Psalm 91 - Study 24 - Desire God's glory

Psalm 91 - Study 24 - Desire God’s Glory 

We read in Psalm 91:9-10, “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” (KJV)

Psalm 91:10 is rendered this way in another version, “So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home.” (ERV) This is a profound promise which can be appropriated by anyone who has decided to make the Lord their dwelling place.

David longed to look on God’s glory

Psalm 27:4 explains to us how David had in reality made God his dwelling place. He says in Psalm 27:4, “One prayer have I made to the Lord, and this is my heart's desire; that I may have a place in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, looking on his glory, and getting wisdom in his Temple.” (BBE)

The part of the verse that we will ponder on in this study is about ‘looking on God’s glory.’ David fervently desired to be in God’s temple all the days of his life, so he could behold the glory and the beauty of the Lord. In contrast a majority of people simply wish to receive material blessings and miracles from the Lord, with no desire whatsoever to see the glory of God.

What is the glory of God?

The glory of God can be described as the magnitude or weightiness of God. It is the ability to perceive how great and awesome God really is and thereby give Him the due honor and worship. May it be our longing like David to behold the glory of God in our personal lives and this desire should supersede that of wanting to just see miracles being performed in our lives.

What were the multitudes seeking?

In John 6:1-13 we read about the miracle that Jesus performed with five loaves and 2 small fish to feed five thousand men apart from women and children. The multitudes who witnessed this miracle and partook of this sumptuous meal were flocking behind Jesus.

These are the words of the people to Jesus in John 6:25, “The people found Jesus on the other side of the lake. They asked him, "Teacher, when did you come here?" (ERV)

When the crowds found Jesus had reached the other side of the lake, they were surprised as to how He got there. On finding Him, these were their words to Jesus as recorded in John 6:25. They address Jesus as ‘Rabbi or Teacher’ and made enquiries as to how He actually got to the other side. On the surface the way they referred to Jesus made it appear that they were thronging to hear His teachings. However, Jesus didn’t get carried away by their kind enquiries for He knew the real intention as to why they sought after Him.

Listen to Jesus’ reply to them in John 6:26, “Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” (NKJV)

Jesus was forthright to tell the crowds that were following Him that they were seeking Him only have their physical needs met. The crowds thought they could flatter Jesus with their words, but He saw right through and perceived their hidden motives. Jesus had to admonish them that He knew that they had come after Him simply because they had just had their appetites appeased.

Have you observed how we too like the crowds that followed Jesus, say somethings to God with our lips though in reality our hearts are seeking something else. It is a good reminder for us to know that we have a God who can look deep within and discern our inmost thoughts.

Seek the Bread that truly satisfies

We read in John 6:41, “Then the Jews were complaining against Him, because He said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." (AFV)

To the crowds who came seeking Him for physical food, Jesus explained to them that He was the True Bread who came down from heaven, the One who could truly satisfy their souls. This crucial message was sadly not accepted by the majority who followed Jesus. They sought after the good things and blessings that God could give them, but did not really want Him.

Paul explained this succinctly in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If for this life only we Christians have set our hopes on Christ, we are the most pitiable people in the world.” (Williams)

Paul’s admonition is for those of us who are followers of Christ, that if we seek after the Lord only for material blessings that we can receive from Him for this earthly life, then we are to be pitied more than all the other people in the world.

We live in the town of Ooty which is a hill station in southern part of India. When some high ranking official visits our town, the local authorities will block off certain roads to allow easy access to the officer who is visiting. There is such a flurry of activity that it becomes quite obvious to the entire town that someone important has arrived. The routine life is affected by the visit of the dignitary. If we can give such respect to a human being for the position he holds, how much more honor and reverence is the God of heaven and earth worthy to receive from us.

Wistfully the faith, offerings, prayers and fasting of a majority of believers too is focused on making them channels whereby one can receive earthly blessings from the Lord. Just take a check as to what dominates our prayer time. We will be surprised to know that we hardly take time to ponder and praise God for who He really is. Worship is to comprehend who God truly is and give Him the rightful honor that is due Him alone. Those who seek God solely to have their needs met will waver in their faith or back slide when encountered with hardships or when prayers are not answered or delayed. However, the one who seeks God for who He really is, comprehending the worthiness of God, will never be shaken in their faith, through all the ups and downs of life, with all its trials and challenges, for they know whom they believe.

The glory of God that Moses desired to behold

Moses had experienced the wonderful power and might of God both in Egypt and in their journey through the wilderness. Moses had experienced the mighty hand of God as He performed the astounding miracle of parting the Red Sea, to make a way for the people of Israel to cross over safely to freedom from the Egyptian bondage. He had also witnessed the power of God when He used the same sea to drown the Egyptians who were in hot pursuit of the Israelites, with all their mighty chariots and horses. More than six lakhs men alone apart from women, children and livestock journeyed through the wilderness, led by Moses. God provided them with manna every day and quenched their thirst throughout this arduous journey in a most amazing ways. Moses as the leader of this great nation, had witnessed first-hand all of these marvelous dealings and wonders of God.

Nonetheless, in Exodus 33:18, here’s what Moses said to God, “Then Moses said, "Now, please show me your Glory." (ERV)

In essence Moses was saying to God that He was the most important person whose glory he longed to see and this he considered far more significant than the wonders God performed.

