Category Archives: Bible

Psalm 73, Mark 6

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In Psalm 73, Asaph writes of his struggle to understand the prosperity of the wicked, “when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.”

Often life can seem unfair, unnecessarily difficult. To assuage these doubts it is important to spend time in God’s sanctuary, where we can be reminded that “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

In Mark 6, Jesus reinforces this idea, “after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray”. After a busy day healing and teaching the multitude, he spends time with God to be encouraged and grow his relationship with God, a great example for us.

Exodus 17-18, Mark 5

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Today in Exodus we read of Israel’s battle with the Amalekites. “Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed”. Sitting on top of the hill, Moses was clearly visible by those around. This symbol of Israel’s trust in God highlighted that it was God that won the victory over the Amalekites.

Aaron and Hur had to help Moses hold up his hands, demonstrating that trust in God is not something we must always do on our own – others can help out when we are weary. I find this idea really powerful; that we can help others to trust and rely on God for help. It is our responsibility to recognise their need and assist.

The other powerful lesson from this chapter is Moses’ attitude to solving problems contrasted to the people. The people grumble and quarrel with Moses about a lack of water, but Moses cries to God for help. Complaining is a natural human response to difficulty, but Moses’ example teaches us how important it is to rely on God.  As Jesus tells Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe”.

 

Exodus 16, Psalms 70-71

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In Exodus 16 we’re introduced to the manna that fed Israel throughout their time in the wilderness.  An amazing miracle every day, especially on the 6th day when the manna lasted for two days.  Yet the Israelites get sick of it later on, grumbling for meat instead.

It’s easy to have that same attitude as the Israelites in our lives today.  We can dismiss their mistakes as those of a faithless generation, but when we look in that mirror at our true face, we have many of the same problems. Contentment in this age of consumerism is difficult to achieve. It’s natural to covet what we don’t have – there’s a reason covetousness was identified in the Law of Moses as being a problem.

The Psalms are helpful in putting things into perspective.  David writes “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” There is no need to covet this relationship or refuge, it is offered freely, as much as we want.

Whatever our struggles, God is a strong foundation in which we can trust, turn to in times of difficulty, content in the knowledge that He will always listen.

Exodus 15, Psalm 69

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In Exodus 15 we find the song of Moses, after Israel went through the red sea and were delivered from the Egyptians. It’s a song praising God for his demonstration of strength, mighty deeds, steadfast love, and the hope of the promised land.

It is a rare gift to be able to write a song about our feelings, but fortunately Moses, David and others have written songs to suit many occasions. Psalm 69 contrasts the depths of despair David feels, that sinking, drowning feeling, with the steadfast love and abundant mercy of a God who hears the needy.

Today’s readings are a contrast of highs and lows, praising and mourning, but both are focused on God. In all circumstances in life we can turn to God, knowing that He will hear us, and won’t turn His face from us. “Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”

Romans 13, Psalms 62-63

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In Romans 13, Paul encourages us to “wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed… cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light”. Now is not the time for relaxing, but instead we have a daily battle to fight against sin and its influence, choosing rather to follow Christ, the light of this world. Paul’s words are even more applicable today – Christ’s return and our salvation is surely imminent.

David continues to write about his trust and reliance upon God in Psalms 62-63. “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water”. Such vivid imagery of David’s heartfelt desperate need for God in his life. “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” God is our fortress against the works of darkness Paul talks about. God’s thinking and influence are the armor of light with which we have to battle. David concludes with the solemn thought, that God “will render to a man according to his work”.

We can clearly see the signs in the world around us that God is preparing for the return of Christ. Let’s take Paul’s words to heart and today battle against sin, using the armor of light to protect us from its influence.

Romans 12, Psalms 60-61

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Paul continues his letter of instruction and encouragement by reminding us that we all have been given different gifts, just as each part of the body has a different function. Having recognised that we have been given gifts, Paul writes “let us use them”, in serving, exhortation, generosity, zeal and cheerfulness.

Regardless of our gift, Paul says “let love be genuine”. A true Christian is visible by their actions, in overcoming evil with good.  This is how we are to be transformed, how we act as a living sacrifice.  As David writes, “with God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes… so will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day”.

Yes there are injustices in the world; God will judge those responsible accordingly. It is up to us to live according to our calling, involving God in all things, serving Him daily.

Exodus 5-6, Psalms 58-59

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God told Moses, “I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel … and I have remembered my covenant … I am the LORD”. God’s very name indicates how certain His promises are to His children, including us. It was difficult for Israel to see at the time; their brick-making burden had just been increased as a result of Moses’ talks with Pharaoh.  But God sees all and hears our prayers, just as He heard Israel’s cries, and just as He heard David’s prayers.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me … O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress.” David relied on God for his daily survival, such as the time this Psalm was written, when Saul sent men to kill David.  We too rely on God daily, although less obviously. This can be our prayer as well, “you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love”.

 

Genesis 46-47, Psalms 50

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In Genesis 46-47 we read of Jacob’s journey down to Egypt, along with his household. God appears to Jacob to reassure him that this is the right thing to do, despite the problems that Abraham and Isaac experienced in Egypt. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation”.

God would continue to bless the household of Jacob as they grew into a great nation, despite being settled in Egypt, a country unfamiliar with God, a country that despised occupations such as shepherds.

There are a lot of similarities to our calling. We live in a spiritual Egypt, a place that isn’t familiar with God, that doesn’t understand the things that God’s children must do. But God has promised that He will watch over us and bless us, just as He did for Israel.

We can be confident that God is in control, as Psalm 50 describes. “The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting”.  He wants to be involved in our lives, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

 

Romans 1-2

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In Romans 1-2 we find the start of a letter designed to encourage and also cause the reader to reflect on their lives. Paul longed to be in Rome to meet these believers face to face, but he had been unable, so he writes this letter, “that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”.

It encourages us to patiently seek for glory, honour and immortality, to be a true child of God, a spiritual Jew. This attitude is one that affects the inner person, “a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter” of the law.

Paul also reminds us of the power of the gospel. It reveals the righteousness of God, and it is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”. It is up to us, through our manner of life, to share this knowledge and hope.

 

Psalm 46, Matthew 28

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In Psalm 46, David writes “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

Matt 28 gives us another reason to trust in God.  Jesus was no longer in the tomb when the two Marys went to find him, because “he has risen, as he said”.  This phrase encompasses the hope we’ve been given. Firstly, that Jesus’ words were true, and secondly, that he was indeed raised from the dead.  God kept His promise to Jesus, that he would not “let [Jesus] see corruption”, and through that promise, extends a glorious hope to us all.

Therefore, no matter what happens in the earth, we have no need to be afraid. God is our refuge and strength too, willing and able to help us through the troubles of this life.  “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”.