Always Working For You

“O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.” (Ps 92:5-6 AV)

I almost feel insulted!  But we are what we are!  The works of God are incalculable.  There is no way the entire human race, coordinating talents and resources for the entire history of our race, could come to an understanding of everything God does; big or small.  God is the antithesis of idleness.  He has infinite understanding, infinite power, and infinite presence.  He cannot cease.  He can choose to cease certain things.  He ceased from creating and established the Sabbath rest.  But that does not mean God slept.  He did not take a break from all things.  Rather, He ceased creating.  The works of God are innumerable because His attributes are without limit.  To say that the brute beast nor a fool can understand this is merely the painful truth of being human. But there is a more pointed application here than mere logistics.  I think the writer is pointing to another ugly truth.  The brutish man and fool believe the works of God are limited.  He cannot accept or understand that God is infinite in attributes and actions.  It is not so much that he cannot count the works of God.  Rather, the brute or fool will not accept that God is infinite in attributes and actions.  Therefore, he lives in his own abilities vacant of faith in someone infinitely greater and active than himself.

Faith requires that we accept things that we cannot understand simply because they are.  Faith is not for the faint of heart.  Or, maybe that is exactly who faith is for!  Faith means we accept God and His word on face value.  If God exists, He does not exist apart from all other truths.  His existence requires certain truths to be self-evident.  The infinite nature of His being is one of them.  If God is not infinite in being, and infinity exists, then there is the potential of something or someone existing as greater than God.  If that is true, then God does not exist.  We accept many things as infinite.  Pi being one of them.  If Pi is infinite, that suggests other things can also be infinite.  Therefore, God can be, and is, infinite.  If God exists and is infinite, He must also be in perpetual motion.  He cannot exist in complete idleness.  If He did, He would then cease to exist.  Even a rock, which appears idle, is actually in motion.  The atoms that make up a rock are constantly moving.  Yet to us, it appears completely lifeless.  We look at a rock and assume it has no motion.  If it had no motion, it would fall apart into individual atoms that would cease to be observable.  Our entire created existence is in constant motion.  If that is true, then why cannot a God who is bigger than what He created by in constant motion?

Only a fool would think that God is idle.  Only a man of no faith would believe that God’s works are done.  A fool or a simple-minded man concluded that God has ceased from all His works and has no part in the affairs of men.  But to put it in terms that might help those who do have faith: there is never a time when the LORD is not working on your behalf.  He can no more cease to work for you than He can cease from existence.  It is the nature of His infinite being that necessitates His industry toward the works of His hands.  God is always involved.  He is always accomplishing things.  He is always building, intervening, guiding, providing, instructing, etc.  He cannot cease.  So, to take the insult (lol) Solomon threw at me and turn it around, I will admit that sometimes faith fails me.  Even though it does, God’s hand and not slacked nor fallen short.  My comfort is not in the activity of God’s hands.  Rather, it is in the faith required to rely on the truth of the activity of God’s hands.  He is busy regardless of what I can or cannot observe.  Therefore, comfort comes in believing that God is busy no matter what my feeling or senses may otherwise tell me.

Finding the Right Promise

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;” (Ps 91:5 AV)

This psalm is a mixed bag.  Some attribute the psalm to Moses.  One can understand.  The overwhelming threat seems to be a pestilence that comes in the night.  The psalm speaks of the enemies of God falling by the pestilence, but the addressees being free from the evil.   However, some attribute the psalm to David, and the pestilence was the one sent on the occasion of David numbering the people.  Perhaps David did write it.  But he could have written it upon reflection of the first Passover.  The challenge with Psalm 91, as many passages, is application.  The psalm concludes with a promise of divine protection based on the love the addressees have toward the LORD.  The promise of protection for Israel, at least concerning Passover, was specific to that event.  There would be other pestilences that did exact a loss.  When God promises to perfectly protect and deliver those mentioned in the psalm, we can take the promise as a principle rather than direct application.  What I mean is that persecution and adversity are the domain of the saint.  God does not promise us the same as others in different dispensations.  Our promises are more in the light of eternity.  So, how can we apply the above promise?

First, let us note that arrows do fly by day.  Let us also note that terrors do come at night.  God does not promise to remove the threat.  And He certainly did not.   The angel of death came on that first Passover night.  Egypt pursued them to the Red Sea.  They compassed them in and were preparing to extinguish them by arrow and sword.  The threats were not removed.  What God promises is deliverance from fear.  “Thou shalt not be afraid” is the promise.  It is not deliverance from adversity so that adversity never comes.  In fact, one can read the entire bible from cover to cover, and outside of eternity, no one is free from adversity.  Adversity is part of the human condition.  It is how we live.

