Coffee With The Lord

An Old Testament “beatitude” – imagine it! We tend to think of “beatitudes” only in terms of the classic group Jesus gave us in Matthew 5:1-2 (or Luke’s grouping in Luke 6:20-23) but that is short-sighted. The form is found elsewhere in Scripture and Psalm 32 is a wonderful example of that!

The “beatitude” form is made up of 3 major elements: 1) The blessing stated… 2) The character quality or behavior that God blesses… 3) And finally the nature of the blessing itself.

The Old Testament “beatitude” in Psalm 32 articulates God’s blessing like this…

1) “Blessed is the one… Blessed is the person who…” That word blessed is really important! Its significance is that it expresses “God’s favor” upon someone! Let me tell you, to experience “God’s favor” is a wonderful thing – collaterally it results in all kinds of “blessings!” A friend of mine expressed it this way… “picture God looking at you and smiling with approval!”

2) In Psalm 32 this is what brings “God’s favor” – “God’s approving simile”… “BLESSED IS THE ONE WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED” – the one “AGAINST WHOM THE LORD COUNTS NO INIQUITY AND INN WHOSE SPIRIT THERE IS NO DECEIT!” (vss.1-2) Apostle Paul expressed it this way in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus!” Apostle John declared: “If we confess [acknowledge] our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!” (1 John 1:9) How good is that?! What a blessing!!

3) And the blessing the “beatitude” in Psalm 32 promises? … “I acknowledge my sin to You and I did not cover my iniquity! I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin! … [God speaking…] ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you!’ … Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord! Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (vss. 5, 8, 10-11)

Oh what blessing – what “favor” from the Lord… To be forgiven, made “right with God” – experiencing His righteousness and approval! Hey, believe me, it pays to acknowledge your sin and receive God’s forgiveness! What an awesome “beatitude” – even if it’s in the Old Testament! King David can tell you all about it (in addition to Psalm 32 read Psalm 51)!