Tag: Psalm 80:16-19
The Healing Power of God’s Smile
Scripture reading for September 14: Psalm 80:1-2, 16-19 “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You Who lead Joseph like a flock. You Who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. . . . .They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of Your face! But let Your hand be on the Man of Your right hand, the Son of Man Whom You have made strong for Yourself! Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon Your Name! Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let Your face shine, that we may be saved.”
Asaph, one of the worship leaders of Israel, wrote this psalm as a testimony to be sung to God by His people. He began the psalm by addressing God as the ‘Shepherd of Israel,’ which would have spoken to the Israelites as many of them were shepherds and King David was also a shepherd. This ‘Shepherd’ was enthroned upon the cherubim in the place of highest honor and power at God’s right hand and His face reflected the unfading glory of righteousness and holiness. The psalmist asked that God would destroy those who had attacked Israel and burned it with fire. He asked that they perish by the rebuke of His face! As God’s smile brings blessing, so also God’s frown of anger means death.
But the psalmist interceded with God to put His hand on the Son of Man Who was seated at His right hand. This Son of Man was made strong to fulfill God’s plans and purposes. This Son of Man would save His people from their backsliding and restore them to eternal life. He would give them His Name to reclaim their lost authority. As the Lord of hosts, having all authority and power, the psalmist appeals to God to ‘let Your face shine.’ In amazing response, God sent the Son of Man, Who is now seated at God’s right hand and transforms believers into His glorious likeness!
Revelation 22:1, 3-4 “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright a crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city, . . .But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face . .”