There is a scene in the movie Ten Commandments was the people are preparing to leave.  They sing portions of this psalm.  Joshua, as he is preparing his household is heard reciting this psalm.  Reciting this psalm did not take away the plague of the death of the firstborn.  The blood over the door frame did.  Singing the psalm did not keep Egypt from pursuing Israel.  But it did give them the courage to cross the Red Sea.  Trouble will come.  Adversity is assured.  But fear does not have to be a part of it.  “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1Jo 4:18 AV)

A Spark of Hope

“Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.” (Job 10:12 AV)

This is one of the first statements Job makes that seems to point to hope.  He is in the process of processing his emotions regarding the loss of his children, his entire livelihood, and his health.  The only thing he has left is a wife who encourages him to curse God and three friends who think sin is the cause.  There is no hope on the horizon other than what he already knows.  He has no answers.  He has no promise of restoration.  He is living in the here and now.  Each day is the only reality he knows.  He cannot plan ahead.  He cannot see a way out.  He is in the middle of a trial for which he has no answers, and it seems every day is as dark as the last.  But then he makes this statement.  He makes the statement that God granted him life and favour.  By the presence of God, Job was and is able to continue.  That is the message for this morning.  Job’s experience from the past is that by the presence of God, God has preserved his spirit.  What that means is the emotional and spiritual health he knew.  I am sure there were hard times in the past.  But through each and every one of them, God was faithful.  This time will be no different.

A personal walk with God is far more important than we realize.  We often hit the wall and then suffer because our relationship with the LORD hasn’t been as intimate as it could have been.  There is work to do.  There is time to spend in His word and in prayer.  There are hours that need to be reclaimed.  Days that need to be invested.  Job wasn’t able to make the statement above because he took a class on theology proper.  He didn’t study the omnipotence and omniscience of God and leave it at that.  Job had a working relationship with the LORD, and that is why he could make the statement above.  The statement above is one small stone in the wall to recovering.  It will take far more than one statement to make Job well.  But this is a beginning.

Another detail to note is the tense of the verb ‘…hath…’.  This verb is in the perfect tense and is usually represented as the present tense when translated into the English.  In other words, the perfect tense in the Hebrew means it is a completed state regardless of when it was completed or will be completed.  As far as Job was concerned, the presence of God kept his spirit.  His will to live was there because God was there.  His emotional health would improve because God was there.  Without totally realizing what he was saying, Job assented to the truth that God was with him and he was surviving.  Without hearing from God and receiving an answer he so desperately wanted, he assented to the truth that God’s presence was with him.  This is why his spirit was preserved.  God was there, He always was there, and He will always be there.

A Picture of Salvation in Two Verses

“And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;” (2Sa 3:3 AV)

Not much is known of Chileab, nor much more of Abigail after the lineage of David is given here.  In 1Chr 3:1, Chileab is named Daniel.  The former name means ‘like as his father’ whereas the latter name means “God is my judge”.  There is speculation that Chileab was actually the son of Nabal and Abigail, but born to Abigail after Nabal’s death.  Thus, Chileab was born to David as a stepson rather than a physical descendent of David.  This would explain why he was never considered a legitimate heir to the throne.  Being the second son of David, once Absalom was killed, Chileab would have been the next logical choice.  Yet nothing is mentioned of him.  This is a common explanation of the difference of names between 2Sam and 1Chr.  This would also explain why the LORD thought it was important to mention these details.  Solomon, who was not chronologically next in line to the throne, was God’s choice.  Adonijah was next in line, and he led a rebellion to overthrow Solomon.  Again, no mention of Chileab or Daniel.  There might be a nugget of truth here.  The death of Nabal benefitted Abigail. But it also was a blessing to her child.

Adversity may seem troublesome, but the results are better than what could have been.  If Chileab was the son of Nabal, he was spared a horrible childhood.  He was raised by a godly father who loved the LORD.  Chileab is a great picture of salvation.  Jesus tells the Pharisees that they are of their father, the devil.  The works of their father, the devil, are what they did.  This is true of all who are not born again.  If we are not born again, we remain a child of the devil.  The works of the devil have to be destroyed.  This Jesus accomplished on Calvary’s cross.  When we are born again, the bible says we also receive a new name.  That name is known in heaven and when we graduate there, we will know it.  Just like Chileab, the influence of our wicked father, the devil, is destroyed by his own pride.  Nabal died because he was scared to death.  Literally.  David came to show hospitality to Nabal, and Nabal responded in harshness.  When David prepared himself and his men for war against Nabal, Nabal heard of it and collapsed from a drunken heart attack.  He died several days later.  If Chileab is the son of Nabal, God spared him the experience of being raised by a drunk.  Rather, Chileab, or Daniel, was raised by the king of Israel who loved his God.

