While Zechariah is ministering in the Temple he is visited by the angel Gabriel with an important message. He will have a son that will have a very important mission. The Messiah is coming and his son, John the Baptist, will be the Elijah that is to come to prepare the way. 

David begins this Psalm with a prayer. He is hemmed in by his enemies. He is seeking God's help. His hope is summed up in the statement, "into your hands I commend my spirit." 

In our reading, we learn of the great exchange that takes place. We put our faith and trust in Christ and we receive the gift of his perfect righteousness.

The cross of Jesus is more potent than the sin of Adam. Some would call the word of Jesus "original grace." The grace of Jesus comes into our lives and overcomes the curse of sin. 

If we pay attention to Paul's argument in these verses we quickly realize this is not an argument informing us on the concept of original sin, rather, arguing the power of the atoning death of Jesus Christ. 

In the family tree of Jesus,2 we find some significant things. Jesus is the 77th person mentioned in the family tree. Luke wants us to realize that Jesus is the new Adam and is the savior of all humanity. 

David probably wrote this Psalm when he brought the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem. This Psalm highlights how we go through low points in life and many troubles. Scripture reminds us that these afflictions are like a light momentary affliction compared to the weight of glory that awaits us. 

Daniel receives a final message of hope from two heavenly messengers. This message is enigmatic and is hard to figure out. The message focuses on the oppression of Judah under Antiochus in 167 BC and the coming Messianic age. 

The messenger gave Daniel a message that's just as important to us today as it was to Daniel - you are precious to God, so remain faithful.

Daniel is approached by another spiritual being who wishes to inform him of a vision concerning the future. But not before letting Daniel catch a glimpse of what is going on in the spiritual realm between the earthly kingdoms.