The Wonderful Works of God
November 7, 2010
Lesson: Psalm 9
Key Verse: Psalm 9:1
Introduction
David’s song should be the sung or shouted out by the faithful congregations of whom Christ Jesus is King and Head: “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works” (Psa. 9:1). From our heart our voices will proclaim the glorious works of our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Lord has reveals his glory in his works which are of a divine nature, which are shown in and through his people. We are to honor our Lord who has revealed himself as the Supreme Creator, Savior, and Governor who sustains guides us in all areas of our lives. “David’s language,” writes John Calvin “is an acknowledgement that he was preserved of God, not by ordinary means, but by the special power of God, which was conspicuously displayed in this matter; inasmuch as he had stretched forth his hand in a miraculous manner, and above the common and usual way.”
We look to heaven for a bolt of lightning, some supernatural phenomenon that will wipe away the enemy or clear up our weary eyes, that we may say, “Look and see what the Lord has done!” Our Lord speaks in kindly whispers, with healing in His wings and mercy in his love. With a still small voice he commands the heavens and provides for the salvation of his people. Everything that God does, he does so according to who he is, there is no change in his being or in his purposes. The Lord speaks to us daily in his marvelous Creation, giving us understanding through his wonderful Word, written; and by his Son in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells.
Sarah “laughed” saying, “Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?” The Lord’s reply was, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son” (Gen. 18:13-14). The Spirit uses the same word that he used in Psalm 9:1; nothing is to ‘hard” or ‘marvelous’ for the Lord! When Moses was appointed as a deliverer of his people, the Lord declared, “And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof; and after that he will let you go” (Ex. 3:20). It is the Lord’s ‘wonders,’ His marvelous works that are always active as He providentially cares for us. When we look for some spectacular bolt from heaven to give us hope, we miss the glorious works of the Lord that permeate our daily lives, the springs of living water that fills our souls. Therefore, we “will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; (we) will show forth all thy marvelous works.”
His Marvelous Works –Psalm 9:1-2/7-10
When Moses was sent to God’s people as a ‘deliverer’ he spoke to the Lord, saying, “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, the God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name?” (Ex. 3:13). By asking the question, “What is his name,” the people would be asking about the authority or character of that person. In other words, by what authority are we to listen, or is he able to accomplish what he has said he will do? Keil & Delitzsch gives us this understanding that by saying, “I am that I am,” God “designated himself by this name as the absolute God of the fathers, acting with unfettered liberty and self-dependence.” I AM THE LORD claims that he alone is the eternal and everlasting God. When the Lord faces the wicked of this world, he alone is the Judge, executing justice, as Scripture testifies, “Let them be confounded and troubled forever; yea, let them be put
to shame and perish; that men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth [incl. Nations]” (Ps. 83:17-18). Zion, or the Church, rejoices because of the righteous judgments of the Lord, “For thou, Lord, art high above the earth; thou art exalted far above all gods (authorities)” (Psa. 97:8-9). There is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved, no other water to satisfy our thirst than the wells of salvation. For “God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation” (Isa. 12:2-3).
David’s eyes are upon the Lord, his lips sing praises, but it is his heart, his whole being that is saturated with praise. Our integrity and sincerity is revealed in our praises. Our praises reveal the truth of who God is according to his Word, that we are faithful in our witness to the Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Only when we know the marvelous works of our Savior, only when we can see with eyes of faith how he has made our hearts warm with his teaching, only when our obedience reveals the law of the Lord, will we truly be able to tell others of his marvelous works. Then we will be able to sing with David, “Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvelous works among all nations” (1 Chron. 16:23-24).
There will be much rejoicing in the heart of the Christian, of the Congregations of Christ, of Zion, as the Great Preaching of the Gospel is trumpeted, making disciples of all nations, to the glory of our God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Yea, “We will sing praises to his Name!” For he alone is able to deliver us from the darkness to his marvelous Light!
Discussion: What does it mean to us that God alone is our Authority?
The Lord Shall Endure! –Psalm 9:7-10
The Lord alone is our Righteous Judge and Refuge, in whom we put our faith and trust. The strength of faith is confidence. The strength of belief is conviction. The strength of hope is trust. In other words, the child of God is fully persuaded that the Lord alone is their Deliverer, their Savior, as well as their Creator. He is the Sovereign Lord who shall rule righteously from his eternal throne. We have confidence that the Lord will not fail, that every word he utters will bring about its intended purpose. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb. 11:3). The ‘worlds’—everything that exists in time and space, was established, his work was finished, complete. They were ‘framed,’ created as he so planned and purposed, organized and providentially cares for. Therefore, we, with confidence, can say the Lord is our Refuge, our Rock, and our Security, “my God, my strength in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psa. 18:2).
