A Look at Psalm 119:61
Obedience - no matter what
Psalm 119:61 “Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.”
David feels bound by the evil of men in this verse. The wickedness of the ungodly often threatens our freedom. However, David has found the freedom of obedience to God. In the midst of persecution, he declares, “I will not forget your law.”
In the New Testament, Jesus sums up the law with these words,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And the second [commandment] is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” Matthew 22:37, 39-40.
David knew he had to keep this law even though he was being mistreated.
What does the cross of Calvary mean to us? Obviously, it serves as a reminder that Jesus died for us. However, there is another meaning to it also. The Cross means the righteous die for the unrighteous. It means the godly die for the ungodly. To take up your cross and bear it means that you are to give your life for the sake of others. David was doing just that in this verse. Though the wicked bound (persecuted) him with ropes, he did not forget God’s greater law of dying for the sake of others.
Jesus taught us that confidence is how little you react when falsely accused. When He was before Pilate, He didn’t even defend Himself because He knew that the accusations were false. He knew that truth would eventually win out. David practiced this also when King Saul sought to kill him. He certainly would have been justified in defending himself. Instead, he allowed vengeance to be God’s role, not his.
Take some time to let this verse sink in – chew/meditate on it; consider your reaction to those who falsely accuse you.
Continued
