INCLUDED IN THE COVENANT
Quote for Today
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Psalm 132:17–18
“There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”
REFLECTION
MORNING MEDITATIONS ON FOUR PARTS OF THE BIBLE
“Who will benefit from the promises God made to David?
Here is Psalm 132:17–18 again: “I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”
Now connect that with Isaiah 55:1, 3, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! . . . And I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”
From this side of the cross, here’s how I would paraphrase that promise: Whoever comes to God through Jesus Christ, his Son, thirsting for what God is for us in Christ, rather than depending on who we are or what we do, God will make with that one a covenant.
Remember how the Bible comes to an end in Revelation 22:17? “Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” This is not just the Jews of Isaiah’s day. This is anyone who comes to Christ to satisfy the thirst of his soul. “I will make with [that one] an everlasting covenant!”
What covenant? A covenant defined and secured by God’s “sure love for David.” Isaiah 55:3, “I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” I take that to mean that I am included in the Davidic covenant. What David gets, I will get in Christ Jesus.
And what does that include?
A horn will sprout for me. That is, great strength will fight for me and protect me. There will be a God-prepared lamp for me. That is, light will surround me and darkness will not overcome me. There will be a crown for me. That is, I will reign with the Son of David and sit with him on his throne. “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21).
It is an astonishing thing that we will benefit from the promises made to David. God means for us to be astonished. He means for us to leave our devotions astonished at the power and authority and surety with which we are loved by God.
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
INCLUDED IN THE COVENANT
MORNING MEDITATIONS ON FOUR PARTS OF THE BIBLE
In Psalm 132:17–18, God reassures His people of His faithfulness to His covenant with David, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true Anointed One. The "horn" symbolizes strength and kingship, reminding us that God establishes His chosen leaders and empowers them for His purposes. The "lamp" signifies guidance and the enduring presence of God, pointing to Christ as the light of the world who leads us in truth. God's justice is also evident—He will bring shame upon the enemies of His anointed while ensuring His chosen one’s victory and glory. Today, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, rely on Christ’s eternal reign, and find hope in His justice and faithfulness amidst opposition.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude, rejoicing in Your faithfulness and eternal provision. Thank You for the promise You made to David, fulfilled in Christ Jesus, my King and Redeemer. You are the One who strengthens and sustains me, a guiding light in every season of life. I trust in Your sovereign plan, knowing that Your purposes will always prevail, even when I cannot see the way ahead. Lord, help me to rest in Your wisdom and walk in faith, confident that You clothe the righteous in grace and bring justice in Your perfect time. Let Christ’s reign shine in my life, that I may reflect His love and truth to the world. I surrender my fears and plans to You, knowing that in Christ, my hope is secure forever. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Neven MacEwan
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