Those who are oppressed in times of affliction or trouble will find a refuge, as a cliff that is inaccessible to the enemy. Matthew Henry wrote, “Perhaps God may not immediately appear for them as their deliverer and avenger; but, in the midst of their distresses, they may by faith flee to him as their refuge and may depend upon his power and promise for their safety, so that no real hurt shall be done them.” David encourages those who are in distress, that “they that know thy name will put their trust thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” As we minister to those around us, as we see the disasters that surround the people, we must show them, by our faith in Christ, that the only hope of deliverance is the King of kings, and not the government or programs of men. Our compassion flows with deeds from hearts that trust in the Lord for all things.
Discussion: What does it mean that our faith is strong?
The Mercy of the Lord! –Psalm 9:11-15
David encourages the people of God to sing with him, to declare loudly and in truth, to sing with him to the Lord. Christians in worship forget that when they sing praises, they are singing to the Lord. What words does he hear? Are they the words that the Spirit has written upon our hearts? Is he pleased with our meager and foolish words? The joy of our Savior dwells in our souls, declaring that our God has declared his glory in Christ Jesus. God has revealed his glory in his Word. It is the Lord who teaches us and not us Him. Listen carefully to David’s words as he directs our praises to the Lord, saying that the Almighty Lord, to whom we sing praises, of him who “dwells in Zion!” He is in our midst. And David gives the content of our songs of praise, to “declare among the people His doings!”
We are to sing praises to our Lord, to declare his saving grace among the people. That grace which is sufficient in time of need. For “When (the Lord) makes inquisition for blood, he remembers them; he forgets not the cry of the humble.” The Lord diligently examines the case of those whose blood has been shed; specifically those who have caused the death. The Lord remembers marks them well in his mind, for he loves his own, and will not forget those who are meek before him, those who bow their hearts before him. The blessed ‘Meek’ are those who cry out, “Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death.” What a wonderful picture of the people of God who bow down in humility before their Savior, and the Almighty Lord who bows down with hands of grace. In humility we bow before our Lord, in mercy, unconditional kindness, our Lord reaches into our souls that we may prevail on this earth. With care the Great Shepherd cares for His own sheep: “Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day” (Ezekiel 34:11-12). There are those who are murderously being persecuted in many places of this world. The Christian finds all kinds of tribulation and hatred from those who hate the Lord. We must learn to “cry out;” to be earnest in our prayers for deliverance from evil. Calvin wrote, “Express mention is made of crying, to encourage all who desire to experience God as their deliverer and protector, to direct their wishes, groanings, and prayers to him.”
Discussion: What does it mean to receive the mercy of the Lord?
Arise, O Lord! –Psalm 9:16-20
How is our Lord known? He is known by the judgment that he executes. His justice is true and righteous. The wicked stand before him and their transgressions are revealed. They receive that which they deserve. For by their own hands will they be condemned. John Calvin understands God’s acts of judgment as an eye-opener to strengthen our faith: “If God, therefore, in this way manifestly display, at any time, the power of his hand, let us learn to open our eyes, that from the judgments which he executes upon the enemies of his Church our faith may be confirmed more and more.” God is our righteous Judge. We are, however, judged in Christ Jesus who satisfied the Father’s justice by receiving what we deserved, eternal punishment for our transgressions and guilt. Because of the righteous judgment of the Lord the wicked “shall turn into hell.” Hell is the place of eternal punishment. Mathew Henry wrote that the “depths of Satan are depths of hell; and sin, without remorse, is ruin, ruin without remedy. Solomon shows the hook; those that believe him, will not meddle with the bait. Behold the wretched, empty, unsatisfying, deceitful, and stolen pleasure sin proposes; and may our souls be so desirous of the everlasting enjoyment of Christ, that on earth we may live to him, daily, by faith, and ere long be with him in glory.” The deeds of the wicked are like “stolen waters which are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell” (Prov. 9:17-18).
David cries out, “Arise, O Lord!” For man must not prevail, and will not prevail before the Lord. The nations of this world are under the rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords. David’s prayer should well be ours today, “Put [the wicked] in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men.” Men brazenly set themselves as the authority over others, when their office, whether king or senator, mayor or elder, are positions of ministry under the Lord. They foolishly think that by teaching evolution they can rid their responsibility to their Creator. Arise, O Lord! Let their souls fear and bow down before Thee. Let them know their transgressions. For, Thou shalt have no other gods before Thee. Then, with our repentance also, may Thy righteousness exalt the nation, and bring glory to your NAME!
Discussion: In what ways are we able to glorify the name of our Lord?
