The Eternity Code

By Robert Louis Tegenkamp

One hundred fifty Psalms written as a narrative for easy reading reveals secrets never before exposed within the Psalms. We notice how often Jesus appears in the Psalms without mentioning Him directly. Many mysteries within the Psalms have seldom been explored as is in this book by Dr. Tegenkamp, Th.D, boy preacher at the age 16, war veteran of 1963, evening University student earning three degrees in theology; his passion of life. This book serves as a wonderful daily devotional. Also, The Eternity Code serves as a very easy teaching tool in Bible study classes. The greatest pleasure in this read is the relationship as it introduces the reader to the Almighty assisting the reader in understanding the characters within the Psalms. Dozens of pastors have read this book with the comment, Once I began reading it I could not put it down. This is a book you will treasure for years to come, passing it down to your children and grandchildren I promise you will not be disappointed, Dr. Bob.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503577022

Robert Louis Tegenkamp

The author Robert Louis Tegenkamp grew up on the back side of Cincinnati Ohio in the German community of North Fairmount. At age 16 he became a boy evangelist preaching in over a dozen churches before graduating from high school. Unable to afford Bible College even at one dollar a day Robert secured a job with an optical firm and attended the University of Cincinnati evening college classes three nights a week. In 1961 Robert was called up to serve in the military later receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. He continued his studies for several years while he acquired his skills as a licensed optician in three different states. Suddenly he was able to attended Bible college morning classes before business hours for another four years and was awarded valedictorian of the historic Gods Bible College in 1975 earning a Bachelor of Religious Education degree. He moved to Florida where he went on to earn his Masters degree and his Doctorate of Theology. He opened his optical store in 1981 as he continued to study with various Bible institutes while also serving two different churches as Christian Educational Director. In a period of eight years he brought each individual church from 80 members to over 1000 in Sunday morning attendance. In 1995 Robert produced an evangelistic television series aired across northern America to over 80 million homes, held speaking engagements as well as a revival for a missionary friend in Honduras and later was elected to public office in 2000 which resulted in changing the complete coastline along the Pensacola peninsula of Northwest Florida. In 2004 Robert began writing Christian books sharing his knowledge and experiences with all those who have come to know him and love him.

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Copyright © 2015 by Robert Louis Tegenkamp, Th.D.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5035-7703-9

                eBook           978-1-5035-7702-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Written to a pre-tribulation generation

A nonfiction Biblical account

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by HYPERLINK "http://www.ncccusa.org/newbtu/permiss.html \o RSV permission" permission

Rev. date: 06/18/2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Psalm Chapter 1 Blessed is the Man