Here’s a good lesson for us to take from the life of Moses. May we too value God and seek Him for who He is, rather than for all the miraculous things that He can accomplish in our lives.

The glory of Jesus was revealed in the marriage at Cana of Galilee

We read in John 2:11, “This beginning of the miracles that Jesus did took place in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.” (AFV)

In this incident recorded in John chapter 2, Jesus and His mother, along with His disciples were invited to this wedding. Mary the mother of Jesus, informed Him that there was a lack at the wedding. Jesus stepped in to do an astounding miracle whereby the dearth was changed to abundance and anxiety was turned to joy. There was a shortage of wine at this wedding and this wine was prepared with much care and preserved for many years to make it special.

Jesus instructed the servants to do something strange when He asked them to fill the six stone water jars that were standing outside with water. These water jars were generally filled with water and left outside so people could wash their feet. In obedience to the words of Jesus, the servants filled these water jars with water. When this water which was turned to wine was served to the guests at the wedding, there was great wonderment as to how this wine that was served towards the end of the days of celebration turned out to be so delicious. As far as the hosts of the wedding were concerned their lack was changed to surplus and they were content with it.

However, in John 2:11, details the fact that when Jesus performed this miracle His glory was revealed to His disciples and they put their faith in Him. Jesus, through this miracle proved that He transcends time. For the disciples who followed Jesus, they first comprehended who Jesus really was, caught a glimpse of His glory and placed their trust in Him.

When God gives heed to our petitions and answers our prayers there is most certainly the sense of untold joy. Have you noticed how when God gives it is always bountiful and overflowing? We too need miracles and wonders to be performed in our lives. However, we must keep in mind that it is far more substantial that we comprehend who this Almighty God is. He is the creator of heaven and earth who is worthy of all our honor and interestingly when we give Him what is due to Him, we are guaranteed to see wonders in our lives.

That is why Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)

There may be some who argue that they have no time for God and have to spend all of their waking hours working on things pertaining to their daily work schedules. To such I want to encourage you that if you are willing to give God priority, take time to read His word, and seek to understand the glory of this God we believe in, then you can be sure that everything else you desire will follow. It is a given that we all have needs and we all require the Lord to intervene in our impossible situations. Nevertheless, when we seek God simply because of who He is to us, the outcome of such a decision is that not only will we receive our miracles, but God will be glorified through all of it. We will also gladly testify to God’s glory and goodness to all who inquire of us.

The glory that was manifested at the transfiguration

We read in Matthew 17:2, “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.”(ESV)

Also in Matthew 17:6, “When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.” (NASB)

Jesus took three of His disciples to the top of the mount where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and his clothes dazzled white as the light. We all know that one can’t look at the sun for even a few seconds as the light it emanates is so powerful and can be blinding. Such was the radiance that emerged from the face of Jesus. There was a thunderous voice of God the Father who declared that Jesus was His beloved son in whom He was well pleased and that they were to give heed to Him. As the disciples watched in awe at this glorious sight and heard this incredible voice of God, they were completely astonished and fell face down to the ground. This was one of the crucial manifestations to the disciples of who Jesus truly was.

The disciples when they began following Jesus had very little insight as to who He was. However as time passed and they witnessed the mighty deeds He performed they realized who He really was. It was their knowledge of the glory of God as revealed in Jesus that made them cling on to Jesus so firmly and made them willing even to lay down their lives for His sake.

May we too yearn to know God, love Him and follow Him for who He truly is. He is our God who is worthy of all our honor and reverence. When Jesus was here on earth He forgave sins because He had the authority to do so. There are many ways in which we sin both against God and men. However, we can ask God to forgive us and He has the power to forgive us and cleanse us from all our sins.

God alone is worthy of all our glory

I would like to conclude with the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 115:1, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory for Your mercy and for Your truth's sake.” (AFV)

Let this be our prayer every day. This is what Jesus too taught His disciples in what we call ‘The Lord’s Prayer.’ The first line of that prayer which is ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name’ is a reminder that God’s name should be honored and revered above all else. Our lives must be surrendered to God so that everything we do will bring glory to God alone. We must learn to seek God daily in prayer not to just have our mundane needs met, but that we would catch a glimpse of His glory every day. Our deepest longing must be that the Lord’s name alone should be glorified in and through our lives.

Pastor Dixon

www.goodnewsfriends.net

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

Psalm 91 - Study 23 - One thing I seek

Psalm 91 - Study 23 - One thing I seek 

We read in Psalm 91:9-10, “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” (KJV)

Psalm 91, as we have understood from our studies, is one that elaborates the protection and security that is available to those who put their trust in the Lord. The one thing that is topmost on everyone’s mind these days is that this pandemic should not come near any of our homes, so that we and our dear ones can remain safe. We comprehend from these verses that it is not enough for God to be our refuge alone, but He must be our habitation as well. It is only when this becomes a reality in our lives, can we be guaranteed that no plague will come near our dwelling.

David earnestly sought after God

David who wrote Psalm 91 surely understood all that it took to make God one’s dwelling place.