Our Creator and King
November 14, 2010
Lesson: Psalm 24
Key Verse: Psalm 24:10
Introduction
Our faith rests upon the truth of who God is. We testify to the truth of these words of Scripture: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God” (Psa. 90:2)
At the beginning of the War of the States, Stonewall Jackson was given a commission of Colonel of the Virginia forces and ordered to take command at Harper’s Ferry. Thomas Jackson wrote to his wife, “I expect to leave here about half-past two P.M. today, for Harper’s Ferry. I am thankful to say that an ever-kind Providence who causes ‘all things to work together for good to them that love him,’ has given me the post which I prefer above all others, and has given me an independent command. To His name be all the praise. You must not expect to hear from me very often, as I expect to have more work than I have ever had, in the same length of time, before; but don’t be concerned about me, as an ever-kind Heavenly Father will give all needful aid.” This quote from Jackson’s biography by Robert Dabney shows that the Christian can understand and see in his own life the providential work of our Lord. For, by Scripture, we come to the assurance that our Lord is working all things together for our good and to his glory.
Christ our King
The Son, who rules all nations and its inhabitants, claims such authority or kingship on the grounds that all things belong to him by virtue of the fact that he is the Creator; “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). The Son, who is King and Head of the Church, calls his own to enter into his Kingdom; “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14). 3. The Son is the King of Glory, the only one who has entered in the holy of holies, into heaven itself, that we might follow him; “but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12).
The King of Nations
Christ is also the Lord over all nations, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods” (Psa. 24:1-2). The Lord, the “I AM” Almighty Triune God, Sovereign and Majestic, is the owner of the earth. All of the contents thereof, are the Lord’s. The world, the globe, and all it inhabitants, belongs to the Lord. “And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness” (Ps. 9:8). God governs the world. Therefore, his Creation is called upon to rejoice, “Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth; with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity” (Psa. 98:8-9). The Lord has complete authority to rule over his Creation. “The Psalmist here confirms the truth, that men are rightfully under the authority and power of God, so that in all places and countries they ought to acknowledge him as King. And he confirms it from the very order manifested in the creation; for the wonderful providence of God is clearly reflected in the whole face of the earth” (John Calvin).
The Lord “has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” God created the heaven and the earth. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2). The Lord established his creation where man or chance could not. We have been given an earth filled with the fullness of God’s gifts. There is nothing wanting in his Creation: “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty … He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; …by them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation which sing among the branches. …
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth” (Psalm 104).
The Creator, each and every day, reveals his Lordship over the globe and all its inhabitants, over all authorities, whether in the home, business, or governments. “Let us remember,” writes Calvin,1 “whenever each of us contemplates his own nature, that there is one God who so governs all natures that he would have us look unto him, direct our faith to him, and worship and call upon him. For nothing is more preposterous than to enjoy the very remarkable gifts that attest the divine nature within us, yet to overlook the Author who gives them to us at our asking.”
The Kingdom of The Lord
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face O Jacob. Selah” (Psa. 24:3-6). Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, his mount Zion, his holy place? He who has clean hands, innocent, free from guilt. Christ paid the ransom price, took our guilt upon himself and satisfied the justice of God. Those who are adopted of God are enabled to enter His Zion, his Household, his Kingdom of Righteousness. Scripture teaches, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:22-23). Therefore, “he who occupies a place in the church is more related to him. All those, therefore, whom God receives into his flock he calls to holiness; and lays them under obligations to follow it by his adoption” (John Calvin). David Dickson gives us further understanding, “God has chosen a church out of all the earth, to be his peculiar people, with whom he many converse, and to whom he may give privilege of communion for ever with himself; he hath his own holy and high hill, he hath his own holy place, to wit, a holy universal church, represented by the hill of Zion.”
The King of Glory
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory” (Psa. 24:7-10). Christ is anointed “to be our eternal King, who governs us by his word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in (the enjoyment of) that salvation, He has purchased for us” (Heidelberg Catechism).
David saw, as in a mirror, the glory the eternal Kingdom, of whom Christ is the King. Scripture teaches, “For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest forever; here will I dwell; for I have desired it” (Psa. 132:13-14). The King of Glory has first entered into his Mount Zion. He entered in triumphantly! The great doors of impregnable curtains were torn apart. Majestic doors were put in its place, Everlasting Doors, permanent divinely established. The King of Glory enters and tabernacles with his people for whom he died.
The angel of the Lord spoke to Mary, “and behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JOSHUA1 (Jesus). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33). The Son of God is our Lord, strong and mighty. For He alone “is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24). Therefore, come to Christ your Savior and King, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Ps. 100:4). David Dickson gives this invitation: “We have need again and again to hear the offer of Christ’s grace, and to be wakened up to observe Christ and his glory; need to be exhorted again and again to open our hearts wide to him” Lift up your heads, ye gates.”
For Discussion: What does it mean for Christ to be both King of the Church and of the nations?
Let us continue to bless our Creator and Lord: Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion” (Psalm 134).
Jehovah is Salvation!