Psalm Chapter 2 The Last Laugh

Psalm Chapter 3 A Silent Code

Psalm Chapter 4 Sacrifices of Deception

Psalm Chapter 5 My King

Psalm Chapter 6 Tears

Psalm Chapter 7 Show-down Time

Psalm Chapter 8 Who is Man

Psalm Chapter 9 Death of a Champion

Psalm Chapter 10 Antichrist Revealed

Psalm Chapter 11 Emerging Terrorists

Psalm Chapter 12 A Cry for Help

Psalm Chapter 13 How Long, Lord

Psalm Chapter 14 Thou Fool

Psalm Chapter 15 Temple on the Hill

Psalm Chapter 16 The Voice of Jesus

Psalm Chapter 17 That Woman

Psalm Chapter 18 The Bow of Steel

Psalm Chapter 19 Seven Revelations of Glory

Psalm, Chapter 20 Jacob’s Trouble

Psalm, Chapter 21 His Garden Prayer

Psalm, Chapter 22 The Crucifixion

Psalm Chapter 23 The Good Shepherd

Psalm, Chapter 24 Great Controversy

Psalm, Chapter 25 O My God

Psalm Chapter 26 Daring and Courageous

Psalm Chapter 27 Land of the Living

Psalm Chapter 28 Triumphant Warriors

Psalm, Chapter 29 Seven Thunders

Psalm, Chapter 30 The Test of Life

Psalm Chapter 31 Pavilion of Rest

Psalm Chapter 32 Psalm of Beatitude

Psalm Chapter 33 Make a Joyful Noise

Psalm Chapter 34 His Foot

Psalm Chapter 35 My Darling

Psalm Chapter 36 No Fear

Psalm Chapter 37 A Little While

Psalm Chapter 38 Returning to Mercy

Psalm Chapter 39 The Measure of Man

Psalm Chapter 40 Trusting the Lord

Psalm Chapter 41 Charity on the Way

PART II

Psalm Chapter 42 Face-to-Face

Psalm Chapter 43 The Light

Psalm Chapter 44 For Mercy’s Sake

Psalm Chapter 45 The Marriage of Jesus

Psalm Chapter 46 Tribulation

Psalm Chapter 47 Thy Kingdom Come

Psalm Chapter 48 City of God

Psalm Chapter 49 Thousand Year Parable

Psalm Chapter 50 Left Behind

PART III

Psalm Chapter 51 Bathsheba

Psalm Chapter 52 The Man of Sin

Psalm Chapter 53 Hills of Kentucky

Psalm Chapter 54 At Risk

Psalm Chapter 55 Cast Thy Burden

Psalm Chapter 56 The Most-High

Psalm Chapter 57 A Heart Fix

Psalm Chapter 58 Young Lions

Psalm Chapter 59 Siege of Jerusalem

Psalm Chapter 60 Wine of Astonishment

Psalm Chapter 61 A Thousand Generations

Psalm Chapter 62 Extremely Personal

Psalm Chapter 63 Despite Those Foxes

Psalm Chapter 64 The Equalizer

Psalm 65 A Glimpse at the New World

Psalm 66 Rebellion in Paradise

Psalm 67 His Throne of Glory

Psalm 68 Inauguration Day

Psalm Chapter 69 Mother of Jesus

Psalm Chapter 70 Make Haste

Psalm Chapter 71 A Wonder unto Many

Psalm Chapter 72 Peace, Good Will toward Men

PART IV

Psalm 73 This Disgruntled Saint

Psalm 74 Leviathan the Terrible

Psalm 75 Dregs Thereof

Psalm 76 City of Peace

Psalm 77 That Troubled Disease

Psalm 78 Jesus Builds the Temple

Psalm 79 A Clash of the Cymbals

Psalm 80 A Sprawling Vineyard

Psalm 81 Meribah

Psalm 82 Of the Mighty

Psalm 83 Ten Kingdoms

Psalm 84 And Court Yards

Psalm 85 Victorious Rescue

Psalm 86 Be ye Holy

Psalm 87 Two Men

Psalm 88 Three Faces

Psalm 89 Precious Seed

PART V

Psalm 90 Days of Man

Psalm 91 Snare

Psalm 92 Songs of Jesus

Psalm 93 Throne of Glory

Psalm 94 This Defiant Woman

Psalm 95 All Those Spirits

Psalm 96 Dinner Time

Psalm 97 Consider the Earth

Psalm 98 Unbelievable Victory

Psalm 99 Equity

Psalm 100 Sweet Gladness

Psalm 101 Greatest King Ever

Psalm 102 Like a Sparrow

Psalm 103 A Bizarre Promise

Psalm 104 His Vesture

Psalm 105 Chains, Caterpillars and Signs

Psalm 106 Phinehas

Psalm 107 Honored Princes

Psalm 108 New World Capital

Psalm 109 Curse of Abaddon

Psalm 110 At the Brook

Psalm 111 The Ploughman

Psalm 112 A Good Man

Psalm 113 Out of the Dust

Psalm 114 Trembling Mountains

Psalm 115 Unto the End

Psalm 116 A Peculiar People

Psalm 117 Truth and Nothing But

Psalm 118 Author of the Bible Revealed

Psalm 119 The Words of the Lord

Psalm 120 Behemoth

Psalm Chapter 121 Unto the Hills

Psalm 122 The House of The Lord

Psalm 123 Prayer in the Tribulation

Psalm 124 The Snare Broken

Psalm 125 Beyond Eternity

Psalm 126 Like a Dream

Psalm 127 Time Out

Psalm 128 Those Strange Gentiles

Psalm 129 Many a Time

Psalm 130 Precious Convert

Psalm 131 As a Child

Psalm 132 The House

Psalm 133 How Good it Is

Psalm 134 Preface to the End

Psalm 135 Treasure in the Field

Psalm 136 One Man’s Blessing

Psalm 137 Notorious Sons of Edom

Psalm 138 A Final Survivor

Psalm 139 God Breathed

Psalm 140 This Violent Man

Psalm 141 Make Ready Thy Head

Psalm 142 Here Come the Judge

Psalm 143 The Living Soul

Psalm 144 Strange Children

Psalm Chapter 145 ETERNITY

Psalm 146 Strangers

Psalm 147 World Beaming with Praise

Psalm 148 Great Red Dragon

Psalm 149 A New Song

Psalm 150 Praise Ye the Lord

Special thanks for the inspired cover:

Artwork by Pat Marvenko Smith - copyright 1982/1992

Art prints available at www.revelationillustrated.com

150 Psalms

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The hidden mysteries of the Psalms

Written from Psalms, The ETERNITY Code is a continuous drama uncovering the narrative of prophecies occurring in this world as they happen daily. From the Psalmists come answers to unsettled questions about the latter days with details of its intrigue and resolve. The reader is asked to journey into the future, which leads him up to and through the gates of Eternity bringing him face-to-face with the reality of a King and His Kingdom. This nonfiction experience is packed with facts and references that will delightfully fascinate the reader with a refreshing new look into the world of God. Reader-friendly, this book has been prepared in everyday language to be easily understood by devoted Bible believers as well as those with little or no Bible knowledge but immense curiosity.

The ETERNITY Code reads like a true-life adventure with a captivating plot that will lift the reader to heights of great expectation. The tale in this book is stirring with its rhythmic repetition of specifics as well as signs that appear daily in this present world. Its stunning conclusion is driven by a grand cast of characters accompanying the reader on this suspenseful journey full to capacity with intrigue and gratifying excitement.

Christians desiring answers to the many silent revelations of the scriptures will not want to put this book down. From the lips of the Psalmists, the reader will be amazed to hear the voice of Jesus predicting His confrontation with the evil one while on earth, His prayer in the garden, the verdict of His crucifixion, and His miraculous resurrection. And if that isn’t enough, there is the forecast of His return to earth coming with a host of millions in fire and fury. The bizarre promise passed down from Abraham to David will stun every reader with the revelation of his reign over a thousand generations following the millennial rule of Christ as timeless eternity emerges. The ETERNITY Code is a book based upon the Psalms. Found deep beneath the surface of the vicarious language spoken by the Psalmists, the Psalms erupt revealing the treacherous, violent closing days of human history with the audacious appearance of the Antichrist at the spectacular Second Advent of Jesus Christ. For years, the Psalms have been passed over as merely poetry and devotional prose; but when taken literally, the Psalms is a book filled with a grand drama and explosive predictions promising the return of the Messiah who will come one day to rescue a world gone mad and out of control.

During the twentieth century Bible teachers lent their understanding of the Psalms to commentaries of scholars from the past. Until 1948 the state of Israel had not existed making a literal interpretation of the scriptures most difficult. Commentaries on the Psalms written centuries earlier interpreted the often explicit, yet mystifying language spoken by many of the Psalmists without considering the providential re-establishment of a literal, physical nation of Israel.