These are the words of David in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (NIV)

There are two words which I wish to highlight in the above mentioned verse, ‘ask’ and ‘seek.’ While the word ‘ask’ is mentioned once, the word ‘seek’ is repeated twice. We generally ask God for answers to various requests when we go to Him in prayer. However, to seek God, implies that we put our faith into action. Often there seems to be a discrepancy between our prayers and our practices. No wonder then that there is a break-down as the ones who pray don’t practice and many who practice don’t pray.

David was very sure that he would not only ask God, but would also be one who would fervently sought after God and this he made his paramount priority.

Wise Men sought after Jesus

We read in Matthew 2:1-2, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (ASV)

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea. In those days there was an exceptional star that appeared and there were wise men who took note of this. These learned men realized that this was a spectacular star that signified the birth of a king. When they saw the star in the east and understood the connotation of that star, the news would have been sensational, and must have certainly created much excitement and curiosity among many. However, it was only a few wise men who actually ventured out and travelled really far in search of this king who was born into the world. In order to see this king and worship Him, these men had to leave their towns and their families behind. Travel in those days was an arduous task which was often filled with dangers and hardships. These men were willing to take on these challenges, as they were resolute to find this king and pay obeisance to Him.

Never in the history of the world have we heard of a star appearing to commemorate the birth of a king. Jesus was the King of Kings born into this world. His birth was so significant and unique that the wise men decided to find Him so they could worship Him.

Even today the Lord is performing many signs and wonders, there are many who desire to know God, but are unwilling to truly seek after Him. To seek after means to give up all the comforts, to overlook the circumstances that are unfavorable, with the sole purpose to find and attain that which we are searching for. This is the kind of seeking that is pleasing to the Lord. The question is what have we left behind in order to seek after Jesus?

David was willing to give up everything to seek after that ‘one thing’ which was really important to him. The wise men had to give up a lot in order to go and seek after Jesus, the new born king.

Let’s see what Paul gave up in order to find Christ. We read in Philippians 3:8, “Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ” (CEV). At one point in his life, Paul was so proud about his upbringing, his prominence in society and all the traditions that he adhered to blamelessly. Nonetheless, when Paul met Jesus, he considered everything that he held dear rubbish, when compared to the surpassing knowledge of knowing Christ.

There are still those today who are caught up with their background, position and are bound by many traditions. The thing we need to ponder on is are we willing to give up everything that is unnecessary and a hindrance, in order to gain Christ in our lives.

The Wise Men did find Jesus

We read in Matthew 2:11, “And when they came into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. And opening their treasure boxes, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (LEB)

As the wise men ventured out to find Jesus, they were guided by the star which led them to the place where the child and His mother Mary was. On finding the home where the child Jesus was, they went in to behold this King and bowed down in worship. Though Jesus and His mother Mary were there, the wise men only worshiped Jesus as they knew that He alone was the one worthy of their worship. The extraordinary star appeared to them to signify that Jesus was the King, the unique one who had come down from heaven. They also presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The treasures were those that they held dear, but they willingly opened them up and presented them to the King who was worthy of them all.

God protected the wise men

We read in Matthew 2:12, “Then they returned to their country by another road, since God had warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod.” (GNB)

King Herod when he heard earlier that the wise men were seeking for a new born king, he was totally agitated. History refers to King Herod as a man who was flustered and ruthless in his ways. He wanted to maintain his position at all cost. His only aim was to find out the exact location where this king was born so he could put him to death.

These wise men came seeking for Jesus, they undertook a laborious journey, found the king Jesus they were looking, gladly worshiped Him and offered their precious gifts to Him. For such men the protective cover of the Lord was over them, God warned them in a dream of impending danger from Herod and the Lord guided them back home safely by another route.

To those who seek the Lord sincerely, as we read in Psalm 27:4, the protection of the Lord as promised in Psalm 91 is assured for them.

Why did Jesus come into this world?

We read in Luke 19:10, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (GNB)

After Adam and Eve sinned at the beginning of creation, there was a huge gap that was created between sinful man and a holy God. Jesus came down into this world, taking the form of man simply to restore peace with man and reconcile man back to God. Here we see that the Son of Man came seeking after the lost. There are therefore two aspects of this seeking, one where man seeks after God and the other where God comes seeking after sinful man.

Jesus, the Son of Man came not only to seek, but also to save the lost. Let me explain what it means to be saved. The word of God declares that the wages of sin is death. For all the wrong that we do and the sins we commit, the consequence that should follow is that we should be sent to hell, which is a place of eternal damnation. However, God wanted to rescue man from this eternal destruction and that would not be possible until man’s sins are atoned for.

Jesus’ life when here on earth was a great challenge to the religious leaders in those days. They were so caught up with the outward forms of godliness and traditions that they did all they could to present themselves as a religious lot. They would never mingle with the so called sinful people and were constantly finding fault with others. Nonetheless, the sole reason Jesus came down to the earth was to save sinful man from the grips of sin and death. Therefore, Jesus always went seeking after all those people who were rejected and despised by others, extending His unconditional love and acceptance. There was perfect harmony with what Jesus taught and what He practiced.