November 21, 2010
July 28, 2002
Lesson: Psalm 67:1-8
Key Verse: Psalm 67:3
November 7, 2010
Lesson: Psalm 9
Key Verse: Psalm 9:1
Introduction
David’s song should be the sung or shouted out by the faithful congregations of whom Christ Jesus is King and Head: “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works” (Psa. 9:1). From our heart our voices will proclaim the glorious works of our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Lord has reveals his glory in his works which are of a divine nature, which are shown in and through his people. We are to honor our Lord who has revealed himself as the Supreme Creator, Savior, and Governor who sustains guides us in all areas of our lives. “David’s language,” writes John Calvin “is an acknowledgement that he was preserved of God, not by ordinary means, but by the special power of God, which was conspicuously displayed in this matter; inasmuch as he had stretched forth his hand in a miraculous manner, and above the common and usual way.”
We look to heaven for a bolt of lightning, some supernatural phenomenon that will wipe away the enemy or clear up our weary eyes, that we may say, “Look and see what the Lord has done!” Our Lord speaks in kindly whispers, with healing in His wings and mercy in his love. With a still small voice he commands the heavens and provides for the salvation of his people. Everything that God does, he does so according to who he is, there is no change in his being or in his purposes. The Lord speaks to us daily in his marvelous Creation, giving us understanding through his wonderful Word, written; and by his Son in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells.
Sarah “laughed” saying, “Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?” The Lord’s reply was, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son” (Gen. 18:13-14). The Spirit uses the same word that he used in Psalm 9:1; nothing is to ‘hard” or ‘marvelous’ for the Lord! When Moses was appointed as a deliverer of his people, the Lord declared, “And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof; and after that he will let you go” (Ex. 3:20). It is the Lord’s ‘wonders,’ His marvelous works that are always active as He providentially cares for us. When we look for some spectacular bolt from heaven to give us hope, we miss the glorious works of the Lord that permeate our daily lives, the springs of living water that fills our souls. Therefore, we “will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; (we) will show forth all thy marvelous works.”
His Marvelous Works –Psalm 9:1-2/7-10
When Moses was sent to God’s people as a ‘deliverer’ he spoke to the Lord, saying, “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, the God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name?” (Ex. 3:13). By asking the question, “What is his name,” the people would be asking about the authority or character of that person. In other words, by what authority are we to listen, or is he able to accomplish what he has said he will do? Keil & Delitzsch gives us this understanding that by saying, “I am that I am,” God “designated himself by this name as the absolute God of the fathers, acting with unfettered liberty and self-dependence.” I AM THE LORD claims that he alone is the eternal and everlasting God. When the Lord faces the wicked of this world, he alone is the Judge, executing justice, as Scripture testifies, “Let them be confounded and troubled forever; yea, let them be put
to shame and perish; that men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth [incl. Nations]” (Ps. 83:17-18). Zion, or the Church, rejoices because of the righteous judgments of the Lord, “For thou, Lord, art high above the earth; thou art exalted far above all gods (authorities)” (Psa. 97:8-9). There is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved, no other water to satisfy our thirst than the wells of salvation. For “God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation” (Isa. 12:2-3).
David’s eyes are upon the Lord, his lips sing praises, but it is his heart, his whole being that is saturated with praise. Our integrity and sincerity is revealed in our praises. Our praises reveal the truth of who God is according to his Word, that we are faithful in our witness to the Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Only when we know the marvelous works of our Savior, only when we can see with eyes of faith how he has made our hearts warm with his teaching, only when our obedience reveals the law of the Lord, will we truly be able to tell others of his marvelous works. Then we will be able to sing with David, “Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvelous works among all nations” (1 Chron. 16:23-24).
There will be much rejoicing in the heart of the Christian, of the Congregations of Christ, of Zion, as the Great Preaching of the Gospel is trumpeted, making disciples of all nations, to the glory of our God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Yea, “We will sing praises to his Name!” For he alone is able to deliver us from the darkness to his marvelous Light!
Discussion: What does it mean to us that God alone is our Authority?
The Lord Shall Endure! –Psalm 9:7-10
The Lord alone is our Righteous Judge and Refuge, in whom we put our faith and trust. The strength of faith is confidence. The strength of belief is conviction. The strength of hope is trust. In other words, the child of God is fully persuaded that the Lord alone is their Deliverer, their Savior, as well as their Creator. He is the Sovereign Lord who shall rule righteously from his eternal throne. We have confidence that the Lord will not fail, that every word he utters will bring about its intended purpose. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb. 11:3). The ‘worlds’—everything that exists in time and space, was established, his work was finished, complete. They were ‘framed,’ created as he so planned and purposed, organized and providentially cares for. Therefore, we, with confidence, can say the Lord is our Refuge, our Rock, and our Security, “my God, my strength in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psa. 18:2).
Those who are oppressed in times of affliction or trouble will find a refuge, as a cliff that is inaccessible to the enemy. Matthew Henry wrote, “Perhaps God may not immediately appear for them as their deliverer and avenger; but, in the midst of their distresses, they may by faith flee to him as their refuge and may depend upon his power and promise for their safety, so that no real hurt shall be done them.” David encourages those who are in distress, that “they that know thy name will put their trust thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” As we minister to those around us, as we see the disasters that surround the people, we must show them, by our faith in Christ, that the only hope of deliverance is the King of kings, and not the government or programs of men. Our compassion flows with deeds from hearts that trust in the Lord for all things.