Therefore, scholars of past centuries spiritualized most of the strange and unusual language found in the Psalms since they could not believe that a literal, physical Israel would once again exist. This is the greatest determining factor unleashing the mystery of the Psalms. Because of their shortsightedness, most interpretations of the Psalms by early scholars were misappropriated to the Church Age as if the Church had become a spiritual Israel. Having done this, the magnificent treasures within the Psalms were cast aside, hidden as if in a chest buried beneath the rubble in an abandoned attic. Unfortunately, this course of unsuitable interpretation led to questionable perceptions of many prophecies expounded upon in the Old Testament as well as in the Psalms. Prophecies directed toward the Second Advent of Jesus Christ were applied to His First Advent, and the impact of coming events to occur during the latter days was lost. In this setting the format is set according to correct interpretation.

Few scholars have since dared to interpret the Psalms as they were intended, failing to believe that one day Israel would actually be re-established. If they had done so, their conclusions would have been similar to those presented in the following pages of this study. Peculiarly as it may appear, since the establishment of Israel in 1948, only a few scholars have attempted to censure this unfortunate blunder. With this point of view in mind, the Psalms take on a new and vibrant vitality, animated with the ongoing captivating present-world events preceding the coming tribulation period and ultimately the anticipated arrival of the Anti-Christ. Seven years later, the Messiah, Jesus Christ burst through the thundering clouds above sweeping down upon the earth below followed by millions of redeemed souls swiftly establishing the Lord’s kingdom to reign for a thousand years.

BOOK SUMMARY

The ETERNITY Code is convincingly a heroic real-life drama. The scene opens during the notorious latter days revealing the rarely discussed unsolved mysteries that have gone unnoticed for centuries in many of the Psalms. This book presents an astonishing assessment of all the Biblical Psalms exposing unusual hidden predictions which were left behind by the Psalmists who are about to take the inquisitive on a journey seldom, if ever traveled. Together we will explore this sacred text laced with intrigue and daring insight as the reader encounters an imposing cast of characters from within its pages as well as from this present world, unveiling previously censored details, facts and baffling mysteries while exposing the terrifying, and yet, most glorious return of Jesus Christ.

Numerous Psalmists are introduced throughout this journey often speaking out of turn and sometimes offensively. They disclose at times embarrassing situations not given in the official Chronicles concerning bizarre details not found elsewhere in scripture. The Antichrist is eventually revealed but reluctantly identified, along with dramatic details of the battle of Armageddon. The horror of those days and the glorious victory of the coming Messiah are corroborated by many other scriptures as well as historic events. Meanwhile, the wedding of Jesus to His bride, whom you will meet, is precisely described. Questions about those left behind in that day and why the United States takes no part in defending Israel during the tribulation period is revealed. Who is the anointed one that shows up in the desert with a special book in hand and so much more? While I write this narrative as a journey of intrigue upon which the Psalmists lead us, the first eighteen chapters are necessary to prepare us to better understand the purpose and storyline that has never before been told.

Recommended reading as devotional or study of the Psalms with the Bible alongside the corresponding chapters

Jesus Revealed in the Psalms

INTRODUCTION

You are about to embark upon a rarely traveled journey through the impenetrable Psalms. Along this uniquely blazing path of intrigue and drama there appear a cast of characters spanning from before the beginning of time to long after time is no more. Prepare yourself to encounter stunning events hidden for centuries deep inside the mystery and foresight of these magnificent Psalms. Moments of surprise and astonishment, mixed with periods of chilling suspense and suspicion, will unexpectedly intensify your excursion. I am convinced that the amazing climax of this journey will delight you with a refreshing renewal of your personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as you experience Him coming into His kingdom crowned in glory as King of kings and Lord of all Eternity.

Nestled in the very middle of the Old Testament, the eighteenth of its thirty-nine books, the Book of the Psalms attracts more readers than any other text in the scriptures. Besides its rich treasure of numerous devotions and inspiration the Psalms are teeming with revelation and anticipation, unveiling startling events of catastrophic proportion that are about to erupt upon this earth. The Psalms are more than just hymns of devotion and poetry. The Psalms are prophetically challenging, and most emphatically inspiring. In the time of trouble or at a moment of joy and gladness, the Psalms are there to comfort and encourage. Yet, beneath the consoling vesture of its graceful devotion and stirring prophecies of breathtaking events never before disclosed, the Psalms unfold many mysteries of coming events before the eyes of the diligent. The book of Psalms is a dynamic book of songs and prophecy long since passed over as merely a selection of devotions and verse. Nevertheless, after a closer look, these writings express an emphatic disagreement with the status quo. Ancient times were very different than these modern days. There was no liberty given those who desired to speak out against the establishment with disturbing grievances. Those who boldly dared to challenge the issues without the authority of a temple priest, a recognized prophet, or the magistrate found themselves in hot water all too often, literally. So, they would resort to musical events, songs, poems, and psalms in order to voice their concerns, criticisms, and disturbing predictions. Twenty-five hundred years later, William Shakespeare mimicked the manner of Palmists by incorporating their style in the drama of theater. He became the very first in a European setting to ridicule the establishment and even kings without reprisal. But in David’s day, the closest resemblance to free speech in any form was a court choir accompanied by an orchestra of players who freely spoke their convictions and concerns through musical lyrics.

David of Judah was not always king. As a young lad he played a harp and sang Psalms in the fields while watching over his sheep. He performed on the streets and later in the courts of the king. Through his writings, David revealed mysteries mentioned nowhere else in the Bible. As a bonus, others appearing in the Psalms also speak of mysteries previously untold. Coming out of the forest along this journey we will meet many other individuals along this path. David is just one of a sizable cast of choristers who contribute to a volume of lyrics projecting predictions found throughout this journey. Yet, we do not examine the Psalms with any alarm but with immense anticipation.