When I look at only two verses where the person of Chileab or Daniel is mentioned, I cannot help by see the grace of God.  No doubt Daniel mourned his earthly father.  But the alternative was far better.  Just like our experience in salvation, the old life was cruel and uncaring.  It exacted more from us that we could pay.  There may be portions we miss, but to be honest, walking with God is far better.  Recently, a friend of mine sent me a picture of my boyhood home.  There were good times there.  Fond memories, especially of winters and Christmas.  There were neighborhood friends, adventures we shared, and family events that will live on in my memory.  However, since Jesus saved me and gave me the new birth, He has given me much more.  A perfect wife and three awesome sons.  Six grandchildren who all attend church and love their LORD.  All this because my David rescued me from my Nabal, gave me a new name, and become my Father who loves me unconditionally.

No Need to Hide if God is on Our Side

“When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.” (Pr 28:28 AV)

This statement can be taken several ways.  It can be a criticism toward mankind in general.  After all, when the wicked rise, then the righteous should do something about it.  Or, what I think Solomon is driving at is that as a general rule, when the wicked rise into power, society generally goes into survival mode.  In particular, when the wicked rise, people are too afraid to be righteous for fear of being persecuted for being as such.  This is generally true.  When the wicked rise, revival is hard to come by.  Too many are intimidated into a state of unbelief.  Too many are afraid of the consequences of faith.  Too many are too afraid to stand on what is right regardless of the blowback.  The Devil knows this.  The world knows this.  The only way to overcome it is to suffer for the cause of Christ.  Some of the greatest revivals came after the right won.  The end of the Civil War and WWII saw a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Many souls came to Christ, and many churches were erected.  But now, we are in a pattern where the wicked rule again.  Only by the courage and prayers of those who know God can revival come again.

If the student did a study on the revivals recorded in the Bible, most came as a result of deep adversity.  What led them out was a leader who had a vision for doing right.  The temple was cleansed.  The pagan systems of worship were cast out.  Israel or groups of people got right with God because of the courage of leadership to set the vision.  There has to be a start somewhere.  Someone has to say that sin is wrong and God will judge unless humanity takes seriously the opinion of the Creator.  But there is a promise above.  The wicked will perish.  Solomon could be referring to the coming of Christ.  In one quick battle, all those who hate God will be removed from the earth.

At the start of the reign of Christ, the earth will be filled with those who know Him and love Him.  The promise above will be made sure.  The wicked will perish.  The righteous will multiply.  Gone will be the threat of evil.  The Devil will be imprisoned for 1,000 years.  Justice will be swift and holy.  Sin will be in control.  The wicked will rise no more.  Then the righteous will flourish.  Then the saints of God will be at rest.  Then the Jewish nation will rise above all others.  But not until Messiah comes.  Until then, we must deal with the reality that the wicked will influence the world.  What can we do in the meantime?  We can pray.  We can pray that the righteous ascend to places of authority.  We can pray that the wicked are put down by the letter of the law.  We can share Christ’s love with all who will hear.  We can covet that we will not hide.  It may be the general reaction of society, but it doesn’t have to be for the saint.  We have nothing to lose.  Heaven is our home, and the enemies of God cannot take it away.  Our lives await in the future, not in the present.  Hiding may help us to survive.  But hiding will not improve the conditions that caused it.  It is time be involved.  It is time to let God’s voice be heard.  It is time that the righteous rise to challenge the wicked for the hearts of those who are still considering their relationship with their Creator.

Only One Choice Isn't Necessarily Bad

“Then David and his men, [which were] about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.” (1Sa 23:13 AV)

Sometimes you just have to go whatever way you can go.  David was holding up in a cave of a forest.  Saul had found him and surrounded him.  The armies of his father-in-law were closing in and there was little to know escape.  Then word came that the Philistines had invaded a portion of Israel.  Saul’s armies left.  But as one can imagine, it wasn’t in a straight line.  These troops had to move off in different directions for a short space and then unite at some further field.  This meant that David’s escape could not be in a straight or broad way.  He had to leave by whatever trail opened up at the time.  The circumstances dictated his best choice.  Short-term choices were guided by his circumstances and not long-term planning.  Reaction to circumstances is sometimes all that you can do.

