I John 3:24: "Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."
One of the things we will find as we study through the book of I John is the distinction between mere professors of Christ (who in fact are no real followers of Christ) and those who have yielded to Christ's Lordship and follow Him in faithful obedience. John tells us in I John 1:5-6 that if we claim to have fellowship with Christ and yet walk in darkness, we are liars. He again tells us in I John 5:18 that the one born of God will not continue to sin (i.e. the continual, willful defiance to the will of God through selfish, sinful thought and action). We know that we love God if we obey His commands . . . which are not burdensome (I John 5:3). The true believer through the power of the Holy Spirit and this man's responsive faith to the Spirit's leading is able to overcome the enticements of the world, which is victory in its truest sense (I John 5:4).
The question that some will present is whether we really can know that we truly have received God's grace. Some will question their salvation, not being sure that they are under the blessing of Divine favor afforded exclusively through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. John replies by saying that we are able to "have confidence on the day of judgment" (I John 4:17). We find this confidence from the Holy Spirit testifying with our spirit that we are His children, redeemed through the precious blood of Christ (I John 3:24; Romans 8:16).
John also shares with us the further evidence that assures us of the genuineness of our faith, namely that we live like Christ in this world and we are perfected through His love. As we experience the unfathomable love of Christ and are freed from debilitating fear, we then love Him and others with the true love that lacks selfish ambition and adulation. We give to Christ the entirety of ourselves (heart, soul, mind [Matthew 22:37]) as we love Him above everything else, and we cannot wait to shower love to others in a way that would bless and benefit them above ourselves. So too, when we fall prey to sin in our lives, we come under immediate conviction from the Word of Truth shared by the Holy Spirit; and because we have this hope and appreciation in the glorious Savior, we "purify ourselves" by turning from our sin back to the path of obedience (I John 3:3).
What is rather beautiful about this condition of assurance, is that we are in such a love relationship with Christ and are so attune to obeying Him in all things, that we have "confidence in approaching God." We can ask anything in accordance to God's will (in fact, we want nothing else but God's will), and we know most assuredly that God hears us (I John 5:14-15).
Conversely, the man who by word or deed denies Jesus Christ as the Anointed One (worthy of his fullest surrender, allegiance and love) is an antichrist. This man who is consumed with himself and seeks to satisfy his selfish desires above all others is not a true follower of Christ Jesus; rather, he is against Christ and His glorious kingdom!
These are such good words for us, for so many who believe that their religious denominational affiliation somehow grants them the privilege of Divine grace are sadly mistaken. There is no atoning sacrifice for their sins because they have not yielded themselves to Jesus Christ as their LORD. They are not following Him faithfully and obediently. They are not apt to turn from sin in their lives when they are prompted by conviction. They have no love for God and others, because they are consumed with themselves.
Still, for the one who truly has surrendered himself to the Lordship of Christ, is following Him in faithful obedience, turns from sin quickly so that it does not have lingering influence, and reflects the love of God to others is assured of the genuineness of His faith through the communion of the Holy Spirit with His spirit. If we are truly yielded to Christ, let us not fall into the insecurity of uncertainty; rather, let us know the confidence of knowing that God's Spirit resides within. Let us bask in the love of God and live our lives as an extension of that love to others. And let us await that glorious day when "He appears (and) we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (I John 3:2).
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Striving Forward In the Midst of Difficulty
I Peter 4:19: "So, then, those who suffer according to God's Will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."
No one desires suffering. In fact, painful trials are the very things from which we attempt to run as far away as possible. Sometimes our trials are self-inflicted through our sinful decisions (see I Peter 4:15); yet there are times when our difficulties are not the direct result of our actions, but are situations thrust upon us (usually when we least expect it).
God's Word gives us our response to those unexpected events that are apt to shatter our spirits leading us into the depressing state of despondency. First, the Scriptures tell us that these episodes are introduced in our lives according to the will of God. For many of you, that very statement may be so unsettling that you are apt to close out this link never to return again. If you are still reading, that means that you at least are willing to hear out the reasoning why God would do such a thing.