David steps forward. He is seen in a role not familiar to Bible readers from centuries past. He not only comes forward as a triumphant warrior and banner king, he also plays his part extremely well as an inspired Prophet. The story of David and his exploits begins on a hillside when he is a lad attending sheep when suddenly one day the Prophet Samuel arrives unexpectedly to anoint him as king of Israel. Ultimately, David becomes Israel’s most beloved King after many trials. While he is no doubt the principal character of the Psalms, he is not the leading man. Surprisingly upstaging him is another whose voice penetrates almost every Psalm David scores upon his parchment in countless revelations and prose.

Appearing alongside David on occasion is also a somewhat contentious Psalmist who crowds under the spotlight during this entire drama. His name is Asaph, a young singer and poet in David’s choir, predicting as well as voicing his complaints, in his crude manner providing an additional twelve Psalms. He stands out in the crowd as an individualist with daring personality and quite a prickly attitude. Another fifty three unknown Psalmists follow David’s lead into the spotlight revealing surprising events which are also not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. One of these unknown exhorters is identified as being an Israeli woman, a fascinating character, heroic, and fearlessly defiant opposing the brutal enemies of God and His people of Israel.

Nine Psalms are written in honor of the remarkable sons of the Korah family whose memory is given special attention. Solomon, David’s son and successor to his throne, adds two Psalms. Moses shows up half-way down the path with one Psalm in his hand calling out the number of days which Almighty God has allotted every single individual during his or her lifetime. Now, Ethan the Ezrahite, another Psalmist resting along the roadside, steps forward. He is distinguished for his grand wisdom in a controversial Psalm that disturbs nearly every modern scholar and critic alike. Among this troupe of lyricist is a host of other characters. To be sure, every one of these players is essential to the plot and purpose of this incredible adventure. Villains of all sorts with their descriptions revealed specifically are exposed for who and what they are. Among them are the sons of darkness present in today’s world. There is the identity of the Red Dragon exposed and then the Antichrist is fingered as the principal rogue in this discourse of intrigue.

These and many other characters the reader will encounter. With its spiritual inspiration, and a display of its richness of so many elaborate ancient customs, and the traditions of righteousness and heavenly glory displayed within its pages, one specific climactic event revealed in the Psalms will overshadow the closing scene of this infinite drama. This pinnacle event concealed behind the scenes will unveil the striking revelation of the great and marvelous mystery of God and His Eternity.

Eternity, appearing only once in the entire Bible, is spoken of by the Lord through the Prophet Isaiah who wrote, For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabits ETERNITY, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit (Isa. 57:14). Now let us consider the mysteries of these intriguing Psalms about to unfold before our eyes as well as the blessings upon which the entire Bible proclaims its primary intent and purpose as we discover the outcome here in these glorious pages representing the Holy Psalms.

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PART I

PSALM CHAPTER 1

BLESSED IS THE MAN

6 Verses

Without any warning, it was as if lightning had struck me. I was just seven years old, sitting on a bare wooden floor in the back room of a small red-brick Presbyterian Church with a group of other children listening to a young woman tell us the story about a young man that she said was the Son of God. I was so intrigued that I had to lift my hand with a question.

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Who is God I asked? Awestruck, as I sat on both my hands listening to the young lady who eagerly explained, Why, He is the son of our heavenly Father, the Son of God she quickly replied, He is Jesus the Christ. Without wavering, that very Sunday morning I surrendered my heart and soul to my new found friend, Jesus, the Christ. And together we have since traveled the length of this life’s journey. As I recall this grand moment at the beginning of my life, I gratefully give tribute to my beloved Christian mother and father who introduced me to the ways of the blessed man.

From the very first page the Psalmist steps forward to address a multitude of curious listeners. Without hesitation, the very first words to leave his lips explain to us the distinction between a blessed man and the notorious ungodly man. Throughout the Psalms there is no compromise made between either of these two groups who dominate the cast of characters we meet along this journey.

Appearing first is the blessed man. The first three verses of the entire book of Psalms are devoted to the blessed man. Following these, the next three verses expose the demeanor of the ungodly man. And then, as abruptly as it began, this Psalm closes with a disclaimer, For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish (v.6). The harsh and defining truth of Old Testament dogma gives little, if any, leniency to those who seek divine help. Yet in the Psalms, there emerges from every phrase the promise of God’s grace and mercy in the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Divine promises are the hallmark of the Psalms. First and foremost in the Psalms is this promise of blissful hope. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, the Psalmist declares (v.1). To be blessed is to be happy, and so, happy is the man, whose trust is in the Lord.

Leah, the wife of Jacob, the father of the nation Israel, first gave purpose to the word blessed. Recorded in the Book of Genesis giving child birth, Leah cried out in her agony, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed (Gen. 30:13). From that point on, there was no question of what she meant; and when John wrote the Book of Revelation, he also knew what he was saying when he gave the promise, Blessed is he that readeth, and heareth the words of this prophecy (Rev.1:3). The word blessed, occurs forty-five times in the Psalms with a promise. Later Jesus echoed this sentiment in His Sermon on the Mount when He says, Blessed are they that are pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matt. 5).

This promise is given at the very outset of Psalms. At the very beginning of this journey the Psalmist declares, Happy is the person who puts his trust in the Lord. Jeremiah declared this pledge saying, Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord (Jer. 17:7). On the counsel of God’s word the blessed man builds his future and is careful to follow not after the advice of the ungodly or stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scornful (v.1). The righteous man is a happy person because he does not subject himself to questionable morality or indulge in the vices of the ungodly. He does not patronize those who ridicule the goodness of God, for fools make a mock of sin. His greatest desire is to one day dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Purpose drives the blessed man. He doesn’t consider engaging in the sinner’s conversation because his delight is in the law of the LORD (v.2). While the Psalmist does not have the New Testament gospel as do modern Christians, his delight is in that which he has, the law of the LORD. The blessed man is happy, delighting in his knowledge of the words of the LORD. As a Christian he is privileged to delight not only in the law of the LORD but also in his experience with Christ, his love for the Church, and the glory of God in his life. "And in his law (scripture) doth he meditate both day and night (v.2). The Apostle Paul was a blessed man. He said, For I delight in the law of God" (Rom.7:22). If it had not been for the law, the Apostle recalls that he would not have known God’s mercy. Knowing the law is also a blessed advantage to the Christian.

