“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!” – Psalm 22:26
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
The joy in this section of the psalm is such that all are blessed by it. Verse 26 affirms this as it speaks of the afflicted eating of this and being satisfied by it. This is something which here goes beyond what the Law said. It may be seen as a natural extension of the provisions for the poor, but it is yet more. And it is something more here because of what it is spiritually. Those who are the poor are found worshipping God seriously – this is a festival that will go on for two days.
Naturally the poor know they will be fed here but, as part of the covenant people, they are also being fed spiritually. John Calvin brings out how the joy of such an occasion would minister to them in their misery when he says, For they saw in that feast, as in a mirror, the goodness of God set forth to all who are in affliction, which might assuage with wonderful consolation the grief arising from all their calamities.
How different this is from the parties of this world. They only have their friends who are their social peers. And they certainly wouldn’t want any ministers around to dampen the spirit!
As is fitting for a service of thanksgiving, there is a parting blessing. The text ends with, May your hearts live forever!, because now we may live forever in the presence of the One whose joy we celebrate for all eternity.
Suggestions for prayer
Thank God that he is no distinguisher of persons, but any may come to Him. Pray that many more may come to worship Him.
Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
