September 9, 2019 -- Psalm 119:14 -- Whose Story You Gonna Follow?

In the way of your testimonies I delight

as much as in all riches.

Psalm 119:14 English Standard Version

Perhaps you have heard of Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. He has a unique way of stating things. As he was talking about philosophy and postmodernism he referred to North American culture, how it wobbles and weaves going to an idea then to the next. One of the markers of postmodernity is that there is no over-arching narrative, no big picture story that gives our life meaning. In fact, if the media wants to know something they ask the average man on the street—Zacharias, in his tongue-in-cheek style said something to the effect if the media wants to know something they take a survey. It is the right way to learn “in our salvation by survey culture.” What a great statement. Indeed, it is clear our culture is prepared to be led by mobocracy—the tyranny of the mob as mediated by the leaders of government. Where there is no meta-narrative, no story that draws all things together, the every-man makes something up.

In sharp contrast, the psalmist delights in the testimonies of the LORD. The Mighty King of heaven and earth has clearly declared the way of salvation, found in Jesus Christ alone. There is no survey which can overturn this. No government leader can legislate against the testimonies which stand sure forever.

No wonder King David delights in the Truth of God:

"Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;

make known his deeds among the peoples!

Sing to him; sing praises to him;

tell of all his wonderful works!

I Chronicles 16:8-9 ESV

Kingdoms rise and fall. Nations gain power, then lose power, are famous and then infamous and finally are forgotten. We see ruined kingdoms and empires all around the world. There is only one Kingdom that stands forever—the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever. Therefore, hundreds of years ago the psalmist delights in the testimonies of the LORD. Because Jesus’ reign has no end, we, His followers today, delight in His testimonies and entrust our lives to Him.

As Isaiah so succinctly puts it: “the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of the LORD stands forever.” Therefore we bless You, LORD of Truth, and we commit ourselves to the way of Your testimonies. Amen.