The law firms up the foundation of godly principles upon which Christians build a life of discipline through grace exercising their faith in God’s will and direction. To the unbeliever, may I suggest that Christians do not work for salvation but their efforts of well doing are generated having received the gift of eternal life, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, the Apostle Paul writes (Eph. 2:8).

Notice that in this very first prose of the Psalms a clash erupts between two characters. Two individuals are distinguished by the attributes of the blessed man and the failures of the ungodly. Distinguished by the qualities given the blessed man, the Psalmist says, The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away (v.4). His succession in sin follows his walk, his stance and his indulgence in life. He walks in the counsel of the ungodly heeding to their sordid devices. He stands embracing their lifestyle and he sits in the scorner’s seat making jest of the virtues of God, His word, and those who trust in Him. That is the ultimate disappointment displayed in the ungodly.

But, there is strength in the blessed man. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water…and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper, the Psalmist says (v. 3). The wicked, on the other hand are like the emptiness of the desert where as the righteous are like palm trees planted by the rivers of water whose leaves are forever green and flowing in the noon-day breeze, bearing precious fruit.

The blessed man is anchored in Christ. Jesus said, If a man believeth on me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water…of the Spirit, the Apostle John wrote, (John 7:38). Out of the Spirit came indiscriminate love, exuberant joy, consoling peace, long-suffering for the weary, and faith with marvelous grace. From within the modern Christian flow these virtues that bringeth forth his fruit (v.3). These fruit-bearing Christians embrace the challenges of life rejoicing in the promises and singing to those around them, Be of good cheer, for I believe God (Acts 27:25).

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (v. 3)

PSALM CHAPTER 2

THE LAST LAUGH

12 Verses

In the summer of 1954, just barely sixteen, I answered the call to preach the gospel of Christ. Wow, was I in for it! My preaching was bold, but my messages were simple. Perhaps too simple but people came from all over the Williamsburg, Kentucky, and Jellico, Tennessee, areas to hear the boy preacher. Yet, when I returned home that summer to Cincinnati, Ohio, there were those who ridiculed my preaching and laughed. I was taken back for a while fresh out of high school and sought a vocation to support myself.

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At the time, I was not aware of this Psalm. Therefore, without any further introduction to the Psalms, let the curtains open on an astounding scene with the Lord God Almighty rising up as a man would out of a deep sleep responding to centuries of spiritual decadents and depravity. He is not the Lord that one would expect to meet immediately upon the outset of this journey through the Psalms. His reputation of charity and mercy is indisputable and perhaps too often taken for granted, for the Psalmist declares that the day is coming when He will return to earth in a rage of wrath and fury.

The scene opens during the latter days. It is near the very end of seven years of turbulence as the Lord is about to rise up from a most comfortable repose yet feeling quite disturbed toward a confused world gone mad. He motions to a host of angelic beings and the saints of old to come up, saying, Cast ye up, cast ye up, as He is about to step out upon the clouds above and swoop down with no less than vengeance in His shout to meet the scorners and persecutors of His children. (Isa.57:14)

Headlines from around the world prepare for a backlash. Stunning events that may very well be about to come upon the earth are perfectly and justifiably outlined in the Psalms. Since the beginning of time the Lord has shown loving grace and gentle mercy towards innumerable generations. But the day arrives when the Lord must surely concede that He has been sufficiently amused at the folly that has followed those who reject His efforts to rescue them from their indifference and destiny of eternal destruction. It is morning and the Almighty is disturbed as He suddenly rises up out of his slumber. Something dreadful concerns Him. While there appears to be nothing amusing about this scene, the Lord is about to entertain Himself with a gusty laugh. The Lord rises up bellowing with great laughter at those individuals who, for generations, have arrogantly rejected His grace and kindly mercies and have throughout history raged against His beloved people, flaunting their fame, their wealth, and their political power in His face. Their supposed accomplishments are embroiled in their arrogance. Reluctantly, the world has patronized the God of the Jews while secretly conspiring to eliminate His name from every society. They plot, demeaning His authority without displaying any shame. Yet the Lord, in this moment of rising up suddenly, early in the morning, and without any warning to those even awaiting His coming, unexpectedly appears, ripping through the skies, showing neither mercy nor empathy towards the inhabitants of the earth in the face of their divisive folly and rebellion.

The Psalmist weeps. Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? he cries (v.1). Can they not see the glory of the Lord? Perplexed by the leaders of nations who disregard the willing hand of God to exalt them in their lands and cultures the Psalmist weeps. He speaks out against the kings and the leaders in the world who counsel against the Lord and His anointed (v.2). Modern societies throughout the earth are confronted. Not aware that he is predicting the outcome of all this displeasure created by ungodly men, the Psalmist addresses a generation that is thousands of years beyond his own understanding. During the twentieth century many monarchs banned the Bible from their land, their libraries, and especially their citizens. Also many churches throughout the world have been dismantled and converted into market places or museums of past cultures as the traditions of God become simply vestiges of the past.