Discussion: What does it mean that our faith is strong?
The Mercy of the Lord! –Psalm 9:11-15
David encourages the people of God to sing with him, to declare loudly and in truth, to sing with him to the Lord. Christians in worship forget that when they sing praises, they are singing to the Lord. What words does he hear? Are they the words that the Spirit has written upon our hearts? Is he pleased with our meager and foolish words? The joy of our Savior dwells in our souls, declaring that our God has declared his glory in Christ Jesus. God has revealed his glory in his Word. It is the Lord who teaches us and not us Him. Listen carefully to David’s words as he directs our praises to the Lord, saying that the Almighty Lord, to whom we sing praises, of him who “dwells in Zion!” He is in our midst. And David gives the content of our songs of praise, to “declare among the people His doings!”
We are to sing praises to our Lord, to declare his saving grace among the people. That grace which is sufficient in time of need. For “When (the Lord) makes inquisition for blood, he remembers them; he forgets not the cry of the humble.” The Lord diligently examines the case of those whose blood has been shed; specifically those who have caused the death. The Lord remembers marks them well in his mind, for he loves his own, and will not forget those who are meek before him, those who bow their hearts before him. The blessed ‘Meek’ are those who cry out, “Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death.” What a wonderful picture of the people of God who bow down in humility before their Savior, and the Almighty Lord who bows down with hands of grace. In humility we bow before our Lord, in mercy, unconditional kindness, our Lord reaches into our souls that we may prevail on this earth. With care the Great Shepherd cares for His own sheep: “Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day” (Ezekiel 34:11-12). There are those who are murderously being persecuted in many places of this world. The Christian finds all kinds of tribulation and hatred from those who hate the Lord. We must learn to “cry out;” to be earnest in our prayers for deliverance from evil. Calvin wrote, “Express mention is made of crying, to encourage all who desire to experience God as their deliverer and protector, to direct their wishes, groanings, and prayers to him.”
Discussion: What does it mean to receive the mercy of the Lord?
Arise, O Lord! –Psalm 9:16-20
How is our Lord known? He is known by the judgment that he executes. His justice is true and righteous. The wicked stand before him and their transgressions are revealed. They receive that which they deserve. For by their own hands will they be condemned. John Calvin understands God’s acts of judgment as an eye-opener to strengthen our faith: “If God, therefore, in this way manifestly display, at any time, the power of his hand, let us learn to open our eyes, that from the judgments which he executes upon the enemies of his Church our faith may be confirmed more and more.” God is our righteous Judge. We are, however, judged in Christ Jesus who satisfied the Father’s justice by receiving what we deserved, eternal punishment for our transgressions and guilt. Because of the righteous judgment of the Lord the wicked “shall turn into hell.” Hell is the place of eternal punishment. Mathew Henry wrote that the “depths of Satan are depths of hell; and sin, without remorse, is ruin, ruin without remedy. Solomon shows the hook; those that believe him, will not meddle with the bait. Behold the wretched, empty, unsatisfying, deceitful, and stolen pleasure sin proposes; and may our souls be so desirous of the everlasting enjoyment of Christ, that on earth we may live to him, daily, by faith, and ere long be with him in glory.” The deeds of the wicked are like “stolen waters which are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell” (Prov. 9:17-18).
David cries out, “Arise, O Lord!” For man must not prevail, and will not prevail before the Lord. The nations of this world are under the rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords. David’s prayer should well be ours today, “Put [the wicked] in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men.” Men brazenly set themselves as the authority over others, when their office, whether king or senator, mayor or elder, are positions of ministry under the Lord. They foolishly think that by teaching evolution they can rid their responsibility to their Creator. Arise, O Lord! Let their souls fear and bow down before Thee. Let them know their transgressions. For, Thou shalt have no other gods before Thee. Then, with our repentance also, may Thy righteousness exalt the nation, and bring glory to your NAME!
Discussion: In what ways are we able to glorify the name of our Lord?
Our Creator and King
November 14, 2010
Lesson: Psalm 24
Key Verse: Psalm 24:10
Introduction
Our faith rests upon the truth of who God is. We testify to the truth of these words of Scripture: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God” (Psa. 90:2)
At the beginning of the War of the States, Stonewall Jackson was given a commission of Colonel of the Virginia forces and ordered to take command at Harper’s Ferry. Thomas Jackson wrote to his wife, “I expect to leave here about half-past two P.M. today, for Harper’s Ferry. I am thankful to say that an ever-kind Providence who causes ‘all things to work together for good to them that love him,’ has given me the post which I prefer above all others, and has given me an independent command. To His name be all the praise. You must not expect to hear from me very often, as I expect to have more work than I have ever had, in the same length of time, before; but don’t be concerned about me, as an ever-kind Heavenly Father will give all needful aid.” This quote from Jackson’s biography by Robert Dabney shows that the Christian can understand and see in his own life the providential work of our Lord. For, by Scripture, we come to the assurance that our Lord is working all things together for our good and to his glory.
