What we find in his presence (2)
Psalms 16:10-11;
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
It’s important to understand what David means by the presence of God. David had just finished speaking about hell and corruption, and he was talking about Christ.
In reading the words of the prophets, it’s essential to investigate properly to know who they are speaking of. The books in the New Testament are not necessarily new, they are actually explanations of the words of the Old Testament; the New Testament books explain the Old Testament books – we get a better explanation when we read it all together. In Psalms 16:11, the ‘right hand’ will be talking about the place of authority.
What then would David be referring to as ‘His presence’? So as not to assume, we’ll see how Peter appraises David’s words.
Read Acts 3:13-20;
In Acts 3:19, Peter tells them to change their minds, to turn around from their ignorance and see Christ as the messiah that the prophets spoke about. The word ‘refreshing’ means to come alive; thus, the end-point of their repentance is to come alive from the presence of the Lord.
When does a man come alive? When he believes in the gospel – the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Without the gospel, man is dead. In other words, the believer comes alive in his resurrection. Therefore, because Jesus is now alive, sins can be forgiven. The resurrection is proof that he has conquered sin and death.
His presence could mean that he is here, but also, primarily, it means the resurrection of Jesus. In his presence, because of his sacrifice, we have eternal joy – Jesus conquered the grave.
Thus, Psalm 16 is not about David, it is about Christ – his resurrection (how he was not left to rot in hell). The resurrection of Christ is one of the fundamentals of Christianity. Everywhere the gospel is preached, it ought to produce joy – it’s good news.
Acts 8:6-8;
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
In the message of the gospel, what we see is unmetered joy.
Psalms 30:5;
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Joy comes upon believing in the resurrection – In his presence, we see joy!
Say this; Christ is in me, I’m alive! I have got eternal joy! The devil cannot touch me! I have the light of life!
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Lamentations 3-5
TEACHING OF THE DAY
What is special about Christian Meetings? (3)