The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

TODAY’S LIFE AND THE AFTERLIFE

Although the concept of an afterlife was largely undeveloped in ancient Israel, the idea of Sheol was loosely equated with death (49:15; Job 11:8; Pr 15:24), from which the righteous could be delivered. David thus expressed his trust in God to protect him from this place of death as he celebrated the joy of finding lasting pleasures in God’s presence. This initial aspect of David’s view offers a practical counter to today’s propensity to think too much about the promise of heaven and not enough about the reality of God’s transformative presence. Thus David’s psalm, in part, encourages God’s people to become well acquainted with the goodness of God now, not later!

It was not until Peter’s speech at Pentecost, in Acts 2, that people were encouraged to see the wider application of this psalm — the hope of the resurrection. While on the surface of things it seems as though David primarily pointed out the immediate benefits of knowing God, Peter explained that David also envisaged the coming Messiah. After quoting Psalm 16:8 – 11 in Acts 2:25 – 28, Peter declared, “Seeing what was to come, [David] spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life” (Ac 2:31 – 32). This psalm celebrates the life-changing nature of God’s current presence as well as the future hope of eternal life because of the resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus, as I look forward to eternity with you, help me to remember that my eternity with you includes today. Amen.