A HORRIBLE PIT
Today’s Reading: Psalms 40-41
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Located in the ruins of the house of Caiaphas, the High Priest, is the pit that Jesus was lowered into for the night, just after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Caiaphas’ house is now covered by the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, which is located in Jerusalem. The windows cut in the stone were for the guards to keep watch over the prisoners who were in this horrible pit.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Psalm 41:9
Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.
In yesterday’s Psalms, that big word “I” was repeated over and over. Today the words that stand out are “my” and “me.” At least 35 times we are directed inward to think about ourselves. Psalm 40 starts out, not with a pity party for poor “me,” but with a powerful declaration of what God has done for David. He testifies that God has (1) inclined to me, (2) heard my cry, (3) brought me up out of a horrible pit, (4) set my feet on a rock, (5) established my steps, and (6) put a new song in my mouth. From verses 4 to 10 there is more positive confession. Then David seems to slip off the “Rock,” and back into that horrible pit. He writes, “My heart fails me…”
In Psalm 41 there are some directions for staying on the rock and out of the pit. (1) Blessed is he who considers the poor. (2) The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. (3) The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive. (4) He will be blessed on the earth. (5) The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness. Then David’s feet slip again as we read verses 4 to 9. But let us not despair; he’s back up again for the last 4 verses of Psalm 41. One of the reasons the Psalms appeal to us is that David is so very human. We can identify with his struggles and his triumphs!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, help me to wait patiently for You. Please set my feet on the Rock and keep me there by Your presence and power. You have given me the doxology of Jude 1:24-25. I confess Your ability to keep me from falling back into that horrible pit. I pray this with confidence that I am standing firmly on the Great Rock, the Lord Jesus Himself, Amen!!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve had the opportunity several times of descending literally into the “horrible pit” in which Jesus was kept overnight, beneath the palace of Caiaphas, the High Priest. It’s clean now, but when Jesus was there it was filthy; excrement would perhaps have covered the floor. Just next to the pit is the torture room where prisoners would be tied and whipped. I am overcome with the horror of it all. Jesus subjected Himself to this outrage when He could’ve simply spoken a word and set Himself free. He did it so that I, and millions of others, could be rescued from the pit of self pity and despair. He went down so that He could reach under all humankind and lift us up to stand on the unshakable Rock, which is Himself. He cleans us up through the cleansing of His blood (1John 1:7) and keeps us clean by the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5:26).
Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham, recorded a message which I would like to share with you. It ties in with David’s lament about his own familiar friend who has turned against him (click here). You may also want to order her book, Wounded By God’s People, which has been featured on 100 Huntley Street (click here).
Yours for standing firm on the “Rock,”
David
This is the torture chamber area where prisoners were scourged. It’s located in the lower levels of Caiaphas’ house where Jesus spent the first night after His arrest and before His trial and crucifixion.
Anne’s message is so needed these days. I hope it will be possible to play that on the program a time or two. I am aware that many people have problems with forgiveness even with their own siblings as adults. How great it would be to be delivered from such pain and anguish. (not my present problem, thank the Lord, but I have friends who are suffering). I have very great difficulty of seeing where Jesus was so badly treated. Easter is a difficult time to see and hear about it. Thank you, Lord.
Amen, Doreen!
I do wonder what Psalm 40: 7 means. You have written about me in the scroll? Anyone have an idea about what that is saying. What scroll?
Thank you David Mainse and Anne Graham Lotz for those words of wisdom this morning which ministered to my heart. I have the book,” Wounded by God’s People” and have read it. The Lord is faithful. Remembering you in prayer this morning, Beverlee as you prepare for your surgery on Oct. 30th. God bless you saints.
Amen, Ger!
Thanks, sister Ger! I will post it again closer to the date. Your prayers mean so much to me! God bless you!!
This seem to fit nicely with Ann’s message in her video:
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift we receive,
And freely we must give it too,
To prove to Him we do believe,
Forgiveness also works for you.
When a friend stabs your back,
Do not turn and choose to attack;
But smile and take up his slack
To show the faith you do not lack.
When you forgive it then returns,
For your heart is then lightened
While given the freedom it yearns
And your mind is then enlightened.
Let His healing hand touch your soul,
Then may His love render you whole,
For Satan will try to collect a toll
If your faith is weak you give control
But someone you may overlook
Is one you may be least kind to;
For mistaken paths that you took;
The one you forgive must be you.
GW (Bill) Marshall (before Aug,2012)
Oh Amen Bill! Let’s not forget to forgive ourselves! Thank you and God bless us all!!
What a gracious, lovely lady Ann Lotz is. Thank u David Mainse for sharing this video. I’ve passed it on to numerous others. God bless.
Amen, Lynda!
Thank you Rev. David: The pictures, Ann Lutz’s testimony, the Psalms, your words of wisdom and prayer…Great Manna for today!!
Psalm 40:2-3 the beginning of life for me in Jesus: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit; out of the mud and mire, he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymns of praise to Our God!!!
I just want to thank you David for the recommended movie “The War Room”. With a friend, I was able to see it tonight. What an uplifting, encouraging & re-enforcing theme. My friend waas moved to tears. I will encourage anyone to go & see it when they can. Keeping you in our prayers always.
Many Blessings,
Beverly
I remember the first time I was wounded by God’s people! At first I was shocked! Then I wondered where did I ever learn that God`s people are supposed to be nice!!!!! AFTER ALL WE ARE all SINNERS SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!
Please pray for a young gal Jessica, she is having a CT Scan on the 30th! Pray they will find out what the problem is and begin to correct it so that she has her health back! She is only 24!
Please pray also for healing from surgeries for my Pastor and his wife!
Praise and thank God for the good day I had! I went swimming, was offered a hot dog at a birthday party, saw Jessica, gave each other a big hug! I was a good day! Thank you Lord!