Christ our King
The Son, who rules all nations and its inhabitants, claims such authority or kingship on the grounds that all things belong to him by virtue of the fact that he is the Creator; “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). The Son, who is King and Head of the Church, calls his own to enter into his Kingdom; “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14). 3. The Son is the King of Glory, the only one who has entered in the holy of holies, into heaven itself, that we might follow him; “but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12).
The King of Nations
Christ is also the Lord over all nations, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods” (Psa. 24:1-2). The Lord, the “I AM” Almighty Triune God, Sovereign and Majestic, is the owner of the earth. All of the contents thereof, are the Lord’s. The world, the globe, and all it inhabitants, belongs to the Lord. “And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness” (Ps. 9:8). God governs the world. Therefore, his Creation is called upon to rejoice, “Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth; with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity” (Psa. 98:8-9). The Lord has complete authority to rule over his Creation. “The Psalmist here confirms the truth, that men are rightfully under the authority and power of God, so that in all places and countries they ought to acknowledge him as King. And he confirms it from the very order manifested in the creation; for the wonderful providence of God is clearly reflected in the whole face of the earth” (John Calvin).
The Lord “has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” God created the heaven and the earth. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2). The Lord established his creation where man or chance could not. We have been given an earth filled with the fullness of God’s gifts. There is nothing wanting in his Creation: “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty … He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; …by them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation which sing among the branches. …
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth” (Psalm 104).
The Creator, each and every day, reveals his Lordship over the globe and all its inhabitants, over all authorities, whether in the home, business, or governments. “Let us remember,” writes Calvin,1 “whenever each of us contemplates his own nature, that there is one God who so governs all natures that he would have us look unto him, direct our faith to him, and worship and call upon him. For nothing is more preposterous than to enjoy the very remarkable gifts that attest the divine nature within us, yet to overlook the Author who gives them to us at our asking.”
The Kingdom of The Lord
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face O Jacob. Selah” (Psa. 24:3-6). Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, his mount Zion, his holy place? He who has clean hands, innocent, free from guilt. Christ paid the ransom price, took our guilt upon himself and satisfied the justice of God. Those who are adopted of God are enabled to enter His Zion, his Household, his Kingdom of Righteousness. Scripture teaches, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:22-23). Therefore, “he who occupies a place in the church is more related to him. All those, therefore, whom God receives into his flock he calls to holiness; and lays them under obligations to follow it by his adoption” (John Calvin). David Dickson gives us further understanding, “God has chosen a church out of all the earth, to be his peculiar people, with whom he many converse, and to whom he may give privilege of communion for ever with himself; he hath his own holy and high hill, he hath his own holy place, to wit, a holy universal church, represented by the hill of Zion.”
The King of Glory
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory” (Psa. 24:7-10). Christ is anointed “to be our eternal King, who governs us by his word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in (the enjoyment of) that salvation, He has purchased for us” (Heidelberg Catechism).
David saw, as in a mirror, the glory the eternal Kingdom, of whom Christ is the King. Scripture teaches, “For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest forever; here will I dwell; for I have desired it” (Psa. 132:13-14). The King of Glory has first entered into his Mount Zion. He entered in triumphantly! The great doors of impregnable curtains were torn apart. Majestic doors were put in its place, Everlasting Doors, permanent divinely established. The King of Glory enters and tabernacles with his people for whom he died.
The angel of the Lord spoke to Mary, “and behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JOSHUA1 (Jesus). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33). The Son of God is our Lord, strong and mighty. For He alone “is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24). Therefore, come to Christ your Savior and King, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Ps. 100:4). David Dickson gives this invitation: “We have need again and again to hear the offer of Christ’s grace, and to be wakened up to observe Christ and his glory; need to be exhorted again and again to open our hearts wide to him” Lift up your heads, ye gates.”
For Discussion: What does it mean for Christ to be both King of the Church and of the nations?
Let us continue to bless our Creator and Lord: Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion” (Psalm 134).
Jehovah is Salvation!
November 21, 2010
July 28, 2002
Lesson: Psalm 67:1-8
Key Verse: Psalm 67:3
Introduction
Praise may affect the emotions of a Christian, but praise is not just an emotional experience. The attributes of Praise are, to speak out, to sing, or to confess. Praise is the expression of truth as revealed to us in and through God’s Word. It is the communication of what God has taught us about himself and his creation. Praise is especially seen in the nature and saving work of the Lord. God’s grace and love are revealed in our Praise. In other words, what are we expressing about our Lord and his works in our praise? Our praise always goes before the Lord for it is good (excellent, beautiful, precious): “Praise ye the Lord; for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely (suitable)” (Psalm 147:1).