Whereas God is not the author of sin, He is Sovereign over all things. If He desired for you to not experience a certain tragedy, then He most assuredly would intervene in the circumstance to bring deliverance. In fact, we may find in eternity a fuller awareness of just how much God DID Do to rescue us from perilous situations that could have brought our demise.
Still, God permits other painful encounters to come our way, and He does so in order that we might through the ordeal grow closer in our dependence on Him and readjust our priorities toward His offering of eternal life, where pain and difficulty are wonderfully absent. When trials come our way and are introduced by the will of God, they are designed to grow us in our awareness of Him, mature us in our faith in Him, and draw us into a fuller understanding of peace and contentment in Him, no matter the circumstance.
The above Scripture compels believers in Christ to "commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." In other passages of Scripture, the word for "commit" means to "roll to." One can see the imagery of a ball starting at the top of a hill being pushed down; and as it continues down the slope, it rolls faster and faster towards its destination. When we find ourselves being pushed off of our mountaintop "highs" we simply need to start rolling toward the Savior, moving faster and faster as we continue down the hill of disappointment. We need to put all of our trust in our glorious Lord, knowing that He is Sovereign and He is Good and Faithful. He will be with us, helping us bear up under the weight of the ordeal that we are facing. Though we might not like the painful experience, we must recognize that God has willed this for us and He has done so for a purpose. And according to the passage cited above, the purpose is for us to continue to do good, thereby bringing glory to God . . . our ultimate purpose in life.
One of the worst things we can do is take our eyes off the Savior and His purpose for our lives, looking instead toward our circumstances with fear, resignation, and hopelessness. As we begin to fixate our minds on the abysmal situations that we are facing, we are apt to lose sight of God in the midst of the trial; and our faith is shattered as we start to believe things will never get better. We might even begin to talk with others about our anger toward God for permitting such a trial to befall us; or we might verbalize that we don't believe we can press on, given the pain of the experience. The Word of God tells us to "avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly" (2 Timothy 2:16). Whereas the Timothy passage might address gossip or other inappropriate language, one also might add despondent words of futile thinking. When one throws in the towel and acknowledges that life is not worth living due to the trial, one is saying in effect that God has made a big blunder in permitting this event in our lives. We are professing that the Lord does not know what is best, and that He is not good and faithful. We might even suggest that He is not really in control, or that He is a despicable tyrant, not worthy of our allegiance. These are the thoughts and words that will lead us further and further toward ungodliness. Bitterness lies at the end of such a path, and no good thing comes from its presence in our lives.
Therefore, we must take these thoughts captive and surrender them to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must see that there is a plan and purpose for those painful experiences that we encounter. We must roll toward the LORD seeking His wisdom and comfort. We must trust that He is good and is working out His purposes through us as we struggle down the arduous path of difficulty. We must, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, determine that we have a calling to continue to do good in the midst of the trial. Our good includes continuing to praise the LORD, demonstrating faith in Him, and inspiring others who might traverse similar paths in the future.
There is much to do. Let us not permit our trials to gain victory over us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, let us rise above our difficulties, in order that we might be all that God desires for us to be . . . for His glory and the furtherance of His glorious kingdom!
No one desires suffering. In fact, painful trials are the very things from which we attempt to run as far away as possible. Sometimes our trials are self-inflicted through our sinful decisions (see I Peter 4:15); yet there are times when our difficulties are not the direct result of our actions, but are situations thrust upon us (usually when we least expect it).
God's Word gives us our response to those unexpected events that are apt to shatter our spirits leading us into the depressing state of despondency. First, the Scriptures tell us that these episodes are introduced in our lives according to the will of God. For many of you, that very statement may be so unsettling that you are apt to close out this link never to return again. If you are still reading, that means that you at least are willing to hear out the reasoning why God would do such a thing.
