Day 14 - Verse 13

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. Verse 13 

This is one of those interesting verses where different translations will include or exclude
all or part of a verse.  For example, the NIV text says:

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made." Verse 13 NIV

You may have heard of some fancy classifications that scholars use to identify where a particular ancient document was found. Of course we have the Hebrew scriptures, and also the Vulgate, Syriac, Septuagint, Ethiopic and Arabic.  There are others, too.

The amazing and divine aspect of these ancient writings is how overwhelmingly precise and exact they are given the far-flung regions of the world where they were recorded.

The Hebrew scriptures do not include that extra line about keeping His promises that appears in the New International Version and all the others!   As I researched, I came to discover that on the pages of the Hebrew scriptures, the extra line was added down at the end of the Psalm. 

Mmmmmm.  I don’t know why exactly, but remember, this is an acrostic poem, and perhaps that created the difference.  You can most certainly entertain all the details with some scholarly research if you would  like to go deeper.

At the essence, however, is the truth, that while earthly kings and rulers will come and go, governments will be overthrown, corruption may overcome those that stay, but God’s Kingdom is eternally and forever Pure, Holy, Trustworthy, Just and All Powerful throughout all generations.
  
What a delight and a comfort to submit to such a mighty “potentate”, One of such power and authority that His rule and reign is forever, perfect and full of lovingkindness to all He has made.  

My own life is full of “God” stories.  My list grows almost daily of how the Lord guides my path, blesses our family, shows us mercy and gives us His assignments.    He teaches us, corrects us, forgives, strengthens and directs us.  He is a personal God, involved with His creation, that we might declare His authority and faithfulness to all.  We trust Him because He has proven to be trustworthy.  I hope you are also able to declare with me, “The Lord is with me, who can be against.”  

Most Holy Lord, You alone are worthy of my praise.  Great are You, Lord.  Perfect in Your wisdom and power, Merciful in Your justice and Constant in Your care of those Who find shelter in Your kingdom.  I am grateful for the grace to be called one of your own, Lord, and trust in your love forever. Amen.