Today one of the biggest challenges that we face is that people find it easy to teach, but find it extremely hard to follow what they teach. This dichotomy between word and deed unsettles and disturbs us.

Jesus sought after Zacchaeus

Luke 19 records the incident about a man named Zacchaeus. He was a prominent and wealthy man who was also the chief of the tax collectors. The tax collectors were generally looked down with disdain because they were employed by the Romans who ruled over the people of Israel as well. The public looked at these tax collectors as traitors and these tax collectors also had the ill-repute for procuring more taxes than they actually should. Since they amassed wealth through unethical means, they were also extremely wealthy.

Though Zacchaeus had a bad reputation in that town, deep inside him was the earnest desire to see Jesus. When he heard that Jesus would be coming through his home town of Jericho, Zacchaeus made all the necessary plans to get a glimpse of Jesus. Zacchaeus was short in stature and as Jesus was always surrounded by a huge crowd of people, it seemed impossible that Zacchaeus could even sight him. Zacchaeus must have been diffident to mingle with the crowd and hence he came up with a bright idea. He ran ahead and decided to climb onto a sycamore fig tree so he could have a good view of Jesus.

Isn’t it amazing that a man who held a prominent position actually took the effort to run and position himself on a tree to get a view of Jesus? Something about Jesus, His teachings, His deeds, the way He distinguished Himself from other religious leaders in those days must have impacted Zacchaeus for him to overcome so many hurdles. Just imagine this scene, as the crowds jostle around Jesus, engaging Him in their conversations, there is Zacchaeus hidden in a tree, sincerely seeking after Jesus.

We read in Luke 19:5, “When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and said to Zacchaeus, "Hurry down, Zacchaeus, because I must stay in your house today." (GNB)

As Jesus walked by that tree, he suddenly stopped and looked up at Zacchaeus. Jesus beckoned to Zacchaeus and called out his name. Jesus told Zacchaeus to hasten and come down from that tree, for Jesus had planned to stay in his house that day. Zacchaeus must have been astonished by this invitation, but this gesture by Jesus also shocked those who stood around Him as well. The crowds were bothered and murmured at the thought that Jesus had invited Himself into the house of a sinful man. Zacchaeus on the other hand must have been overjoyed and overwhelmed at the thought that Jesus not only knew his name, but was also willing to come home to fellowship with him. Zacchaeus came down in haste and began to walk with Jesus.

There is no record that Jesus preached to Zacchaeus or had a long discourse with him. Instead the very presence of Jesus was enough to bring transformation to the life of Zacchaeus. There was immediate repentance and Zacchaeus was willing to set right everything that was disorderly and deceitful. When Christ the light came into Zacchaeus’ home, all darkness and the deeds of darkness were dispelled from there. Zacchaeus decided to give half of his wealth to the poor and he also told Jesus that if he had cheated anyone by extracting more money on taxes, he would pay it back four times.

Isn’t it an astounding thought that the Lord knows each one of us by name? He knows everything about us and all that we are going through. If like Zacchaeus you have a yearning to know Jesus and are willing to overcome all hindrances, you will surely find Him. Maybe there are some who have this feeling if God would want to have anything to do with them. You may have messed up or done many things that are averse to God and His word. The story of Zacchaeus reminds such that if you have a real longing to know Jesus, He is calling out to you and is ready to come to your home too.

If you call on the Lord in sincerity, He will come into your homes and transform every situation. You can certainly experience the change that He alone can bring. If you are still stumbling in the dark, you must be willing to allow Jesus the true light to shine in your hearts. He alone can dismiss the darkness of sin from our hearts.

Zacchaeus was saved that day

We read in Luke 19:9, “Jesus said to him, "Salvation has come to this house today” (GNB)

These are the words of Jesus to Zacchaeus when he decided to set everything right in his life. If for some reason Zacchaeus did not seek Jesus as he did, and if he had continued in his sinful ways, craving only for money wanting to become wealthy using deceitful means, at the end of his life he would have had to face eternal separation from God in hell where there is only eternal torment. However, by inviting Jesus into his home, repenting of his sins and setting his life in order Zacchaeus was saved from eternal death and had the promise of life eternal with God.

It doesn’t really matter how sinful you have been or how unworthy you feel to come to the presence of God, here’s the good news. If we confess our sins, repent and ask God to forgive us He is willing to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Only the Lord Jesus can forgive us our sins. Our good deeds, pilgrimages or any other efforts to subject your body to hardships will not be able to save us. Jesus came into this world for this explicit purpose, to save us from our sins and to deliver us from eternal death that will separate us from God. When Jesus comes in there will be light and all darkness will be expelled. We will have the peace of God that passes all understanding resting inside us.

Let us join with the Psalmist and say as he said in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (NIV) If we seek the Lord with all our heart and we will surely find Him and His presence and peace will fill our lives and our homes.

Pastor Dixon

www.goodnewsfriends.net

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

Psalm 91 - Study 22 - Only one thing is needful

Psalm 91 - Study 22 - Only One Thing is Needful 

We read in Psalm 91:9-10, “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” (NKJV)

As we continue our meditations on Psalm 91, we will focus our attention on verses 9 and 10 in this study. If we were to ask someone which of the above mentioned verses they desire, it would most probably verse 10, which promises protection from every form of evil and all kinds of plagues. We might have also noticed that verse 10 is framed and hung in many a Christian home. However, there is an important word that we need to note at the beginning of verse 9 and that is the word ‘because’. Whenever we read the word ‘because’ we understand that it implies that there is an instruction given which when followed will result in certain consequences.