Whereas God is not the author of sin, He is Sovereign over all things. If He desired for you to not experience a certain tragedy, then He most assuredly would intervene in the circumstance to bring deliverance. In fact, we may find in eternity a fuller awareness of just how much God DID Do to rescue us from perilous situations that could have brought our demise.
Still, God permits other painful encounters to come our way, and He does so in order that we might through the ordeal grow closer in our dependence on Him and readjust our priorities toward His offering of eternal life, where pain and difficulty are wonderfully absent. When trials come our way and are introduced by the will of God, they are designed to grow us in our awareness of Him, mature us in our faith in Him, and draw us into a fuller understanding of peace and contentment in Him, no matter the circumstance.
The above Scripture compels believers in Christ to "commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." In other passages of Scripture, the word for "commit" means to "roll to." One can see the imagery of a ball starting at the top of a hill being pushed down; and as it continues down the slope, it rolls faster and faster towards its destination. When we find ourselves being pushed off of our mountaintop "highs" we simply need to start rolling toward the Savior, moving faster and faster as we continue down the hill of disappointment. We need to put all of our trust in our glorious Lord, knowing that He is Sovereign and He is Good and Faithful. He will be with us, helping us bear up under the weight of the ordeal that we are facing. Though we might not like the painful experience, we must recognize that God has willed this for us and He has done so for a purpose. And according to the passage cited above, the purpose is for us to continue to do good, thereby bringing glory to God . . . our ultimate purpose in life.
One of the worst things we can do is take our eyes off the Savior and His purpose for our lives, looking instead toward our circumstances with fear, resignation, and hopelessness. As we begin to fixate our minds on the abysmal situations that we are facing, we are apt to lose sight of God in the midst of the trial; and our faith is shattered as we start to believe things will never get better. We might even begin to talk with others about our anger toward God for permitting such a trial to befall us; or we might verbalize that we don't believe we can press on, given the pain of the experience. The Word of God tells us to "avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly" (2 Timothy 2:16). Whereas the Timothy passage might address gossip or other inappropriate language, one also might add despondent words of futile thinking. When one throws in the towel and acknowledges that life is not worth living due to the trial, one is saying in effect that God has made a big blunder in permitting this event in our lives. We are professing that the Lord does not know what is best, and that He is not good and faithful. We might even suggest that He is not really in control, or that He is a despicable tyrant, not worthy of our allegiance. These are the thoughts and words that will lead us further and further toward ungodliness. Bitterness lies at the end of such a path, and no good thing comes from its presence in our lives.
Therefore, we must take these thoughts captive and surrender them to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must see that there is a plan and purpose for those painful experiences that we encounter. We must roll toward the LORD seeking His wisdom and comfort. We must trust that He is good and is working out His purposes through us as we struggle down the arduous path of difficulty. We must, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, determine that we have a calling to continue to do good in the midst of the trial. Our good includes continuing to praise the LORD, demonstrating faith in Him, and inspiring others who might traverse similar paths in the future.
There is much to do. Let us not permit our trials to gain victory over us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, let us rise above our difficulties, in order that we might be all that God desires for us to be . . . for His glory and the furtherance of His glorious kingdom!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Ultimate Abuse
Matthew 27:30: "They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again."
Many of us have reflected upon the crucifixion of Jesus Christ . . . the incredible display of agony, torture, and brutal betrayal against the Sovereign King of Kings. It is the most heinous act of evil ever committed! That God's own creation would rebel against His rightful Lordship and desire His execution is the epitome of debasement. We are so unworthy of God's favor and mercy; still, God willingly chose to offer Himself as the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins. This is AMAZING GRACE at its finest!
One facet that I had not previously noticed is the above mentioned verse. I was aware of Jesus' abhorrent flogging, but I had not noticed that the soldiers beat Jesus in the head repeatedly with sticks. I cannot imaging the continual strikes across the skull of the Master. Again and again, they hit Him. And given their previous placement of a crown of thorns on His head, one can picture the thorns being driven into his skull. What tragedy! What restraint by the Sovereign Lord! What wonderful love demonstrated in order that we might hope of reclamation into eternal blessedness.
