Read Psalm 119:161-168
“Spoil”
On
this last day of our 21 Days of Prayer + fasting, I ask the question why we are
finishing one section short of the end of the Psalm? Perhaps we will finish
this tomorrow in church!
Despite
our country being in the midst of a time of political division, despite
destructive protesters, I do not personally feel persecuted. However, in some
contexts that feeling would change, depending on who surrounded me. However, in
many countries, Christians have been able to say this first line from verse 161
with the psalmist,
Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
like one who finds great spoil.
Many times “princes” have felt threatened by humble Christians, simply because
a Christian’s highest loyalty is not to the state but to the Kingdom of God in
Christ. Christians should pose no violent threat to any if they are following
the way of Jesus.
However
glorious the pageantry of princes, what is most awesome to followers of Christ
is what he has said to us in his word. Join me in standing in awe of what he
has proclaimed and brought to pass—that we who were once afar off “have
been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ” (Eph 2:13-14)
Such
words of promise fulfilled should cause us to rejoice (v. 162) like one who has
found much treasure. I remember when I was a child, we would play in the forest
behind our house as though we were hunting for lost pirate treasure. Almost
anything seemed to be a clue to finding the treasure—but we never did. However,
such imaginary adventures give insight into both the longing for and the joy of
discovery such a find might bring. Do we have the same response to God’s word?
Have we found that our significance, identity, and purpose are wrapped up in
the love of God pour out for us? That is a treasure indeed—there is nothing in
the world more precious and beautiful!
In
Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus described the Kingdom of God in just such treasure-finding
terms,
“The kingdom of
heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered
up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that
field.
“Again, the
kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one
pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Our
heart needs to be captured by the love of Christ, “For
where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) We should not be spoiled by the world's hatred, nor by its riches, but willing to lose/sell it all for the joy of belonging to Christ Jesus! Unlike those who find worldly treasure and become paranoid over hiding and protecting it, when we love God's word we have great peace that we are willing to share (Psalm 119:165).
O
Lord Christ, you offer us mercy and the goodness of your grace. We are in awe of
your love and faithfulness, all the more vivid when compared to the flawed and
failing governments of this world. Let us not live our lives cowering and controlled
by fear of governments or hostile crowds. Lord comfort and protect those who
are oppressed and persecuted. Let us not be apathetic, but instead, we ask for a
Spirit-empowered boldness to stand on your Word, to show love for your ways,
and to seek the lost as you sought us. Lord, please speak to us today, and fill
us with joy in your presence no matter what comes to pass! Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment