Today's Readings: New Testament -
John 19:38-42
2 Thessalonians 1:1-7
Old Testament -
Psalms 144
2 Chronicles 17-19
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Psalm 144:7-8
7 Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners 8 whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
Insight:
I wince at the first words of Psalm 144: "Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." It's appropriate to praise God because he trains your hands and fingers for war? Really?
The words "stronghold, shield, fortress, and deliverer" are also terms of battle, but they're a little easier to take because they are words of defense. But praising God because he "subdues people under me" seems a little odd. The language of dominance, power, and victory seem strange and difficult to me as a follower of Jesus.
On the other hand, Jesus was fighting a battle and committed to winning a war. It was not a battle for self, or control, or wealth, or nation, or earthly power, but rather a battle for redemption, salvation, and reconciliation of all things to God. Jesus conquered death by dying on the cross. He battled against materialism, exploitation, and injustice through the weapons of self-denial and generosity. He battled against the dehumanizing evils of hate, murder, and violent conflict through the aggressive acts of forgiveness, mercy, patience, sacrifice, and love for enemy.
The follower of Christ needs more than deliverance from evil, he needs to be trained to fight against it.
Response & Action:
I live in a world of conflict and war. I need God to open my eyes that I might recognize the battle He is waging. I need God to train my hands so that I might fight in his way and according to his will in order to accomplish his righteous and redemptive will. I must realize that the battle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers and systems. I must seek first his kingdom purposes and his righteous will. I need to be trained to carry the cross as a soldier in God's campaign to redeem and reconcile and save.
O God, you have promised to be my help and strength. You are a shield about me. You are a very present help in times of trouble. You are my hiding place. Your eyes are always upon me and you are always ready and able to rescue. Forgive me for the times I put my trust in something other than you. Remind me of your faithfulness. As I give you thanks and call for help, may your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Resources:
Evil and the Justice of God
by N. T. Wright