The term ‘glory’ adds to the word ‘praise’ the depth of the character of the person or thing we are talking about. To glorify God is to show the honor and majesty of his character, and the greatness of his works. His glory is truly revealed in the Son. He prayed, “Father, the hour is come, glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee” (John 17:1). Thus the heaviness and darkness of our sin without Christ weigh heavily as we have been judged by the Lord: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). So we rejoice and give God the full glory, for what was lacking in us was not lacking in Christ. We stand in his stead, with much “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (4:11).
Discussion: What does it mean to praise and glorify God?
God Be Merciful 67:1-7
We should receive Psalm 67 as a prayer which claims the coming and establishment of the Kingdom of God in this world. It is a Psalm which gives meat to the words which Christ taught us, saying, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, the kingdom come, thy will be done.” Those who belong to the Father, having been adopted into his household, receive blessings of grace and strength in the midst of a warring world.
We come before our Father with knees bent that we might know his blessing. The blessing that we are seeking is that God will “be merciful unto us,” that he will show much favor toward us in Christ. The mercy and loving-kindness that we need comes when our Lord causes “his face to shine upon us.” For the mercy we need comes from the very presence of our Lord. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12). When the Lord causes his countenance to shine upon his people they are most blessed. Our prayer for mercy should always be for the whole church. It is “Our Father” and his kingdom on earth that give acceptance to our prayers. We desire all of God’s people to know his presence; “Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart” (Ps. 4:6-7).
When we pray that the face of the Lord shine upon his church, we are to expect a certain result: “That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.” This is the spirit of true evangelism that, not only will people be added to the number, but that they grow in the knowledge of the Lord and the life he would have us live. There is moral fiber to evangelism. For, by the divine authority of Christ Jesus in heaven and in earth, we obey the command, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations . . . Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always” (Matt. 28:18-20). The face of the Lord is always upon us in the keeping of this commission.
Discussion: Why should we pray for the face of the Lord to shine upon us?
Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, is “the saving health among all nations.” The source of saving grace, our salvation, is found in Christ alone. Through Christ alone we come to the Father (John 14:1-7). For the Son gives “eternal life to as many as” the Father has given him; “And this is life eternal, that they might know” the Father, “the only true God, and Jesus Christ” whom the Father has sent (John 17:2-3).
Therefore, the Psalmist calls the people to praise God, to acknowledge him and confess him as he has revealed himself in our salvation: “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.” Out of every nation will come his people, and they will “be glad and sing for joy!” Why? Because the Lord shall “judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.” We have the Lord as our Governor, our Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords. It is true that the wicked will feel the wrath of his judgment. But those who live in the righteousness of the true King and his moral law will find a character of life that is victorious and joyful.
Thus, the people of God will praise the Lord. “O God; let all the people praise thee!” As the people of the kingdom of God on this earth continue to praise, to acclaim and proclaim the Triune God in voice and life, the earth shall “yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.”
We may wonder at times if the Kingdom of the Son is advancing on this earth; for we are faced with much of the negative through all types of media. Leaders depend upon themselves and their laws to guide them through tragedy after tragedy. However, we look through the eyes of the Lord and his Word. We must ask ourselves what our Lord is doing and how shall we live as subjects of the King. As we receive blessings from our Lord, we hold out this grace before the world. And, because our Lord is blessing his people, “all the ends of the earth shall fear him.” His church shall be victorious. The wars against the church of our Lord and Savior only confirm that his face is shining upon us that he is the King which goes forth in this world, leading his people in the way they should go.
The dragon may blaspheme the name of the Lord through the warlords of this earth. However, “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Rev. 13:10). Jesus Christ is the King of kings today. He is the one who is called “Faithful and true, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. . . . And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:11-16).
God shall bless us and the earth shall fear him! Let all of us continue to praise him! In praise we must stand strong. Therefore, “take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13). “Be but so faithful as to do thy best, and God is so gracious that he will pardon thy worst. David knew this gospel-indulgence when he said, ‘Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments,’ (Ps. cxix.6) – when my eye is to all the commandments. . . . so stands the saints heart to all the commands of God; he presseth on to come nearer and nearer to full obedience. Such a soul shall never be put to shame” (Wm. Gurnall).
Discussion: What does it mean that Christ is our King?
Wonderfully Created
November 28, 2010
Lesson: Psalm 139:1-6, 7-14, 23-24
Key Verse: Psalm 139:14
Introduction
Have you thought about your life in relationship to your Creator? Raise up your soul to heaven and see what God has done, that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Set your eyes upon your own anatomy and you will see that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” You do not have to sit through a class on anatomy to know how complex your body is. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “We cannot begin too soon to bless our Maker, who began so soon to bless us; even in the act of creation he created reasons for our praising his name, ‘For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ Who can gaze even upon a model of our anatomy with wonder and awe?” David Dickson wrote, “The right sight of God’s workmanship in our very bodies, will force us to praise God’s unspeakable wisdom: ‘I will praise thee; for I am wonderfully made.’
