Monthly Archives: January 2017

Genesis 15, Psalm 18

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Abram’s journey of faith was neither easy nor peaceful. Having battled against Chedorlaomer and rescued Lot, Abram was afraid. God reassured Abram, saying “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great…your very own son shall be your heir” .  Again God reminded Abram of previous promises, “I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess”.

Abram believed God when He said this impossible thing would happen, and that belief was counted as righteousness. Faith is not something developed overnight, it takes time, and God knows this.

Psalm 18 was David’s way of thanking God for reassurance during his trials, a Psalm written for all Israel to sing. “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”

God has given us examples like David and Abram to show that He will reassure and encourage us during difficult times, further developing our faith.

Psalm 17, Matthew 9

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While eating at the house of Matthew, Jesus tells the Pharisees to learn the meaning of Hosea 6v6, which he quotes. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Love and knowledge take more time and effort to develop than simply sacrifices and rule following. David appreciated this when he wrote Psalm 17. He knew that the love of God and a close relationship was vital for surviving the trials of life. “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.”

He also knew the importance of knowledge. “by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”

Genesis 12, Psalm 14-16

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God told Abram to leave Ur and travel to a land unknown. Abram “went, as the Lord and told him”. Along the way Abram built altars and worshipped God. He showed great faith, yet made mistakes, travelling to Egypt during a time of famine and lying about his wife.

Psalm 14-16 touch on the idea of deceit. “O Lord, who shall sojourn in your test? … He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart”. We all make mistakes, even great men of faith like Abram and David.

Perhaps that is why there are so many Psalms that talk about God’s care and Him being our refuge.  “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge… I have no good apart from you”. David realised and wrote about his mistakes, and his method for dealing with them, both sobering and comforting. He writes “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”

 

Psalms 11-13, Matthew 7

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In Psalm 11-13, David continues the theme of God being a place of refuge. He writes “in the LORD I take refuge”.  Of the poor and needy, David writes “You, O LORD, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation for ever”.  Psalm 13 concludes “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation”.

Jesus mentions a similar idea when he encourages us to ask, seek and knock. Like earthly fathers, so will our “Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” God is pleased when we seek to develop our relationship with Him, recognise the need to do His will, and take refuge in Him.

Psalm 9, Matthew 6

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In Psalm 9, David praises and thanks God for His guidance and care. David acknowledges that “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed… those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

In Psalm 10, the Psalmist writes that God can appear to “hide … in times of trouble” while the wicked prey on the innocent, poor and helpless.  But the Psalmist concludes “you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands”.  Not only does God see the actions of the wicked, He hears “the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear”.

Some of these ideas are picked up by Jesus in Matthew 6.  On the subject of alms, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Jesus encouraged his disciples to lay up treasure in heaven, and not to “be anxious about your life”, knowing that God watches over all creation, even the birds of the air.  Instead, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”.

Genesis 6, Matthew 5

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Noah walked with God, in a time when the wickedness of man was great in the earth. He found favour in the eyes of God, and was given a hope of salvation. He was faithful to God’s command to build a boat, even when it seemed unusual and unnecessary.

There are a lot of parallels between Noah’s life and our lives. We have a hope, a future, that this world does not. It is up to us to share that hope.  We are “the light of the world”, we must let our “light shine before others” and so give God glory.

We can “rejoice and be glad”, serving God rather than the cares of this life, knowing that there is a future reward for us stored securely, where neither moth nor rust can destroy it.

Psalm 3-5

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Even when surrounded by enemies, David places his trust in God. In Psalm 3, when fleeing from Absalom, David refers to God as his shield and his sustainer. By trusting in God, David would “not be afraid of many thousands of people”.

In Psalm 4, David continues to thank and praise God.  He writes “you have put more joy in my heart than have they when their grain and wine abound”. As someone who loves fresh bread or a glass of red, this idea really resonates with me. God can provide joy far greater than food or drink ever can!

God is our refuge from the world, He makes us feel safe and secure. Psalm 5 concludes “but let all who take refuge in you rejoice… for you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favour as with a shield”.

Genesis 2, Psalms 2, Matthew 1

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At a time of year many call the festive season, all 3 of our daily readings give us something to truly be happy and cheerful about.

In Genesis 2 we read of creation and God’s rest on the seventh day, calling it holy. We are looking forward to entering God’s rest, and resting from our own works.

In Psalms 2 we read “The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you… Blessed are all who take refuge in him””. We need a place of refuge from the influence of sin, and God has provided us a refuge in the hope of the gospel.

In Matthew 1 we read that Jesus “will save his people from their sins”. He is described as a ruler, who will shepherd God’s people. This is our salvation, the gospel message.