RR Psalm 66:17-19 Part 9

Shalom,

Psalm 66:17 I cried out to Him with my mouth, and exaltation was on my tongue. 18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 19 But surely God has heard. He has listened to my voice in prayer.

First, let’s emphasize that this is for you.  In the previous verse, you are specifically included… Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God.  Welcome to the “club.”  This is the club of God fearers.

Rabbi Trail: The old slogan of the Israel Tourism Authority was “No one belongs here more than you.”  (Today it has changed to “I am Israel,” I like the old one.)

When I moved to Israel years ago, every day I would meet native Israelis who could immediately tell I was not one of them.  Somewhere in the conversation that followed, every one of them would say something like, “Welcome to the club.”  What club is that?  The “club” of the people who are the most hated people on earth.  

There is a difference in their minds between being born into that club (without a choice) and choosing to join.  When you choose to join, you put a target on your back and invite the judgment of the entire world.  

Today, I’m inviting you to join the club.  Will you stand with God’s ancient people, Israel, as a “Gur?”  In modern Hebrew a “Gur” is a puppy, but biblically speaking it means, “To sojourn among a people other than your own.”  Abraham was a “Gur” in Canaan.  

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he migrated to the land of promise as if it were foreign, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob—fellow heirs of the same promise.  

And, as long as we’re on the subject of “fellow heirs…”  Romans 8:16 The Ruach Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  17  And if children, also heirs—heirs of God and joint-heirs with Messiah—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

So stand tall with the chosen people, as a witness to God’s faithfulness, and know that God has your back.  This is a noble and worthwhile calling.  End RT.

In our subject verses, the club of God fearers are calling out loud (so that God will hear).  Wait, a moment ago, in verse 16 we were invited to listen, but immediately, we’re asking God to listen to us.  Interesting, but there is something in between with which we must dealt.  Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.  We cry out, “oh God, cleanse my heart.”

Psalm 51:12(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

It is so easy to get right with God, because He is perfect and His love is perfect.  We get right with God based on His perfection, not on ours (hint, we don’t have any).  Let us repent, invite God to cleanse us of all unrighteousness, and trust that He hears us when we call upon His name.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon    12-Oct-2026              1st of Cheshvan, 5787
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (Day 2)
Ge 7:1-16           Jos 9                Ps 9            Mt 7            (1 Pet 3)