7 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.’”
Psalm 16:2 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
If you compare different English translations of the Scripture, you’ll notice that Psalm 16:2 is quite different in various Bibles. Why? Because the Hebrew in this verse is particularly difficult to translate.
But, when I look at the way the Christian Standard Bible translates it, I see a common theme with many other passages of Scripture. The Psalmist is going through a very difficult time in his life and he essentially stated that the Lord was all he had and all he needed.
Have you ever been through such a difficult time in your life that you were ready for Heaven? You just wanted to be with Jesus as your faith was turned into sight?
I believe that’s what the Psalmist is talking about.
Psalm 16:2 (CSB): “I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.’”
In fact, I believe this sentiment was repeated later in this book of Psalms.
Psalm 73:25 (CSB): ”Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you.”
The Psalmist had grown tired of life. Even its pleasures had lost their attractiveness. He wanted the Lord and only the Lord. And, with this being the case, he wanted to be with Him.
Listen to a few other instances where these sentiments were shared by men in the Bible.
Abraham was called by God to leave his home in Ur and move to Canaan. He had to leave his home, family, and everything he knew behind as he lived in tents for the rest of his life. I suspect that he may have grown discouraged while living out his part of God’s massive redemption plan that culminated in Jesus.
How did Abraham respond? He looked forward to Heaven.
Hebrews 11:9-10 (CSB): “By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
The Apostle Paul’s life was incredibly hard. He had a passion to tell the world about Jesus but he was treated mercilessly for it. With all of the beatings, the stoning, and so much else that he had to endure, how did he respond?
Philippians 1:22-23 (CSB): “Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ — which is far better —”
The Apostle John was the last Apostle to die. He had watched Jesus ascend to Heaven some 60 years earlier and he had experienced much persecution since then. Further, he had witnessed so many churches fall away from God’s desire for them (Revelation 2-3). His heart had lost its taste for the pleasures of earth. He wanted to be with his Lord.
Revelation 22:20 (CSB): “He who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
Friend, are you so happy with this world that you hope that Jesus doesn’t call you away anytime soon? Or do you realize that Jesus has put a longing in your heart for Heaven that can’t be satisfied until you are at home with Him?
Let me conclude with some of the lyrics to a song that was written many years ago by Mary Reeves Davis:
“This world is not my home I’m just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
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Lord Jesus, You have placed a longing in my heart for Heaven. I so desire to enjoy You in that place where my faith is finally turned into sight. Help me to make the most of my remaining days here on earth but I can’t wait until that day when You call me home to be with You forever. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 