By the counsel and wisdom of the Triune God we were created, created in the image of God. The Lord God “created man male and female; formed the body of man of the dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of man, endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls; made them after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it” (Westminster Larger Catechism, A. 17). The body and the soul were united to express the glory of God. The body will be redeemed as is the soul: “That not only my soul after this life shall be immediately taken up to Christ its Head; but also, that this my body, being raised by the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ” (Heidelberg Catechism A. 57). The Scripture reveals the invaluableness of the body: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:42-44). As we look forward to the resurrection of the body, we must, therefore, care for and treat our bodies as precious and able to glorify our Creator.
Thou Hast Searched Me –Psalm 139:1-6
God’s knowledge is perfect. God knows what we need before we ask; and he is working all things together as we pray. He knows exactly our thoughts, motivations, and desires. The Psalmist acknowledges that the Lord has already searched him, and knows him. God already knows, is fully acquainted with who we are. There is nothing about us, past, present, and future, that God does not know. Our Lord has perfect insight into and understanding of us, knowing every action we take. No word that passes our lips is a surprise to God. Before the foundation of the world we were so known by our Creator. We look back and see his hand upon us; today we look and we see his hand upon us; we look ahead and his hand is upon us. “We believe that the same God, after He had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that He rules and governs them according to His holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without His appointment” (Belgic Confession, Article 13).
The Lord knows us and providentially cares for us, “Thou knowest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.” This is further understood in the words of our Savior, “I am the good shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so I the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15). Our paths are made right by the Good Shepherd, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.” For “God’s works of providence are, His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions” (S.C. 11). We cannot attain such knowledge, it “is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Paul writes to the saints at Rome, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counselor?” (Rom. 11:32-33). Let us put our confidence, our faith where it truly belongs, even in the secret counsels of the Almighty God. Therefore, we testify with Paul, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, But Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).
Discussion: Why is it important that we testify to God’s knowledge?
Thou Art With Me –Psalm 139:7-14
Not only does God know our every thought and deed, He is omnipresent. There is no where we can go to flee from the presence of the Lord. If I go to heaven, God is there. If I go to the place of the dead, he is there. If I had wings to fly, or able to swim like a fish, God is where I am. Even in the depth of the sea God will hold my hand. His right hand of authority and salvation will be my strength. Even the darkness cannot hide the presence of God. Darkness and light are the same to the Lord. He is the Creator of darkness and light. Even the darkness of wickedness is under the authority and control of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ Jesus.
The night may hinder our sight, but not God’s. Men may do their evil deeds in the dark, thinking that no one will catch them. However, the Lord is always present, knowing our deeds of evil or good. For the Christian there is no darkness, physical or spiritual, in this world that will obstruct the presence of the Lord Jesus. Christ is a friend that is closer than a brother. There is no place we can go that our Savior is not with us, holding us close with his hands. The grave cannot hold us because the Lord has prepared for us a place in the very presence of our heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).
The Scripture reveals the preciousness of the life in the womb. The Psalmist testifies, by the Spirit, “For thou hast possessed my reins; thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.” The Lord possesses our very souls, the seat of our love and devotions. The Lord protects us, is our defense even in the wombs of our mothers. Those who abort life as if there is no life are obnoxious, repugnant to God who is the Creator of life. Matthew Henry wrote, “Under the divine inspection; my substance, when hid in the womb, nay, when it was yet but in fieri–in the forming, an unshapen embryo, was not hidden from thee; thy eyes did see my substance. By the divine operation; as the eye of God saw us then, so his hand wrought us; we were his work. According to the divine model; in thy book all my members were written. Eternal wisdom formed the plan, and by that almighty power raised the noble structure.”
Discussion: How precious is that life in the womb to the Lord our Creator and Redeemer?
Thou Wilt Try Me –Psalm 139:23-24
There is something quite awesome in these words: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Two things are declared in the desire of the Psalmist to be examined thoroughly; first is that God knows what is in our hearts, and, second, that we have faith that God will act graciously and just in his examination of our deepest thoughts. Matthew Henry writes, “That God knows all things, is omniscient, that he is everywhere, is omnipresent; truths are acknowledged by all, yet they are seldom rightly believed in by mankind. God takes strict notice of every step we take, every right step and every by-step.” We come to the Word of God to hear what the Lord has to say about himself and us that we may grow in his righteousness and truth. Let the Lord be our examiner that he may test and try us that we may truly die to our sin and live to Christ. The Word of God is made a quickening word to our hearts and souls. The Word is “powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). The Spirit will “see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” For the Lord chastens us, disciplines us in the way of righteousness, “for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness (character of God). Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; never the less, afterward it yeildeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb. 12:10-11).
Discussion: What are we asking for when we pray that God would “try” us?