The reason that no evil will befall us or any plague will come near our dwelling is elaborated in verse 9. This promise can be appropriated by anyone who not only has made God their refuge in times of trouble, but have also made God their dwelling place.

Long before man decided to make God his dwelling place, God Himself desired to have His residence among men.

We read in Exodus 25:8, “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” (ASV)

These are the words of God to Moses, that they should build a sanctuary so God could dwell among them. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden when sin separated sinful man from a Holy God, God has yearned to restore the relationship with fallen mankind. That was the reason why God instructed Moses that a holy sanctuary be set up so that He could reside in the midst of men. For the people in the Old Testament to go into that sanctuary to behold the presence of God, there were rules and regulations that needed to be adhered to strictly.

How can ordinary man make the Most High God his dwelling place?

The Psalmist says in Psalm 27:4, “I have asked one thing from the LORD. This I will seek: to remain in the LORD's house all the days of my life in order to gaze at the LORD's beauty and to search for an answer in his temple.” (GW)

There was only one thing that was top priority to David, to continue in the Lord’s house all through his life, so he could behold the beauty of the Lord and inquire of Him in His holy temple. There were many kings who reigned over Israel, but amongst all of them David was distinguished. The reason for David’s renown was because he had a single minded devotion toward God and made that his sole ambition.

Today we are in search of so many thing and therefore spend most of our time pursuing them. However, today we are going to study the word further to analyze what is that one thing that is needed and most necessary for our lives as children of God.

The one thing that Mary chose

These are the words of Jesus to Martha in Luke 10:42, “There's only one thing you need. Mary has made the right choice, and that one thing will not be taken away from her." (GW)

There were many who rejected Jesus while He was here on earth. Nonetheless, there was the family of Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, who loved Jesus, served Him and welcomed Him into their home. Just like it happens in many families among siblings, Martha and Mary were quite varied in their personalities.

We read in Luke 10:39-40, “She had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his teaching. Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!"” (GNB)

As Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his teachings, Martha was busy with all other preparations. Mary was in a blessed place as she must have intently hearkened to the wonderful teachings of Jesus probably about the Kingdom of God, rule of God and the will of God. Martha on the other hand was overwhelmed with her work that she was bothered that her sister Mary did not offer any help. 

Martha was so flustered with her work load that she asked Jesus to advice Mary to assist her in the work that she was doing. Martha went on further to question Jesus if He did not care that her sister was just sitting down to listen to Him, instead of being busy as she was. This was when Jesus responded to Martha with the words found in Luke 10:42, that only one thing was needed and Mary had chosen that one thing, which would not be taken away from her.

Mary realized who Jesus truly was and hence was content to spend time eagerly listening at His feet. Martha on the other hand was so caught up with her work that it not only seemed unending, but burdensome as well.

Every time we take an effort to spend time reading or listening to the word of God, we can be certain that there will be a hindrance or attack on us by Satan. The Lord sends His word out to bring healing and the enemy is certainly not pleased with this. The word of God brings life to us and can also bring transformations to impossible situations that confront us. Even today people are so busy with their humdrum day to day activities that they have no time for things pertaining to God or His word.

We are so overpowered by our busy schedules that instead of calming down, we sometimes wish to make God worry along with us. You remember the time when Jesus and his disciples were in a boat that met with a fierce storm. Not realizing who Jesus was, they woke Him up and asked Jesus, if He did not care that they would perish. That was the same word Martha used when she complained to Jesus about Mary not extending a helping hand to her. If we want to make God our dwelling place it is of utmost importance to comprehend what is that ‘one thing’ that is most important to Him. There are many who are burdened with the cares and worries of this world and the Lord says to such in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (ESV)

Have you noticed how even when having to listen to a message there are some who will prepare themselves, put everything aside, quieten themselves to sit down and listen. These are those to whom the word of God is of great importance and hence they take time and effort to meditate on the word. There are others like Martha who will be engaged with their work and trying hard to concentrate to listen in to the word that is being shared. There is a big difference between simply hearing and keenly listening. Jesus says to us outright, that there is only ‘one thing’ that is needful and the question is, ‘Have we chosen that ‘one thing’ over everything else?’

Let’s look at two parable of Jesus where He explains to us as to what we should consider as truly valuable.

The parable of the Hidden Treasure

We read in Matthew 13:44, "The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in a field. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that field. (GNB)

While Jesus lived here on earth, He widely used parables in His teachings. These parables were earthly stories with heavenly meaning and often the message of the parable remained hidden to the hearers. In the above mentioned parable Jesus likened the Kingdom of heaven to a treasure that is hidden in a field. The man who chanced upon it was not the owner of the field, but probably a worker who as he worked on the field discovered this priceless treasure. Back in those days there were no banks and when people couldn’t keep their valuables at home for fear of theft, they would often hide them in fields, deep inside the ground. In case the owner of such a treasure died in battle or whatever other reason, and he had not informed anyone about it, that treasure would continue to be hidden until someone found it. When the man discovered this great treasure, he understood that this treasure he found was so enormous and valuable that it could transform his life. He was therefore so ecstatic that he sold all that he had, everything that he had probably saved all through his life, for his only goal was to buy that field and attain that treasure no matter what.