Never forget the sacrifice of the Savior for our sins. Never forget Jesus' painful death that has given us opportunity to be adopted into God's eternal family. Never forget what we truly deserve and what we in actuality have been given. If you really think about these things, you will become overwhelmed with God. This is where God wants you to be.
Many of us have reflected upon the crucifixion of Jesus Christ . . . the incredible display of agony, torture, and brutal betrayal against the Sovereign King of Kings. It is the most heinous act of evil ever committed! That God's own creation would rebel against His rightful Lordship and desire His execution is the epitome of debasement. We are so unworthy of God's favor and mercy; still, God willingly chose to offer Himself as the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins. This is AMAZING GRACE at its finest!
One facet that I had not previously noticed is the above mentioned verse. I was aware of Jesus' abhorrent flogging, but I had not noticed that the soldiers beat Jesus in the head repeatedly with sticks. I cannot imaging the continual strikes across the skull of the Master. Again and again, they hit Him. And given their previous placement of a crown of thorns on His head, one can picture the thorns being driven into his skull. What tragedy! What restraint by the Sovereign Lord! What wonderful love demonstrated in order that we might hope of reclamation into eternal blessedness.
Never forget the sacrifice of the Savior for our sins. Never forget Jesus' painful death that has given us opportunity to be adopted into God's eternal family. Never forget what we truly deserve and what we in actuality have been given. If you really think about these things, you will become overwhelmed with God. This is where God wants you to be.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Pressing On
Joshua 1:2: "(The Lord said to Joshua) 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites.'"
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness for their rebellion against the Lord's command to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites again were summoned to move into this choice land, promised since the days of Abraham (see Genesis 12:17).
It would have been easy for Joshua to have examined his situation and questioned this dictate from the Lord. After all, why did God not take His people in under the mighty leadership of Moses, Joshua's predecessor? I'm certain that Joshua knew that he simply could not cross the Jordan River and take the land without some resistance from the Canaanite dwellers already there. Land was the most important asset to a people during that day, and the Canaanites would staunchly defend their territory.
This likely is why God repeatedly commanded His new leader to be "strong and courageous" (see 1:6, 1:7, 1:9). It would require faith on the part of Joshua to trust that the Lord would provide protection and victory, even though the circumstances did not look promising.
God knew that Joshua's faith would be kindled by the meditation upon the Word; this is why the Lord commanded Joshua to meditate upon the Book of the Law and obey it fully. The Lord knew that the strength to avoid the pitfalls of discouragement and fear would be found in Joshua's regular feasting upon His Word. God then reinforced the reward for Joshua's faithfulness by proclaiming that success would come to the Israelites if they would follow His commands.
Joshua did not waver a bit. In the following verses, the leader told his people to get ready for in three days they would move across the Jordan into their land. Of course the reason for the three-day delay likely was the need for preparation for mobilization and war. Unlike the days of Moses when the Israelites refused to take the step of faith into the land, they now were ready. As the Israelites encouraged their leader to be strong, they reinforced their support by proclaiming that they would execute anyone who would defy Joshua's commands. It was time to move and receive the blessing of the Lord.
This story is such a good word for us, for we need to contemplate Joshua's response of faith and obedience toward the Lord, even though the future would involve conflict with the pagan Canaanites. How often do we face our own enemies with unwavering trust in the Lord? How much to we feast upon His Scriptures for support as we prepare to face the burdens before us? How diligent are we at obeying fully the dictates that the Lord has given to us? As the Lord promised success for Joshua, so too we can find success in our experiences if we will follow a similar course of faithfulness and obedience.
When we stand on the banks of our proverbial "river" and look to the other side. Let us not permit the impressiveness of our foe to cause us to cower in retreat; rather, let us look beyond the obstacles at the blessings that the Lord has promised to us, if only we would move forward in faith. Let's press on, and expect that the Lord will be with us, will protect us, and will bring us victory!
