Men and woman who have a reputation of consistently following the rules of their profession with diligence in their service to others are known as “living by the book” and as trustworthy people.  These people are the ones you seek when you want to know the truth.  Then there are other people who are known as those who live all around the edges, bend the rules to suit their situation while making themselves look good at all costs.  Both kinds of people are portrayed on the cop shows we watch on television.  

The question posed with each episode is “Are we going to do this the right way, by the book, or not?”  When rules are set aside no judgement, by law, can be made for the person who committed the crime.  Those who spent hours gathering evidence are discouraged when the accused is not convicted of the crime because they failed to live by the specific rules and codes of the Law in accusing them.  Our judicial system of law was handed down to us from God’s Law given to Moses on the mountain as way to govern His people with justice, mercy, and loving grace—all attributes of God whom we trust with all our hearts, minds, and souls.  

This portion of Psalm 119, the writer laments over those who do not live by the Book.  “I cry rivers of tears because nobody’s living by your book!”  The Psalmist knows that God Himself gave us His Law of Love with Justice for all.  He testifies of the benefits of following what God says.  God’s Word gives us peace with understanding to those whose hearts love Him back and are committed to learn from Him.

Psalm 119:129-136, The Message

פ Pe

Every word you give me is a miracle word—
    how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
    let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
    I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
    as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
    so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
    so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
    teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
    because nobody’s living by your book!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

When we pray, “God break my heart of what breaks your heart”, He will answer by opening our minds of understanding Truth while His Holy Spirit provides discernment to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong.  Seeking to know God more and asking for His wisdom we discover truth for He is Truth.

““I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”—Jesus, John 16:6

Jesus said this plainly during the Last Supper, just before Jesus is arrested. Thomas, who is known for doubting only because he honestly and openly asks the questions we all want answers to, asks how they (the disciples) will know the way to where Jesus is going, and Jesus replies with this “I AM” statement to explain that He is the path to God.

Since Jesus had never lied to them before, they believed Him—all but Judas.  Judas did not live “by the Book” in his former life or in his walk with Jesus.  He was greedy but appointed to hold and manage their finances!  Jesus knew his heart. Judas joined the band of disciples because he thought Jesus was the One, because of the crowds he drew, to lead a revolution to overcome the Romans who oppressed the Jews. Judas also dreamed of the position of power he would hold in this revolution; but that was not why Jesus came to earth as the Son of God/Son of Man.

The Psalmist begins with the wonder of God’s Word and ends with the weeping of the writer because the arrogant disobey the Word. Just as love and hate and suffering and delight can exist in the same heart; so can awe and anguish. In fact, when we begin to see the beauty and wonder of the Scriptures, we also begin to understand the ugliness of sin and the cheapness of what the world has to offer. This portion of Psalm 119 describes a “spiritual chain reaction” in the life of the psalmist, one that can occur in our lives when we pause to ponder the wonder of God’s Word.

Reading God’s Word, seeking to know Him more, with a hunger for Truth is the pathway to God and His discernment of what is right and what is wrong.  Praying for His wisdom and understanding opens the door for this gift of discernment from Him. God’s gift of His Holy Spirit living in us guides us with all the ways to “live by the Book” as we daily surrender our will to His perfect and pleasing will. 

The more we read, meditate, memorize, trust and obey His Word; the more we discern who God is with a desire to grow our relationship with Him.  The more we see God, know Him through Jesus, we see the agony of people who need Him but are without Him.  Our hearts, like the Psalmist, are broken for those who do not yet know our Savior and Lord. However, God uses our broken hearts to compel us to tell the world of Jesus who died and rose again in power to save us once and for all!  HE is the Way, Truth, and Life forever! 

God knows our hearts. All of them. Be honest, ask questions, He doesn’t mind.  Then listen!  God provides answers—And He is called Jesus!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the Light of His glory and grace.

Warren Wierbe, Bible Scholar, comments;

“God’s love leads to guidance and freedom. When we experience the love of God in our hearts, we keep His commandments (John 14:15), and obedience to His commandments sets us free from the slavery of sin (Rom. 6). The word “dominion” means “autocratic rule”; sin is not supposed to rule over us (Rom. 6:12–16). But there is more: We are also set free from the oppression of people and the enslavement they can bring (Ps. 119:134). When you are the servant of Jesus Christ, you are free from slavery to people.

God’s Dependable Word: Psalm 119:137

God’s Word is trustworthy:

No matter what people do (vv. 137–139).

No matter what people say (vv. 140, 141).

Regardless of how you feel (vv. 142, 143).

No matter how long you live (v. 144).

God’s Word is and always will be the last word, because it lasts, like God Himself.”

God was, is and always will be God.

Lord,

Your Word is the Light we need to see your path before us.  “Let the morning bring Word of your unfailing love; for all my trust is in you.”  Help me to Live by the Book, in Your Name, by Your power, for Your glory!

In Jesus Name, Amen