The Family Bible Journey Podcast

We look at one of the most beloved passages in all scripture to hear how David's experience as a shepherd relates to the intimate relationship we have with God as his sheep. We will explore how the very real place of the valley of the shadow of death gives us a deeper understanding of this classic psalm.

This protest rallying cry means something different to Paul. He isn't motivated by anger or hate. Rather, he seeks, in love, to bring peace and salvation to his listeners.

Skeptics will always scoff, but a close examination of the scriptures proves that we have good reasons to believe! In this bonus episode, we consider many of the specific prophecies of Jesus's crucifixion, that are contained in this psalm.

Did the Holy Spirit allow David to see exactly what Jesus would do to earn our salvation nearly 1,000 years before He was even born? Psalm 22 includes many details of Jesus' suffering and death. We listen to this psalm as an eye witness account of the crucifixion of Christ. 

Here we hear the heart of Jesus, as He anticipating doing the work of salvation. Psalms 20-25 are among the clearest Messianic prophecies in the Bible. They give us great courage and strength, knowing Jesus gave all He had for us!

Paul asserts his rights, as a Roman citizen, to appeal his case to Caesar. In utilizing his legal right to a free trip to Rome, and audience with the Emperor, Paul makes his case to go to Rome. If any of the judges violated his right, Paul would've been given back to the Jews and most certainly would have been killed. Here, God uses the rule of law to accomplish His purpose.

Nobody would question the laws of physics. Why then do they question God's moral law? The same God who orders the universe has given us very clear instructions on how to live this life. This psalm makes abundantly clear the connection between natural law and moral law.

God is our rock and refuge! As these psalms of the afflicted wrap up, we hear David proclaim his faith boldly. He extols the God who promised to save him, even though he spent decades running for his life.

Paul spends two whole years detained at Cesarea Maritima. It may seem like time is wasted, but it is not. Paul gets free access to friends and gets to preach to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla. We learn here how to process slander, as Paul's opponents are denied. We also learn that God wastes no time, even when it seems things are delayed.

When others despise you, and even loved ones leave you, it's good to know that the Lord never will! In this psalm, we learn the meaning of a Hebrew idiom that has become an English expression of hope and endearment.

A dear friend, and listener to the podcast, Sarah, taught me the lasting value of this psalm. This life disappoints, and even those who we love the most can cast us off. Knowing that God never will leave us, nor forsake us, gives us eternal hope and great joy, even when life disappoints.

While Paul is under the protection of the Roman Tribune, forty Jewish men make an oath to neither eat nor drink until they kill Paul. Hearing of this plot, the Tribune sends Paul with a guard of hundreds of soldiers to the Governor. This Tribune, who almost abused Paul, a Roman citizen, now plays the hero as he delivers Paul to the custody of the Governor.

Even though there is nothing that we could do to improve our standing in God's sight, there is much value in us following the Lord. We are encouraged in our faith when we remember the good He's inspired us to do. Others are likewise blessed by our faithfulness.

For decades, it seemed like David's enemies were prevailing over him. This is why his psalms of affliction, or oppression, ring so true. When he felt defeated, he turned to the Lord, and found comfort and strength in God's promises.

When Paul speaks to his accusers, and says that he was preaching to Gentiles, a riot breaks out, and they are about to kill him. A Roman Tribune intervenes. Interesting that a gentile rescues Paul, after the Jewish crowd was about to kill him for preaching to gentiles.

We live in a time where lies are treated as truth, and the Truth of God as a lie. In this Psalm, we lament the harm caused by those who think they will prevail by the power of their words. For recourse, we turn to God, asking for his protection, and seeking to live according to His truth.

We live in a tumultuous time, where many of the institutions that long provided safety and security are passing away. How do God's people process such loss, especially when our beloved nation, church or denomination is being rent asunder? By relying on God, we find solace  in His grace and not the things of this world.

Paul is broken-hearted by the outpouring of love and concern of his children in the faith. They are dismayed at the thought he would be arrested and likely killed for the faith in Jerusalem. Pleading with them to encourage, instead of discourage him, they weep, and pray, and Paul continues on his way.

David warns those who act like they are God that they will answer to the true God in the end. It's convenient for some to act as if there is no God, but disastrous in the end.