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness for their rebellion against the Lord's command to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites again were summoned to move into this choice land, promised since the days of Abraham (see Genesis 12:17).
It would have been easy for Joshua to have examined his situation and questioned this dictate from the Lord. After all, why did God not take His people in under the mighty leadership of Moses, Joshua's predecessor? I'm certain that Joshua knew that he simply could not cross the Jordan River and take the land without some resistance from the Canaanite dwellers already there. Land was the most important asset to a people during that day, and the Canaanites would staunchly defend their territory.
This likely is why God repeatedly commanded His new leader to be "strong and courageous" (see 1:6, 1:7, 1:9). It would require faith on the part of Joshua to trust that the Lord would provide protection and victory, even though the circumstances did not look promising.
God knew that Joshua's faith would be kindled by the meditation upon the Word; this is why the Lord commanded Joshua to meditate upon the Book of the Law and obey it fully. The Lord knew that the strength to avoid the pitfalls of discouragement and fear would be found in Joshua's regular feasting upon His Word. God then reinforced the reward for Joshua's faithfulness by proclaiming that success would come to the Israelites if they would follow His commands.
Joshua did not waver a bit. In the following verses, the leader told his people to get ready for in three days they would move across the Jordan into their land. Of course the reason for the three-day delay likely was the need for preparation for mobilization and war. Unlike the days of Moses when the Israelites refused to take the step of faith into the land, they now were ready. As the Israelites encouraged their leader to be strong, they reinforced their support by proclaiming that they would execute anyone who would defy Joshua's commands. It was time to move and receive the blessing of the Lord.
This story is such a good word for us, for we need to contemplate Joshua's response of faith and obedience toward the Lord, even though the future would involve conflict with the pagan Canaanites. How often do we face our own enemies with unwavering trust in the Lord? How much to we feast upon His Scriptures for support as we prepare to face the burdens before us? How diligent are we at obeying fully the dictates that the Lord has given to us? As the Lord promised success for Joshua, so too we can find success in our experiences if we will follow a similar course of faithfulness and obedience.
When we stand on the banks of our proverbial "river" and look to the other side. Let us not permit the impressiveness of our foe to cause us to cower in retreat; rather, let us look beyond the obstacles at the blessings that the Lord has promised to us, if only we would move forward in faith. Let's press on, and expect that the Lord will be with us, will protect us, and will bring us victory!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Praising the LORD At All Times
Psalm 149:4-9: "For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD."
The final three Psalms recorded in Scripture are praise Psalms to the Lord Almighty. Here the Psalmist calls all of creation to engage in a demonstration of corporate praise to God for His Sovereign Power and surpassing greatness. He is the One True Lord of Hosts who has created all things and has taken delight in those who have taken his horn of salvation (148:5,8, 14; 150:2). And of course this demonstration of praise by the Lord's creation is not relegated to somber expressions of contemplation, but ecstatic celebrations of praise through dancing, instruments, and singing.
Then we find an interesting collection of Scriptures in chapter 149 . . . that we are called to "sing for joy on (our) beds." Whereas a bed could symbolize a place of peace, intimacy, and rest (i.e. blessing), one might also note that a bed is a place of confinement for those who are struggling physically and emotionally with maladies that have relegated them to that place. How often have we visited those who were so debilitated that they were not able to get out of their beds? How many of us have experienced such limitation ourselves and been overwhelmed by the challenges that come with such conditions?
