Delivered

As you embed the Bible this week, you will come to Psalm 42. Just before the Psalm begins there is a section heading that reads, “Book 2.” What is that all about? Traditionally, the Book of Psalms has been divided into five parts. Each part seems to correspond to the first five books of the Old Testament (the Pentateuch). Psalms 1-41 are written mainly by David (though there are other authors there) and deal with man’s fall into sin and our need to seek righteousness and a relationship with God. Book 2 corresponds to Exodus. As you begin reading, keep in mind that one of the general themes from Psalm 42 through Psalm 72 is the power of God to free us from sin. Here you will find cries for release that God answers for His people. Here you will hear the call to be free from sin and the world. Here you will see how God leads His people from chains of enslavement to freedom in forgiveness. It is a personal journey that calls for us to surrender ourselves to the power of God. I hope that as you embed the words of this section, you will embed the message that goes with it. God offers freedom and hope and forgiveness to His people. We are the people of God; we are a people of promise. While sin may have defined our lives at one time, we have a chance to experience a life of freedom in Christ. We are a delivered people.