Not to overuse an example, but those who have spent a good deal in the woods know this principle.  When the forest surrounds you, options are limited.  When blow-downs, boulders, or thickets are in your way, there are few directions you can go.  Sometimes it doesn’t end as you’d expect.  You wonder if another choice would have been better.  There is no way to know that, so you live with your choice and go on.  Many years ago, I took my pastor hunting at our family’s property.  It was a place of thick woods and overgrowth.  It sat on top of a hill.  A fact I somehow forget.  We enjoyed our time in the woods, and it was time to get back to the vehicle.  For twenty-plus years of being there, the common choice was to head downhill.  The problem with that tack was the property sat atop a hill where any direction was downhill.  I believed I was going in the right direction all the time.  Then what should have been a short walk became a long walk.  We came out of the woods ninety-degrees and two miles further than we should have.  As the woods closed in, the choices became less.  But here is the thing.  We were just fine.  No, it wasn’t the direction I intended to go, but it all turned out in the end.

David’s hand was forced.  Just because there were few options did not mean he was trapped.  I am sure it felt that way.  As he went further and further and the choices became less and less, perhaps he questioned his own judgment.  Maybe he second-guessed his decision to go left when he might have gone right.  He did the best that he could have, given the circumstances at hand.  They went wherever they could.  David was a good leader because he made choices.  Sometimes those choices were not the best.  But he made them and lived with them.  The thing is, when life is overwhelming and it seems that decisions kind of make themselves, thank God who is the One who controls it all.  When all we can see are the next few steps, then praise the LORD that our minds are not overwhelmed by the possibilities.  It is God’s way of directing our path without much mental occupation.  We can take solace in the circumstances because it makes walking that path a bit easier.  They went wherever they could.  Because it was the only way to go.  Praise the LORD that He sometimes restricts our choices and simply points the only way.  Praise the LORD.

Clean-up In Aisle Seven

“LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned [thyself] from the fierceness of thine anger. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?” (Ps 85:1-5 AV)

At first glance, it seems as though the writer is confused.  Has God taken away His wrath or not?  In verses 1-3, the writer thanks the LORD for His grace and mercy.  He thanks the LORD that His divine wrath has been removed.  Yet, in verses 4,5 he asks that the wrath of God be removed.  So, which is it?  Context is everything.  If we note that the captivity of Jacob has been removed, that gives us a clue.  It is obvious that the writer is speaking of the return of Israel to Palestine following the Babylonian captivity.  The return of Jacob to the land is our evidence.  It is also evident that the forgiveness and covering of all their sins is reflecting in this return.  However, the consequences of their former disobedience remain.  The wall around Jerusalem is in ruins.  The temple is burned with fire.  And the land returned to a fallow state with no one to tend it for over seventy years.  Upon returning, Israel fell into some old habits.  They began to intermarry with non-Jewish women.  They were losing their culture and language because of it.  In short, God may forgive all our trespasses, but the effect of them may last while we learn a lesson.

Rather than thinking this to be a negative thing, let us consider exactly what it is that the writer is seeking.  Forgiveness; check.  Reconciliation; check.  Re-establishment; check.  Restoration; not so much.  There is repair work to be done here.  There is damage control.  There is a mess to clean up.  There is strength to resist further temptation to seek.  In short, the writer is seeking God’s intervention to undo as much damage as can be undone by the mess created from centuries of rebellion.  The wrath of God spoken above is not ongoing anger.  Rather, it is the ashes from which God brought them that not need to be removed.  When studying the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, one is impressed by how much Israel needed the LORD.  Cleaning up their own mess in their own strength would have been just for God to require.  Yet, they knew, and He knew this task to be impossible without divine intervention.  There were still enemies in the land.  There was temptation all around.  God provided the leadership, but the people must respond.  They, too, needed the LORD.  If the wall is to be rebuilt, the temple repaired and used, and the fields sown, God would have to do it through them.

This is encouraging.  We can make a mess of things.  We can make so much of a mess that it is impossible for us to repair.  We are like that three- or four-year-old who plays with his toys.  Each and every one of them.  He does not put one away before he chooses another.  When it is time for bed or time to go away, he is told to pick up his room.  The mess he has created so overwhelms him that he sits down in a blank stare.  It is only when mom or dad come into the room, devises a plan, and begin to assist that the child is focused and motivated.  That is what the writer is seeking.  He is seeking the LORD’s help to clean up the evidence of His wrath on His people.  The writer is seeking the removal of the evidence of God’s wrath that is making life impossible to live.  By God’s grace, they repaired the temple, rebuilt the wall, and reaped crops from their fields.  Their homes were repaired, their families were established, and they went on to sustain the nation until Messiah came.  God answered their prayers.  And by His grace, He will answer yours.