This treasure is in this parable is compared to the Kingdom of heaven, the rule of God. Like that man our only desire must be for us to achieve the Kingdom of heaven. It is good for each one to take stock as to what is that most important thing that we seek after. Is it the Kingdom of God and His authority over our lives or is it simply the things of this world? Often we work so hard to earn more and more, weary ourselves and others in the process, only to realize at the end of it, that we have traded our peace, our health and have heaped untold miseries on ourselves.

The kingdom of heaven is that priceless treasure that God offers us, and if we can become citizens of that Kingdom, living under the Lordship of the Heavenly King, no evil will come near our habitation. This is the promise of God to those who have made God their dwelling place, for to such no evil will befall them and no plague will come near their abode.

The parable of the priceless pearl

We also read in Matthew 13:45-46, "Also, the Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man is looking for fine pearls, and when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl.” (GNB)

Unlike the man in the previous parable who found the treasure by chance, in this parable the man is a business man who goes diligently searching to find fine pearls. It so happens that when he discovered a precious pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he has in order to obtain that priceless pearl. Here too this man was prepared to part with everything he owned so that he could acquire that one pearl which was worth far above all others.

Do we have that kind of longing to seek after that which is really important? As we look around us at the things that are happening, we will realize that this pandemic has affected everyone and spared no one. Irrespective of who people are, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, the ruler or the subject have all been levelled by the attack of this virus. That is why everyone is rushing to find safety and security during these days. It is in the midst of such chaos that God promises to grant His protective cover to those who are willing to make Him their habitation.

The disciples left everything when they found Jesus

As Jesus was on the sea shore teaching the multitudes, there was one man Peter who was washing his nets by the shore. There must have been many other boats on the shore that day, but Jesus beckoned to Peter and requested that He use his boat to address the great crowds that had gathered there. Peter had toiled all night, caught nothing and at that point he must have had a sense of being a failure. While Jesus taught that large assembly from Peter’s boat, we can be certain that Peter too was listening intently to Jesus’ exhortations.

After He had finished his teaching, Jesus directed Peter to go a little further and throw his nets again into the sea. Peter being a seasoned fisherman, knew a lot about the sea and hence he immediately responded to Jesus that their hard labor the whole night had proved utterly futile. Nonetheless, there was a faith that was sown in Peter’s heart, maybe because of what he heard from Jesus that day. Peter obeyed and cast his net just as Jesus instructed. The outcome was unimaginable for his nets were so full of fish that the nets almost were breaking. Not only was his boat brimming with fish, he called out to his partners so that their boats too were filled and overflowing with fish.

Let’s for a moment put ourselves in the place of Peter. A man who had nothing till then was now the recipient of a boat full of fish that could fetch him an enormous income. As they brought this great catch to the shore, in their minds they may have speculated all that they could accomplish with this substantial earnings.

However we read in Luke 5:11, “They pulled the boats up on the beach, left everything, and followed Jesus.” (GNB)

For a fisherman the biggest blessing would have been to have a colossal catch of fish and that’s what Peter experienced that day. However, when they reached the shore they did something astounding. They left their boats on the beach, their nets, fish and all, to follow after Jesus. The reason for such a decision was because Peter had understood that only one thing was needful and he had found that in Jesus. He understood that if Jesus was with him and he went after Jesus that would be a place of total security, victory and blessing for him.

There is an important aspect of God’s word that we need to remember. Whenever, the word of God is preached and we hear it, His word will most certainly work in our lives. God’s word has the power to transform our lives. Irrespective of whichever part of the world you are from, if you have the opportunity to hear the word of God being taught, it is simply because of His great love towards us. Just like Peter, we too can be certain that every time we hear the word of God it will stimulate our faith and cause it to grow. That is why the bible tells in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (ESV) Every time we hear the word of God we should do so with prayer, preparation and the willingness to listen and obey. No wonder then that the word of God is compared to a tiny mustard seed. The size of the seed is so small and insignificant, but inside of it is the dynamic power to become a tree. So also the word of God has the power to produce faith and it is this faith that gives us the strength to overcome the world.

Paul left everything to follow Jesus

Paul before he met Jesus was so caught up with his Jewish heritage, his education and the traditions he adhered to. However, when Paul had that encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he realized that everything was rubbish when compared to knowing Jesus Christ. That was what prompted Paul to abandon everything that he held dear and to follow whole heartedly after the Lord Jesus.

Here’s a word of admonition to everyone who wants to be recipients of God’s grace, protection and security. It is available only to those who are willing to make God their dwelling place and for this to happen we must long for that ‘one thing’ that the Lord says is needed of us. In conclusion let me remind us from Psalm 27:4, “I have asked one thing from the LORD. This I will seek: to remain in the LORD's house all the days of my life in order to gaze at the LORD's beauty and to search for an answer in his temple.” (GW) Jesus exhorted us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (NKJV) It is only when we place God, His kingdom and His righteousness as top priority or number one in our lives and let go of everything else, are we guaranteed that everything else will be added to us as well.

