Shalom,
This time through Psalm 72 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan we will look at verses 18-19:
18Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wondrous things!
19Blessed be His glorious name forever; let the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!
"Blessed" is the Hebrew word, "barak", which means: to bless God as an act of adoration, to congratulate, to kneel, to praise, to salute. Who is to be blessed? The Lord (Yahweh, Jehovah) God (`Elohiym), of Israel! The One Who alone "does", the Hebrew word, "`asah",, which means: to make, to produce, to prepare, to fashion, to accomplish, "wondrous things", the Hebrew word, "pala`", which means: to be wonderful, to be marvellous, to be surpassing, to be extraordinary, to separate by distinguishing action! Verse 19 says Blessed (the same word) be "His glorious", the Hebrew word, "kabowd", which means: abundance, riches, honor, splendor, dignity, Name forever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory (kabowd again)! What a powerful prayer and proclamation! Keep Him first place, in reverence and Godly fear (awe and respect) and you will be, of all people, Most Blessed! AMEN!
In Mark we will concentrate on verses 15-18:
15And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].
16He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned
17And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
18They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
These verses are a continuing part of the "Great Commission". Every believer in Jesus of Nazareth is expected to share the Good News of the Gospel with everyone they have opportunity to share it with! We are to go forth without fear that anything the enemy tries can hurt us! Go BOLDLY, knowing that verse 20 is also true for YOU:
20And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).
Let's DO IT!
In Leviticus we see more of what the Old Testament saints were required to do to walk pleasing to the Lord. I encourage you to read every word! Attention to detail was vital for them under the Old Covenant. It is ALSO vital for US under the New Covenant that is based on better promises than they had! KNOW all the details of the blessings of the New Covenant, or you will not be able to walk in them the way God intends for you to do! Paying attention is one of the most important things you, as a believer in Jesus of Nazareth can do. Remember that He has hidden the Truth in His Word FOR us to find it out!
Shalom in Him!
