Psalm 36

God's Love and Faithfulness: Reflections of Christ's Light

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Intro

Psalm 36 portrays the contrast between the wickedness of humanity and the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. As we read this Psalm through the lens of the New Covenant and the teachings of Jesus Christ, we discover a deeper understanding of God's love, our need for His guidance, and the invitation to trust in His righteousness.

Section 1: The Wickedness of Humanity (1-4)

"1 I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes...4 Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong."

Talking Points:

1. The portrayal of the wickedness of humanity aligns with Jesus' teachings on the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption (Mark 7:21-23).

2. The emphasis on the absence of the fear of God reflects Jesus' teachings on the importance of revering and acknowledging God (Matthew 10:28).

3. The recognition of humanity's inclination towards evil and rejection of what is right underscores the need for repentance and transformation, which Jesus offered through His ministry (Matthew 4:17).

Cross Reference: Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's depiction of the sinfulness of the wicked align with Jesus' teachings about the fallen state of humanity?

2. How does the absence of the fear of God portrayed in this Psalm relate to Jesus' teachings on the importance of acknowledging and revering God?

3. How does the recognition of humanity's inclination towards evil and rejection of what is right deepen your understanding of the need for repentance and transformation offered through Jesus?

Section 2: God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness (5-9)

"5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies... 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings... 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."

Talking Points:

1. The depiction of God's love reaching to the heavens reflects the vastness and depth of God's love revealed through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

2. The image of taking refuge in the shadow of God's wings aligns with Jesus' expression of longing to gather and protect His people (Matthew 23:37).

3. The recognition of God as the source of life and light echoes Jesus' teachings about Him being the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Cross Reference: John 1:4, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's portrayal of God's love and faithfulness resonate with the revelation of God's love through Jesus Christ?

2. How does the image of taking refuge in the shadow of God's wings connect with Jesus' desire to protect and gather His people?

3. How does the recognition of God as the fountain of life and light deepen your understanding of Jesus as the source of life and light?

Section 3: Trusting in God's Righteousness (10-12)

"10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart... 11 Do not let the foot of the proud come against me, or the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 See how the evildoers lie fallen—thrown down, not able to rise!"

Talking Points:

1. The Psalmist's plea for God's love and righteousness to continue emphasizes the importance of God's righteousness in the lives of His people, which Jesus affirmed through His teachings (Matthew 5:20).

2. The request for protection from the proud and the wicked reflects Jesus' own prayer for His disciples to be kept from the evil one (John 17:15).

3. The Psalmist's assurance of the ultimate downfall of evildoers aligns with Jesus' teachings on the ultimate judgment and victory over evil (Matthew 25:41).

Cross Reference: Matthew 6:13, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's plea for God's love and righteousness to continue connect with Jesus' emphasis on righteousness in the lives of His followers?

2. How does the request for protection from the proud and wicked reflect Jesus' prayer for His disciples to be kept from the evil one?

3. How does the assurance of the ultimate downfall of evildoers in this Psalm relate to Jesus' teachings on judgment and victory over evil?

Summary

Psalm 36, viewed through a New Covenant, Christ-focused perspective, contrasts human wickedness with God's unfailing love and faithfulness, which are fully embodied in Jesus Christ.

The deceit and wickedness described in the psalm highlight the human condition apart from Christ (Romans 3:23). Conversely, the psalmist's awe of God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgement prefigures the character of Jesus, who personifies these divine attributes (John 1:14).

The reference to people taking refuge in the shadow of God's wings resonates with Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, expressing His longing to gather His people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Matthew 23:37).

The psalmist's praise of God as the source of life and light foreshadows Christ's self-declaration as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and as the light of the world (John 8:12).

Psalm 36 contrasts the brokenness of our sinful condition with the abundant love and faithfulness found in Jesus Christ, our refuge, life, and light.

Psalms