It doesn’t really matter what kind of circumstances we are entangled with, God’s word reminds us to pursue after that ‘one thing’ and make God our all in all. The security that God assures to those of us who do so is not only for our time on earth but is available to us after death when we can obtain eternal life to live in peace and security in heaven with our Lord forever.

Pastor Dixon

www.goodnewsfriends.net

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

Psalm 91 - Study 21 - God our habitation

Psalm 91 - Study 21 - God Our Habitation 

We read in Psalm 91:9, “Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-the Most High, who is my refuge” (ESV)

In our studies based on Psalm 91 we have realized that this is a Psalm that elaborates the protection of God over His children. The word ‘safety’ has become so important to everyone these days. Primarily everyone wants to be safe and secure from the attack of the deadly disease that threatens all of us. Recently we heard of the invasion of swarms of locusts that caused massive destruction in many places, and people sincerely sought ways to safeguard the crops from their attacks. Of late, there has been news about war at our borders, and we sincerely pray for the security of our soldiers. During these days of financial recession we pray that families and people around us be secure, and that their needs be taken care of during this economic crisis. No matter what calamity we may be challenged with, Psalm 91 is God’s word of assurance that He is the protector and guardian, to those who put their trust in Him.

If we take careful note we will observe that Psalm 91:9 will appear quite different in its rendering from all of the other verses in that chapter. In this verse there appears to be a discourse between two people. While one says that God is his refuge, he recognizes that the other person has made God his dwelling place or habitation. There is a clear distinction between refuge and habitation. Habitation is a place of dwelling whereas refuge is a place of security that one runs to in times of trouble or calamity.

A majority of people have made God their refuge and seek Him only when things turn bad. There are others who have made God their dwelling place in whom they reside securely at all times. To help understand this let me give you an example from our day to day lives. Those who drive a car know that the steering wheel is of utmost importance to keep the vehicle on course. However, most of us will also have in our cars a spare tyre or stepny, which generally never comes to our mind unless we end up with a puncture. The steering wheel is likened to those who make God their habitation, abiding in Him at all times because they have realized their need for God to chart their life’s course. On the other hand, the spare tyre can be compared to those who make God their refuge and think about Him or turn to Him only in times of danger or difficulty. When God is someone’s dwelling place, the ups and downs of life will not in any way affect their relationship with God, for they will abide securely in Him, and do everything that pleases the Lord.

A family who made God their Habitation

We read in Luke 1:5-6, “When Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the division of priests named after Abijah. Zechariah's wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth had God's approval. They followed all the Lord's commands and regulations perfectly.” (GW)

Here was a priestly family, the name of the husband was Zechariah and his wife was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous and obeyed God’s commands and decrees without blame.

In Luke 1:7, “Yet, they never had any children because Elizabeth couldn't become pregnant. Both of them were too old to have children.” (GW)

To a couple who found favor in the eyes of God, there was still one thing that was lacking. Elizabeth was barren and unable to bear a child. I am sure they prayed to God for many long years that they would have a child. They had now come to a stage in their lives when having a child seemed an impossibility, as both of them had passed the age of child bearing. In the midst of their inadequacy Zechariah and Elizabeth did not waver in their faith in God. At the appointed time God heard their prayers, and blessed them with a son, who became John the Baptist.

There are those who have been praying fervently and when these prayers are not answered as they expected, have decided to walk away from God. They have stopped praying because they feel their prayers have been futile. If you are wearied from not having received the answer to your prayers, the Lord wants to encourage you to make Him your dwelling place. It is when we do so will we see that the Lord will intervene to do the impossible in our lives in His perfect time. We may not understand all the times and seasons that God has ordained for us, but we do have the guarantee that we have a loving Father who will make everything perfect in due course.

A man who made God his habitation

We read in Job 1:1-2, “A man named Job lived in Uz. He was a man of integrity: He was decent, he feared God, and he stayed away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters.” (GW)

There was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. Job was a wealthy man with great affluence in society and he had ten children. Job was blameless, upright, one who feared God and shunned evil. However, if we read the account of Job as recorded in Job 1:13-18 we will realize that everything that was his, his wealth, his position and children were all taken away from him on a single day.

We read in Job 1:18-19, “While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine at their oldest brother's home when suddenly a great storm swept across the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It fell on the young people, and they died. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you." (GW)

The tragic news that reached Job’s ears that day was that all of his ten children were killed at the same time when a severe storm struck the house that they were all in. We can imagine the unimaginable grief and agony that must have been Job’s, to hear that he lost all his children in one day.

Let us read to know what a heart broken man like Job had to say in Job 1:20, “Job stood up, tore his robe in grief, and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped.” (GW)

Job expressed his profound grief when he tore his robe, shaved his head and fell to the ground in worship. When we consider the intense loss and grief that Job went through, I am not sure if there are even a few who would have experienced such profound sorrow. In the midst of such acute heartache and grief, Job fell down to worship God.

