Israel of old faced enemies from without and within that wanted to destroy her spiritual and national heritage. The nation was pulled in various directions that would go against God and His Word.
Psalm 11:3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” These are poetic words of an army destroying the walls and structures of a city. It’s a metaphor describing the dissolution of law and order and the institutions that hold society together. When that happens, as King David witnessed, what are God’s people to do? Surrender is not an option nor is cowering in fear of those who breath threats against us. Remember the battle is not people, but Satan who uses people who hate God’s people and those who are unwittingly used by him.
Either way we can’t cope without spiritual help to fight a spiritual enemy. The answer for King David is the same for us. Vs.14 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them. God is in His Holy Temple and shows us that Almighty God is in heaven as ruler and king over ALL creation. He draws close to His followers through His Word, worship and prayer in His earthly sanctuary (church). It is here that God chooses to poor out His mercy, grace, strength and faith into us. It is in the true worship of God as creator that we find peace and comfort within. It is also in worship we find assurance of God’s forgiveness and salvation. It is in worship, focusing on God’s love and grace that we overcome fear and hopelessness especially when God seems silent and distant. We must not neglect worship as individuals, when possible, or as a nation; to do as is to slowly drift into darkness and rebellion. As Daniel Webster said, “the Christian religion – its general principles – must ever be regarded among us as the foundation of civil society.”
Lastly, notice how the Psalm ends: vs. 6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot; this is a prayer for judgment upon the wicked. This is our hope for God to come quickly and declare His follower’s innocents. Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. This judgment is in God’s hand not ours. What gives us hope is the fact that one day we will see His face, hear His voice, see His scared hands and hear Him say; Welcome, well done my good and faithful servant. (Rev. 22:4).
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Thursday 24, 10:00 Quilting
September 27, 9:00Sunday morning worship. Sermon: First Sin then Death. Ezekiel 18
Please continue praying for our nation and the upcoming election! Vote your values!
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