If we were to see the interpretation of this passage in view of the latter example above, we can see that the saints of the Lord can sing for joy in the midst of their debilitating trials, knowing that the LORD "takes delight in his people (and) crowns the humble with salvation" (149:4). As these infirmed people struggle with their difficulties, they are able to "praise the Lord (with) their mouths." Their faith and hope are strengthened by the assurances found in God's Holy Scriptures (i.e. the 'double-edged sword [see Hebrews 4:12]). And with this power and peace from on high, these saints are able to inflict vengeance upon their enemies . . . which may be depression, chronic pain, feelings of hopelessness, lost opportunities, physical limitation, a lost sense of community, despondent thinking mired in the temporal affairs of this world, etc. Through the grace and provision of the LORD who "takes great delight in his people" (149:4), these people are able to offer a spiritual dance of praise to their Redeemer . . . the Lover of their souls (150:4). Nothing is able to bring defeat in their lives as they rise above their debilitation to "soar on wings like eagles . . . running without becoming weary" (Isaiah 40:31).
May we ever know that the Lord is due praise no matter our circumstance. He loves us, has redeemed us, and offers to us the power of deliverance from the emotional strains and physical challenges that we may face. If we find ourselves in the depths of despair, let us reorient our minds to the LORD who takes delight in us. Let us sing for joy from our beds and hold onto the promises of His Word, for then we will find His blessing of contentment as we await the day of our reclamation into His perfect, eternal Kingdom! This is the "glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD!" (149:9).
The final three Psalms recorded in Scripture are praise Psalms to the Lord Almighty. Here the Psalmist calls all of creation to engage in a demonstration of corporate praise to God for His Sovereign Power and surpassing greatness. He is the One True Lord of Hosts who has created all things and has taken delight in those who have taken his horn of salvation (148:5,8, 14; 150:2). And of course this demonstration of praise by the Lord's creation is not relegated to somber expressions of contemplation, but ecstatic celebrations of praise through dancing, instruments, and singing.
Then we find an interesting collection of Scriptures in chapter 149 . . . that we are called to "sing for joy on (our) beds." Whereas a bed could symbolize a place of peace, intimacy, and rest (i.e. blessing), one might also note that a bed is a place of confinement for those who are struggling physically and emotionally with maladies that have relegated them to that place. How often have we visited those who were so debilitated that they were not able to get out of their beds? How many of us have experienced such limitation ourselves and been overwhelmed by the challenges that come with such conditions?
If we were to see the interpretation of this passage in view of the latter example above, we can see that the saints of the Lord can sing for joy in the midst of their debilitating trials, knowing that the LORD "takes delight in his people (and) crowns the humble with salvation" (149:4). As these infirmed people struggle with their difficulties, they are able to "praise the Lord (with) their mouths." Their faith and hope are strengthened by the assurances found in God's Holy Scriptures (i.e. the 'double-edged sword [see Hebrews 4:12]). And with this power and peace from on high, these saints are able to inflict vengeance upon their enemies . . . which may be depression, chronic pain, feelings of hopelessness, lost opportunities, physical limitation, a lost sense of community, despondent thinking mired in the temporal affairs of this world, etc. Through the grace and provision of the LORD who "takes great delight in his people" (149:4), these people are able to offer a spiritual dance of praise to their Redeemer . . . the Lover of their souls (150:4). Nothing is able to bring defeat in their lives as they rise above their debilitation to "soar on wings like eagles . . . running without becoming weary" (Isaiah 40:31).
May we ever know that the Lord is due praise no matter our circumstance. He loves us, has redeemed us, and offers to us the power of deliverance from the emotional strains and physical challenges that we may face. If we find ourselves in the depths of despair, let us reorient our minds to the LORD who takes delight in us. Let us sing for joy from our beds and hold onto the promises of His Word, for then we will find His blessing of contentment as we await the day of our reclamation into His perfect, eternal Kingdom! This is the "glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD!" (149:9).
Monday, November 30, 2009
In What Does the Lord Delight?
Psalm 147:10-11: "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Psalm 147 truly is a word of praise to the LORD for His awesome power and His unfailing love for those who are surrendered to Him. In verse 2, we find that the LORD is building up Jerusalem as He gathers the exiles from far away places. Whereas the context of this passage can include the gathering the Jewish people from their dispersion back to Jerusalem, one can see an eschatalogical significance in the LORD gathering the redeemed to the New Jerusalem, which will descend upon the new earth in eternity. It is then that the LORD will actually dwell with His people. How incredible is that? Our LORD will heal the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. He will wipe away every tear, as there will no longer be any death, mourning, crying, or pain (Psalm 147:2-3, Revelation 21:1-4).
