Psalm 86
A Plea for God's Mercy
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Intro
Psalm 86 is a heartfelt prayer of David for mercy, guidance, and deliverance. Through a New Covenant lens, we see how these pleas are answered and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's mercy, provides divine guidance, and delivers us from sin and death.
Section 1: Request for God's Mercy (Verses 1-7)
"Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me."
Harmony
The mercy requested by David is provided abundantly in Jesus Christ, who, as the embodiment of God's grace, gives His life for ours (Ephesians 2:4-5). God's willingness to listen and answer our prayers is affirmed in the New Testament, which teaches us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence through Christ (Hebrews 4:16).
Talking Points
David's understanding of his need for God's mercy.
The embodiment of God's mercy and grace in Jesus Christ.
The assurance we have in approaching God through Christ.
Questions
How do we resonate with David's plea for God's mercy in our lives today?
How does Jesus embody the mercy and grace David sought from God?
How does the New Testament teaching on prayer through Christ align with David's confidence in God's willingness to hear and answer prayer?
Section 2: Acknowledgment of God's Uniqueness (Verses 8-10)
"There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God."
Harmony
This acknowledgment of God's uniqueness finds its highest expression in Jesus Christ, who is declared to be above all (Philippians 2:9-11) and through whom all nations are brought to God (Ephesians 2:14-18).
Talking Points
David's proclamation of God's uniqueness and greatness.
The supremacy of Jesus Christ as shown in the New Testament.
The fulfillment of David's prophecy that all nations will worship God in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Questions
How does David's acknowledgment of God's uniqueness and greatness challenge our view of God?
How does Jesus embody and express the unique greatness of God as portrayed in the New Testament?
How is David's prophecy of all nations worshipping God being fulfilled through Christ?
Section 3: Desire for God's Guidance (Verses 11-13)
"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol."
Harmony
David's desire for God's guidance is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Jesus not only guides us but also delivers us from death to life (John 5:24).
Talking Points
David's request for God's guidance and his commitment to follow God's truth.
The role of Jesus as the way and truth that guides our lives.
The deliverance from death to life provided by Jesus.
Questions
How do we relate with David's desire for God's guidance and commitment to walk in God's truth?
How does Jesus provide the guidance that David sought from God?
How does the New Testament teaching on Jesus' deliverance from death enhance our understanding of David's declaration of deliverance?
Summary
Psalm 86, with its earnest pleas for mercy, recognition of God's uniqueness, and desire for divine guidance, resonates deeply with the Christian experience. Each of these elements find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
David's plea for God's mercy is answered in the merciful work of Jesus, who gave His life for our sake, embodying God's grace and mercy. Moreover, through Jesus, we are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing He hears and answers our prayers.
David's acknowledgment of God's uniqueness and greatness is echoed in the New Testament affirmations of Christ's supremacy. In Christ, God's unique greatness is expressed, and David's prophecy about all nations worshipping God is being fulfilled.
Finally, David's desire for guidance finds its answer in Jesus, who is the way and the truth, providing us the direction we need for life. Furthermore, Jesus delivers us from death to life, a truth that powerfully expands our understanding of David's declaration of deliverance. In this way, Psalm 86 beautifully anticipates the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the answer to our deepest needs and desires.