The Lord is deliberately provoked. Portrayed as a God of love and mercy is the God of the Psalms; and He is but in this setting, the character of the ungodly who mock His word and His miraculous works provoke the Almighty. So, He gives them over to His Son for reprisal, scheduled at a date set somewhere in the near future, which no man knows, he that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision, the Psalmist says (v.4). He will accept no restitution from the ungodly in that moment as He turns them over to the coming King of His Glory. Instead, He laughs at their foolish madness. At the dawn of that day, the nations of the world that turned away from God’s mercy will suddenly feel His wrath and sore displeasure, the Psalmist writes (v.5). On that day, without apology, the Lord will laugh at their calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh, He says, Desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind when distress and anguish cometh upon you (Prov.1:27).

Scheduled to occur near the end of this present world society, after seven years of trial and tribulation, the Lord Jesus will suddenly return to the earth. Terror runs rampant. It is the prelude to seven years of dreadful anguish during which time universal terrorism spawns economic turmoil. Those remaining on earth will franticly call upon the Lord but He will not listen to them. He shouts back, Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer…they shall not find me. The Lord further charges them saying, They despised all of my reproof (Prov.1:28-30). Parody becomes commonplace. Demoralized to a state of impasse, no longer able to go forward or return from which it came, the world becomes desensitized to any form of decency. Respect for the name of God is snubbed, upheld only by a small minority of those who cling to a thread of hope left only in the promise that a Messiah will one day appear. The promise they recall is the LORD saying, Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion (v.6). And where is this holy hill, why it is in Jerusalem!

Silence does not suit the Lord. Often when David writes, he becomes the instrument of the Lord’s frustration as well as His delight, for it is not always David speaking in the Psalms but surprisingly it is Jesus who is speaking through him. In this Psalm Jesus enters stage right, revealing the promise of His first advent. He takes the pen of David and writes, The LORD [God the Father] hath said unto me [Jesus], Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee (v.7). Thus, confirmed in the New Testament, Jesus is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18).

Almighty God has made this promise to His Son without dispute. Before the world began, in light of the eventual crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, God the Father promised His Son that He would give Him the nations of the world. He has said to Him, I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession (v.8). These possessions are mainly every single Gentile nation in the world. This is the promise God awarded Jesus for the sacrifice of His shed blood poured out on Calvary’s hill. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, the Psalmist declares (v. 9). Here, the first mention of the Second Advent of Jesus Christ is revealed when unexpectedly the Lord rears back and begins to laugh hardily. He bellows in their faces. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God, the Hebrew writer declares (Heb.10:31). This bellowing hilarity, a laugh of ridicule and scorn difficult for scholars to reconcile with the Lord’s displeasure, echoes through the heavens and earth on that day of reckoning when the wickedness of the world will finally be exterminated by the sudden return of Jesus the Christ with Holy terror.

He who laughs last, laughs with the Lord (v. 4)

PSALM CHAPTER 3

A SILENT CODE

David - 8 Verses

As a boy, like most children, I didn’t want to think about death. I realized later in life that my fear was prompted by my lack of understanding of that which lies beyond the grave. My fear drove me into deep and compelling study of the scriptures. Yet, it was not until my post graduate days that I learned of this marvelous code of His return to earth inconspicuously exposed in the Psalms.

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They are like a symphony of songs and poetry. Unlike relics reflecting events from the past, the Psalms reveal incredible events of the future. Historic and prophetic is the mood and melody of their progression, building up to a crescendo of one single astounding revelation of timeless Eternity. The fascinating code revealing the Christ of Eternity is stunning. It has been said, Eternity is too long to be wrong. Here new and exciting insight into God’s word is exposed. In almost every chapter of the Psalms a mysterious word appears. It is the word Selah, which appears in this passage three times. This ancient expression is exclusive to the Psalms and shows up seventy-one times with one exception. The code Selah appears three times in the prophecy of Habakkuk. In his prophecy, Selah attracts curious attention with its rare appearance but the context corroborates the very theme revealed in this text by the Psalmists, Thou went forth for the salvation of thy people, even for the salvation with thine anointed…Selah (Hab.3:13). Near the end of a difficult time during the tribulation, the Prophet is calling for the Messiah to come and rescue His people. This is the sole purpose for this code in the Psalms.

Throughout the Psalms, this Second Advent of Christ echoes the cry of Habakkuk. Fundamentally, the theme of the entire Bible consists of the King and His Kingdom. Yet, more insight is contained in the Psalms concerning the coming Messiah, and His Second Advent than any other Book. Advent is the Latin word adventus meaning arrival or the coming of an event. This word, Selah, was unique, even to the ancients. Having no specific meaning this isolated word dominates the Psalms as if it were its sole purpose for existing. There is no secret disguise masking this symbol. It is obviously significant to one event; the Second Advent of Jesus Christ found within one or two verses before or after it appears. This eccentric word often points to events that occur during the seven years of tribulation, which sets the stage for the return of Christ suddenly appearing from out of the heavens, bringing with Him the grandeur of Eternity.

Among some ancients the term Selah was indiscriminately used as a musical interlude, a moment of silence, or a rest between beats; but for some reason it found its way into the Psalms as a point of reference, a flashing light alerting the reader that Second Advent passages are present. It is a signal for the redeemed of the Lord to shout and sing with a joyful noise as cymbals clash at the news of the return of Jesus Christ stepping out from beyond crimson curtains above the heavens into full view.

He brings with Him the execution of life. According to Bible doctrine, Jesus must return to earth to fulfill the plan of salvation giving to the dead in Christ new bodies likened unto His own resurrected form. He comes to fulfill the promise of His kingdom on earth. Presently, those who trusted in the Lord Jesus and died in Christ now reside in His presence waiting for that day when they will return with Him. Jesus will not return alone. Those who come with Him are the spirits of just men made perfect (Heb.12:23) who help launch His earthly kingdom and who will rule with Him over the kingdoms of the world for a thousand years. To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord, was the explanation of the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 5:8). These saints of God return to retrieve their dead sleepy bones and claim their place with Him and His inheritance. What a thought: Christians ruling the world: Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? the Apostle Paul shouted (1 Cor. 6:2). Converts of the Lord will not only return with Him; they will also possess the position of every public office and function of business in and around the globe.