The Psalmist also notes the personal nature of our LORD. Even as the number of stars is so vast that we in our finite minds could never count them, the LORD knows each by name. He is Great. He is mighty in power. His understanding knows no limit! (147:5).
We then find that the LORD is not impressed with the abilities of man. Although we find in our fallen world a proclivity for man to attempt to impress his neighbor with his accomplishments, God knows the intent of the heart of man, and is not so swayed. God alone is so beyond our fallible abilities that He is not "wowed" by what we do or what we attain. Rather, our LORD delights in those who put their HOPE in His unfailing love and fear Him with reverential fear.
Of course, hope is tested in times of tribulation and temptation. In whom do we put our trust when we are in the depths of difficulty and despair? In whom do we hope when the Evil One barrages us with suggestions to defy the One True LORD in favor of our own selfish appetites? In whom do we long, even knowing that our physical demise is forthcoming (for in fact this is the eventual fate of every human being [Hebrews 9:27])? For those who put their hope in the LORD through submission and obedience, the LORD finds delight. Our reflection on our true dependence upon the LORD for everything, draws us to thoughts and behaviors that reflect our allegiance to the Almighty. We also become overwhelmed with the Greatness of the LORD to accomplish such things and His amazing love lavished upon us, even though we have been rebellious against Him through our sin.
Let us never forget the blessedness that we have in the grace and mercy of the King of Kings. Let us savor the privilege of such Love from the Almighty and revere Him as the Sovereign Ruler over our lives. Let us put our ultimate hope in His greatness and His goodness to us, for in such responses does the LORD delight.
Psalm 147 truly is a word of praise to the LORD for His awesome power and His unfailing love for those who are surrendered to Him. In verse 2, we find that the LORD is building up Jerusalem as He gathers the exiles from far away places. Whereas the context of this passage can include the gathering the Jewish people from their dispersion back to Jerusalem, one can see an eschatalogical significance in the LORD gathering the redeemed to the New Jerusalem, which will descend upon the new earth in eternity. It is then that the LORD will actually dwell with His people. How incredible is that? Our LORD will heal the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. He will wipe away every tear, as there will no longer be any death, mourning, crying, or pain (Psalm 147:2-3, Revelation 21:1-4).
The Psalmist also notes the personal nature of our LORD. Even as the number of stars is so vast that we in our finite minds could never count them, the LORD knows each by name. He is Great. He is mighty in power. His understanding knows no limit! (147:5).
We then find that the LORD is not impressed with the abilities of man. Although we find in our fallen world a proclivity for man to attempt to impress his neighbor with his accomplishments, God knows the intent of the heart of man, and is not so swayed. God alone is so beyond our fallible abilities that He is not "wowed" by what we do or what we attain. Rather, our LORD delights in those who put their HOPE in His unfailing love and fear Him with reverential fear.
Of course, hope is tested in times of tribulation and temptation. In whom do we put our trust when we are in the depths of difficulty and despair? In whom do we hope when the Evil One barrages us with suggestions to defy the One True LORD in favor of our own selfish appetites? In whom do we long, even knowing that our physical demise is forthcoming (for in fact this is the eventual fate of every human being [Hebrews 9:27])? For those who put their hope in the LORD through submission and obedience, the LORD finds delight. Our reflection on our true dependence upon the LORD for everything, draws us to thoughts and behaviors that reflect our allegiance to the Almighty. We also become overwhelmed with the Greatness of the LORD to accomplish such things and His amazing love lavished upon us, even though we have been rebellious against Him through our sin.
