Skillful Hands

O. T. #1279  "Skillful Hands"
Sept. 6, 2018
Psalm 78-Part 3
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.  Psalm 78:72

LET IT GLOW

There is a huge, new house being built down our road at the corner. As I drive by, I see progress they are making. I remember when only the shell stood, just a few weeks ago, it seems. Now the roof is on and the windows are in place. It is obvious that these men have skillful hands, guiding the wood to the right place. Israel had a man who guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. Want to find out who it was? Continue reading, friend.

The psalmist reviewed the marvelous things that God had done for Israel, His chosen people. But included in their history was the worship of idols instead of God. Thus, God allowed the Philistines to capture the Ark of the covenant, where His presence resided.
The first Tabernacle was erected under Joshua in his first chapter. It remained in Israel's possession through the judges. The idolatry angered God.
God foreknew they needed a deliverer, so He took a shepherd from caring for sheep in the countryside to caring for sheep from a palace, as Israel's king, eventually. It was a rags-to-riches story. King David retrieved the Ark and brought it back to Israel. David was faithful to his task of governing Israel and worshiping His God. (Although he fell into sin, God forgave David.)

Well, this we already knew from our previous studies, but look at the key verse. How did David feed his people and God's people while he was king? It was with integrity of heart.

Integrity (tom/tome) refers to completeness; innocence; uprightness.

Matthew Henry said that David ruled, taught, guided, and protected Israel. He did it with the aim to glorify God and for the good of the people. His religious principles became his governing principles. He was sincere and upright in what he did. God's favor was upon Israel because His favor was upon David.

LET IT GROW

What an encouragement to us. When we fail and falter, straying from God, His compassion and faithfulness never cease. As David fed his people with integrity of heart, so does our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ. His Word gives us hope to continue on in this sinful world, enduring until we reach our eternal home. Jesus guides us with His skillful hands.

In John 16:13, Jesus told us that the Spirit of Truth will guide us into all truth. If we desire guidance, Jesus is ready to give it through His Spirit. When we are in need of wisdom for the right path to take, He will lead us. We all have decisions to make daily. Is Jesus guiding us with His skillful hands? Or are we going our own way?

LET IT GO

Great Shepherd, guide me with Your skillful hands.
Spirit of Truth, guide me into all truth.
May I have integrity of heart evident in my life.