Back in the year 1000 BC, David had to confront a number of his own problems. As he wrote this Psalm, David was in retreat from the pursuit of his son Absalom who coveted his father’s throne. David cries out, LORD, how they are increased that trouble me (v.1). Absalom had gathered a band of rebels with the desire to unseat his father from the throne. Unaware of his role in the plan of God, David prays and writes about the events occurring around him which, in the scheme of things, are similar to events that will occur in the days of the tribulation. As David is praying about his own adversity, he is actually prophesying catastrophic events that will occur far into the future. Politically, David is troubled by his situation. Those around him are doubtful that he will overcome this conflict and believe he may very well loose his throne to his adversary. He cries out, Many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God, Selah (v.2). Suddenly David is speaking words that will be repeated in the tribulation. These are the same words shouted at Jesus from beneath the cross at Calvary on the day of His crucifixion. He saved others, they bellowed, let him save himself, if he be the Christ (Luke 23:35). These very same words David spoke are the words with which the nations of the world will scoff at Israel during that terrible experience of the tribulation. Distress fills David’s heart. His son is out to kill him as his soul grieves with sickening sadness. He looks to the hills and writes, I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of His holy hill (v.4). This is perfectly well where the Jews will look for their help during the turbulence of the tribulation. This is the hill upon which the tabernacle of the Lord was and is also the literal physical place where Jesus will reign over His kingdom upon His return. He calls it the holy hill. Only in the Psalms is this hill referred to as holy stipulating that this is where the Lord will sit one day on His throne of glory. Today, the Mosque of Omar dominates this holy hill, a Muslim icon built in 668 AD called Kubbat as-Sakhra, dedicated to their pagan god al-liah found only in their Qur’an.

David gets up in the Lord’s face. He cries out, Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God (v.7). Another prayer shoots from the lips of David without a thought, words to be repeated again and again by multitudes down the centuries. He cries, O my God. These three words are the last words spoken by many people caught in a tragic circumstance. The sight of Flight 11 and 175 crashing into the World Trade Center buildings on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001 drew immediate response from all who witnessed this tragedy with the prayer of David, O my God. These three words, O my God, are the first and often last words out of a person’s mouth in a heartbreaking situation. And these are the words to be compulsively repeated again and again during those terrifying days of tribulation before the return of Christ.

In response David cries unto the Lord as no one had ever before. No one before him had courage enough to say to the Almighty, Arise O LORD. David’s language is shocking and repulsive to say the least. Not once but over and over he cries, Arise, O LORD, arise O LORD as he shouts it again and again for God to get up and bring forth His judgment and justice to a world of terror and senseless perversion. Unaware of why he is crying out like this, David calls for the Messiah to come. It is at this time a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment…and Israel shall dwell safe, the Prophet Jeremiah proclaims sixty years later (Jer. 23:5). Christ returning to the earth is the ultimate comeback. Dominating the Bible text is the Second Advent of Jesus Christ, which is dramatically explored along this journey. David says, Salvation belongs unto to the LORD; Thy blessing is upon thy people, Selah (v.8). The Second Advent not only rescues a failing world and saves the nation of Israel establishing her status forever more, but it also brings the blessing of God upon His people, the heirs of Jacob and joint heirs with Christ. Understandably this expression, thy people, is a reference to the Jews, while Christians are not of this group but are set apart as sons, children adopted into God’s family by their faith in the marvelous grace and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thy blessing is upon thy people (v. 8)

PSALM CHAPTER 4

SACRIFICES OF DECEPTION

David - 8 Verses

With regret I share this story as an early lesson in poor judgment. We were all in our early teens at a young people’s church Christmas party. We had been asked to bring a gift without a name on it worth about one dollar. The gifts were put into a pile on a large table and all of us would pick one each. Thinking myself to be a comic, I brought two gifts, one with the dollar item and the other containing only a Nickel candy bar. But when one of the small boys opened his gift to find only a nickel candy bar he became very upset even though his rightful gift was still on the table. I realized then that I had pulled a terrible prank and immediately apologized to the boy and the group leader to my shame. Boy, did I feel like a sap!

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After all these years I have never forgotten how my foolish prank was perceived as a mean joke and hurtful. I have sense felt the agonizing pain of evil in its many portrayals, as did David. Even though David is called the apple of God’s eye and is recognized in the Bible as a righteous man, he historically committed regrettable indiscretions.

Old Testament righteousness is no match for New Testament grace. Under the law a man had to earn the dignity of righteousness by living justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly before the Lord. Sounds just like Christianity, but under the law there was no assurance. Again and again David appealed to his Lord and God based on his own personal virtues. He often offered his self-worth in exchange for forgiveness. But when a Christian entertains any such notion about his personal goodness, he must relinquish any claim he might consider holy in light of his faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness (Rom. 10:10). While putting forth his best foot to please the Lord, the Christian’s only claim to redemption hinges on his faith in the shed blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

David bonded with the Lord. He cried out, Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness (v.1). He demands attention like a two-year-old, and he gets it. Unlike the cast of characters previously introduced from the Old Testament, David is privileged to enjoy a personal relationship with the Almighty. He had an assurance that his peers were not privileged to even consider because he had been given the sure mercies of the Lord (Isa. 53:5), also (Acts 13:34). He presumptuously talked about God’s righteousness as if it were his own. During the course of his life David is so connected with the Almighty that he is portrayed by scholars as the ambassador and most notable type of Christ. And because of this, when he writes the Psalms the words that he writes are not always his own but the prophetic words of Jesus Christ.