Let us never forget the blessedness that we have in the grace and mercy of the King of Kings. Let us savor the privilege of such Love from the Almighty and revere Him as the Sovereign Ruler over our lives. Let us put our ultimate hope in His greatness and His goodness to us, for in such responses does the LORD delight.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Dust In The Wind
Psalm 146:3-6: "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-the LORD, who remains faithful forever."
When I was reading these verses, I was reminded of the progressive rock band, Kansas, and their 1977 hit "Dust in the Wind." I also was reminded of the bad but humorous movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, when Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter share their presumed sagacity with the words, "All we are is dust in the wind . . . dudes."
The Bible tells us that we are not merely dust in the wind, for we have received the LORD's live-giving breath, making us a living being with an eternal soul (see Genesis 2:7).
Still, there is some truth to our being "spiritualized dirt." The Psalmist above reminds us that if we think too highly of ourselves or others, and determine to put our trust in man rather than in God, we're going to find ourselves in trouble. For we know that when the day of our death comes, all of us will return to the place from which we were made . . . the dirt. And when we return to the ground physically, our spirit will depart for the presence of the LORD to be judged by the One and Only Righteous King (see Ecclesiastes 12:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).
We must never forget that man is mortal and has no power within himself to bring eternal life. Only the One True God can bring such privilege to us, if we would surrender to Him alone as our Lord and Savior. This is why the Psalmist in 146:5 tells us that the man who yields to God in hope and finds help in Him is blessed. This man's faith is anchored in the right object, namely the Sovereign, Supreme King of all things . . . who is Creator of all things . . . and who rules over all things in glorious power. And what is so encouraging for us is that the Creator "remains faithful forever." For those yielded to Christ, the LORD promises to be faithful to His covenant that He will redeem us, giving us eternal life; He also promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 9:28; 13:5).
If we find ourselves basking in our own pride or putting our ultimate hope and confidence in others, let us be reminded that we are mere dirt, that has been given life by God. Let us be reminded that with physical death, we will become dirt again physically, until the day of our physical resurrection. The only true source of life is found in God alone. Let us seek him with a spirit of humility and reverential fear, for we can know that God will be faithful to us and He will lift our "dirt-oriented" lives to life immortal.
When I was reading these verses, I was reminded of the progressive rock band, Kansas, and their 1977 hit "Dust in the Wind." I also was reminded of the bad but humorous movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, when Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter share their presumed sagacity with the words, "All we are is dust in the wind . . . dudes."
The Bible tells us that we are not merely dust in the wind, for we have received the LORD's live-giving breath, making us a living being with an eternal soul (see Genesis 2:7).
Still, there is some truth to our being "spiritualized dirt." The Psalmist above reminds us that if we think too highly of ourselves or others, and determine to put our trust in man rather than in God, we're going to find ourselves in trouble. For we know that when the day of our death comes, all of us will return to the place from which we were made . . . the dirt. And when we return to the ground physically, our spirit will depart for the presence of the LORD to be judged by the One and Only Righteous King (see Ecclesiastes 12:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).
We must never forget that man is mortal and has no power within himself to bring eternal life. Only the One True God can bring such privilege to us, if we would surrender to Him alone as our Lord and Savior. This is why the Psalmist in 146:5 tells us that the man who yields to God in hope and finds help in Him is blessed. This man's faith is anchored in the right object, namely the Sovereign, Supreme King of all things . . . who is Creator of all things . . . and who rules over all things in glorious power. And what is so encouraging for us is that the Creator "remains faithful forever." For those yielded to Christ, the LORD promises to be faithful to His covenant that He will redeem us, giving us eternal life; He also promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 9:28; 13:5).
If we find ourselves basking in our own pride or putting our ultimate hope and confidence in others, let us be reminded that we are mere dirt, that has been given life by God. Let us be reminded that with physical death, we will become dirt again physically, until the day of our physical resurrection. The only true source of life is found in God alone. Let us seek him with a spirit of humility and reverential fear, for we can know that God will be faithful to us and He will lift our "dirt-oriented" lives to life immortal.
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