had one remaining descendent (Mephibosheth). David sent for Mephibosheth and told him his intentions of showing him the kindness normally reserved for a member of the king's family. This act of kindness included the restoration of his family’s property. David’s kindness also made provision for Mephibosheth to eat at the king’s table (2 Samuel 9:7), “as one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:11). David’s kindness meant that Mephibosheth would be viewed and treated as a son. This demonstration of kindness illustrates God's act of kindness toward His beloved children through Christ Jesus.
Our previous study explored godly courage. Yet, the Bible also teaches that courage can be used for ungodly purposes. David described the fear he endured because of his enemies. His testimony provides insight as to the dangerous nature of his enemies. David goes on to confess that his enemies “encouraged themselves in an evil matter.” Christians are to encourage themselves in the work of God. Unfortunately, those determined to work iniquity frequently are encouraged by their friends and associates to behave even more wickedly. Even David failed in this manner when he told a messenger to “encourage” Joab following the murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:25). Godly courage is a righteous act blessed of the Lord. Ungodly courage, on the other hand, can many times be used to hinder the work of God.