So secure was his bond with the Lord that David never lost a battle. On every occasion during skirmishes with his enemies and in many dilemmas of distress during his life, the Lord intervened on David’s behalf. In the name of the Lord, David escaped from the lion and the bear, killed the giant, out maneuvered King Saul of Israel, and by the sure mercies of God, eventually led Israel to greater victories. Yet, distress lay at his door. David’s anguish was not the strategy of war or his many victories. The people lifted him up to great heights when he wanted so much for them to see the favor with which the Lord had blessed him. He tells them, O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame…Selah (v.2)? Christians have a tendency to praise great men of faith and give a lesser place to the source from which miracle-working faith comes. David had such an intense propensity to please the Lord that he often rebuked others for their failures. He says, But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself (v.3). Well, that’s clear enough.

Flowing plentifully are the blessings of the Lord. David had been blessed so abundantly that he often bragged about his relationship with the Lord. Christians ought to try it. He shouted, The LORD will hear when I call upon him (v. 3). This man was so sure that the ear of the Lord was open to him that he never hesitated to pray what he felt in his heart. This, of course, was long before the scene on the balcony of his house and the deplorable sins to which he would later submit himself. A man should pray before trouble comes. He writes, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD (Ps. 19:14).

Stop and consider your ways David writes. Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still, Selah (v.4). Selah signifies that the next thing David says not only relates to him personally but is aimed at the tribulation period. Those left in Israel at that time will begin to offer burnt sacrifices in an attempt to appease an angry God. But, David says, Offer the sacrifice of righteousness and put your trust in the LORD (v.5). Shortly after the tribulation begins, many in Israel will attempt to reinstate sacrifices, but not as David prescribed. Some scholars debate this notion. However, seeing the spot they are in, suddenly Israeli orthodoxy revise the ancient practice of burning sacrifices unto a God whom they had forgotten, of whom also had been prophesied by the Prophet Ezekiel. End time Jews will remember the Psalmist saying, "Build then the walls of Jerusalem, then shalt thou (the Lord) be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness" (Ps. 51:17). At the beginning of the tribulation, daily sacrifices are reinstated according to Daniel; but by the middle of that period, the Antichrist shuts them down (Dan. 8:11). Presently, around Jerusalem and all of Israel the walls are going up and red heifers are being corralled. The prospect of reinstating ancient practices of burnt sacrifices is most probable according to the record.

All sacrifices are not equal. While having to endure the tribulation period, Jewish communities will resurrect offerings of burnt sacrifices to the Lord according to Ezekiel’s predictions as they see the days of judgment coming upon them. They have no temple and no sacrifices or priest, but in their desperation to appease the Almighty they conjure up makeshift altars. For centuries the practice of Judaism has been confined to synagogues where Jews offer only prayers and readings from the Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim. Take with you words and turn to the LORD says the Prophet Hosea, (Hosea 14:2). Yet, this obsessive gesture of returning to offering burnt sacrifices only infuriates the Lord. The Hebrew writer says, "He (Jesus) had offered one sacrifice for sins forever" (Heb. 10:12). During the tribulation period the restoration of ancient burnt blood sacrifices will represent the ultimate sacrifice of deceit.

But, who is the one behind this charade? This resolution to reinstate the ancient traditions of the law is masterminded by none other than the one who comes preaching peace. He openly applauds the reestablishment of sacrifices as if it was Israel’s idea, and with subtlety endorses their efforts under the cover of pious political deception. He reminds them that well-meaning Christians had earlier urged them to rebuild the temple and to stock suitable livestock according to tradition for these sacrifices. Unsuspectingly, latter day Christians play into the hands of this newly installed Champaign of world peace. Dialogue concerning the rebuilding of the temple with its sacrifices strengthens as the closing hours of reckoning approaches. Believing that they are fulfilling prophecy of the coming Messiah, these overly zealous Christians press on unaware that Jesus reserves the privilege to manifest a temple of His choice when he returns.

Thou hast put gladness in my heart (v. 7)

PSALM CHAPTER 5

MY KING

David - 12 verses

I met Him at my praying tree. Before I became a teenager, often when I needed to talk to someone I would make my way to a wooded lot in the old neighborhood and there, at the foot of that old oak, I would go down on my knees and call upon Jesus my King. He whispered back to me in a gentle consoling breeze.

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David is the first to daringly refer to God Almighty as his King. He says, Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God (v. 2). I was pleasantly surprised to learn when I read this Psalm that no one had ever before called the Almighty, my King. David called the Lord my King a thousand years before Jesus was crucified and mocked as the King of the Jews by those who nailed Him to the cross.

Like David, Jesus was also daring when He referred to God as His Father. Challenged by the Pharisees for His boldness, Jesus never backed down. In fact, during His ministry Jesus taught the disciples to address the Almighty as Our Father. As adopted sons and daughters, God Almighty is our Heavenly Father and Jesus is our elder brother and Lord. Rarely does a Christian call the Lord my King because that is His title to the Jews. Yet, one day He will be our Lord and we will call Him King when He rules the world. Because of David’s divine insight, he called the Lord my King since he had seen Him face-to-face and knew that Jesus would one day occupy the seat of his throne which would be called The Throne of Glory. And then there was the Apostle Paul. He stunned the world when he called Jesus the Almighty, King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15). John the Revelator also received an eye-opener in his vision recorded in Revelation 19:16. Strangely enough, somehow, as a young boy I understood these things. I must admit I was obsessed with the mystery of Christ.

Jesus is King. The Bible says that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. That is, God became a man (1 Tim. 3:16). God came upon earth as the man Jesus who dwelt among us for 33 and a half years, (John 1:14). David’s reference to the Lord as my King is prophetic, and in most of his Psalms he directed his petitions to this King who will one day rule and reign over the earth for a thousand years. Throughout the Psalms, David continuously sets the stage of anticipation for