Here’s Job’s amazing response to God as found in Job 1:21, He said, "Naked I came from my mother, and naked I will return. The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken away! May the name of the LORD be praised." (GW)

As we meditate in depth on the above mentioned verse, we will comprehend that Job had made God his sure dwelling place. Job has fully understood that everything that he had and possessed were given to him by God Himself. Job accepted this truth and had the assurance that since all of his ten children were given to him by God, he would not question God when He decided to take them all to be with Him. Not only did Job accept his lot, but he also praised God in the midst of his unbearable grief even though he was heartbroken, and his feelings were utterly crushed. To Job, God was not just his refuge, but His sure habitation, and therefore nothing could shake his faith in God.

Many believers are unable to handle even a minor loss in their business and walk away from God in a time of crisis. Have we ever stopped to appreciate and recognize the fact that our parents, our spouse or our children are given to us by God? It is wise for us to understand and accept the fact that loss is inevitable as long as we live here on earth. So also death is a certainty for everyone who is born into this world.

We read in Job 1:22, “Through all this Job did not sin or blame God for doing anything wrong.” (GW)

Though everything was against Job, through all the untold hardships, Job did not sin nor did he blame God for anything.

Job’s wife reacts differently

In Job 2:9-10, His wife asked him, "Are you still holding on to your principles? Curse God and die!" He said to her, "You're talking like a godless fool. We accept the good that God gives us. Shouldn't we also accept the bad?" Through all this Job's lips did not utter one sinful word. (GW)

Both Job and his wife faced the exact same crisis in their lives. While Job praised God and said

‘The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken away!’ his wife on the other hand was so agitated that she told Job, ‘Curse God and die!’ The response of Job to his wife was astounding. He referred to his wife as a godless fool who had lost her sense of understanding of who God really was. Then he admonished her that those who are ready to accept the good that comes from God, should also be willing to accept the bad from Him. Most amazingly, through all of these profound difficulties, Job did not utter one sinful word.

These are the exact two ways people of the world will handle loss and grief. They will either like Job praise God or like his wife turn bitter and curse God.

God restored everything back to Job

When Job was firm in his faith in God, this was the outcome that he experienced in his life.

We read in Job 42:12, “The LORD blessed the latter years of Job's life more than the earlier years.”(GW)

God restored back to Job everything he had lost and the latter part of Job’s life was so blessed by God, more than he could imagine or comprehend.

Let us be reminded that we do have a life here on earth, but we are all journeying towards a home that God has prepared for His children. While this world is temporary, the place that God is preparing for us is eternal. As children of God we may have had losses and gone through paths of deep grief. Nonetheless, the question we need to ask ourselves is, ‘Have we made God only our refuge or is He our eternal habitation?’

If we make God our dwelling place, just as God blessed Zechariah and Elizabeth, just as He blessed Job and his wife, He will surely bless us and raise us up. He is a faithful God who does not lie. We may not have answers to all the questions that arise in our hearts while we are on this side of eternity. However, there is one truth we can be certain of and that is the fact that the God we believe in is good, mighty, faithful and He is able to bless us with what we need at the appropriate time.

The three men who made God their habitation

We read in Daniel 3:1, “King Nebuchadnezzar had a gold statue made, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and he had it set up in the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.”(GNB)

Also we read in Daniel 3:5-6, “When you hear the sound of rams' horns, flutes, lyres, harps, and three-stringed harps playing at the same time with all other kinds of instruments, bow down and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever doesn't bow down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." (GW)

In this situation there are three young men who worshipped the living God. However, the order of King Nebuchadnezzar was that everyone in his empire should worship the golden statue that he had set up, failing which they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. When they refused to bow down to the golden image, they were taken to the king’s presence.

Here’s the response these three young men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego gave the king.

We read in Daniel 3:17-18, “If our God, whom we honor, can save us from a blazing furnace and from your power, he will, Your Majesty. But if he doesn't, you should know, Your Majesty, we'll never honor your gods or worship the gold statue that you set up." (GW)

The first declaration they made to the king was that the God whom they served and honored was well able to save them from the blazing furnace and also from the fury of the king. Nevertheless, they also told him that even if the Lord did not deliver them, they would still be faithful to honor the living God whom they believed in. They also affirmed that no matter what the outcome they would never compromise and bow down to other gods or the golden statue the king had set up.

This is the word of testimony that should be ours as well. When trials and hardships seems to overwhelm us, we must cling on with faith to the Lord and allow His will to be done in our lives.

We looked at Zechariah and Elizabeth who were firm in their faith and at an unexpected time God blessed them with their son, John the Baptist. Job had everything in life but one day he lost it all. When we listen to the words of Job we realize that Job placed his hope not on the material blessings he possessed or on his children, but on God. That was the reason why he could stand firm in the Lord when he passed through such intense loss and bereavement. The Lord restored everything in double to Job in the latter half of his life. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were zealous for the Lord and stood firm in their faith in God and took a stand before a powerful king. The Lord delivered them from that fiery furnace and God’s name was honored by the king throughout his empire. All of them made God their habitation and God was honored through their lives.

God is indeed our refuge in times of trouble, but may He always be our dwelling place. May we be constantly reminded from Psalm 91:9, “Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation;” (KJV)

Pastor Dixon

www.goodnewsfriends.net

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins