MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS (Psalm 18:7-15, Part 3) A Soul Is Delivered
Let us observe what transpires when a soul is delivered. Starting in v.7 “the earth shook and trembled …” we see a preview of the catastrophic judgment in the earth and in heaven at our Lord’s triumphant death on the cross. Observe Matthew 27:45-54: His hour of greatest extremity we see in verses 45-46, then His triumphant deliverance in verse 50. What did He cry? “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, IT IS FINISHED: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30). Its effect is seen on creation in verses 51-54. Looking back at Psalm 18:7, there was not a great space between the cry (v6) and its answer; a picture of what transpires at the salvation of a sinner: when the gospel effectually invades the regions of the damned (not the underworld), it causes a major catastrophe. I believe that when God saved me convulsions took place in the spiritual world comparable to the “earth shaking and the heavens bowing down, and smoke and fire coming forth from His nostrils and mouth.” I believe He ‘thundered from heaven, LET HIM GO!’ Look at Acts 1:1-21 (the gospel revolution). “Interposing in an hour of peril, when almost captured the LORD’S people are rescued from the hand of the mighty by Him who is Mightier” (CHS). Luke 11:21-22 tells us “when a strong man armed keepeth his palace his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcomes, he taketh from him all his armor he trusted in…” (2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 2 Timothy 4:14-18). “The LORD is my strength”, literally my rock, not the cleft but the ledge, representing not the hiding place but stability and immobility, “My sure unchanging, eternal confidence and support.” (Isa.26:4; Jude 24). “My buckler”, shield and hedge. Warding off the blows of the enemy, all our armor is completely furnished in Jesus. “The horn of my salvation”, Christ is not only the “Lamb,” but the “Ram”, strength and power. The horns on the altar placed to secure the sacrifice, my sacrifice is secure therefore securing my salvation (Heb.6:19). “My high tower”, speaks of comfort and consolation, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Ps.121:4-5 speaks not only of His watchfulness but our exalted position in Christ (Eph.1:3; 2:6-7). “My God” comprehending all that went before. What do men and circumstances matter if He’s “My God?” This is very intimate and filial (the highest love to God as His child, fearing displeasing Him) with David; his experience imposes the commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me”; he who can truly say “my God” may well add “my heaven, my all.” So much to be thankful for. ~~Terry Worthan, (1938-2022)