Psalm 37:23-24 - If the LORD delights in a man's way...

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

Commentary

The righteous know that when they fall, they are never left lying there; when they stumble, they are never completely forsaken.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 37:24). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Isaiah 9:2 - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.

Isaiah 9:2

Commentary

This passage has been associated with the Christmas season due to the usage of it in Handel's Messiah. The implications of this Scripture are immense. This passage says that 1) we all are walking in darkness and 2) we all need to see a great light. It's not very flattering to think that we walk in darkness, but a view of history would validate this claim pretty quickly. But now Christ is the light that gives light to every man. There is a light that has dawned upon us. We didn't figure it out nor could we figure it out. We need help. Another way to put it is Jesus is not a celestial Sugar Daddy trying to help us out; He's our Savior to set us free from our sins!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC