For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him.”  2 Samuel 14:14)

Behind the scene depicted here, was the tragic turmoil in David’s house. First, his son Amnon, motivated by a perverted desire, had violated his brother’s sister Tamar. Next Absalom, David’s son, took revenge on Amnon and had him killed. Absalom then fled from his father, but David mourned for his son every day.

A wise woman of Tekoa, knowing the situation, is willing to play on David’s sympathy hoping to gain clemency for her own son who is in a similar plight. While she may have ulterior motives, there is some truth to her anxious plea.

The widow’s reference to God‘s “banished ones“ would surely strike a chord with David. Though estranged from his son, a father never loses affection for him. Even David himself had been separated from the heavenly father because of his own folly. All of mankind is alienated from the Lord because of sin.

Although we have forsaken God, he has not forsaken us. “He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him.” The wise woman speaks of the ways of God – he does not take away life, but arranges a way by which those who deserve to die may brought back to him.

God’s forbearance toward sinful man is expressed often in Scripture: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) God does not seek the death of sinners but has provided a way of reconciliation and full restoration. Perhaps you are the prodigal who has wandered away from God. God is calling you back.

God‘s ways of dealing with us should also serve as a model for how his children should treat others. Our character should reflect his amazing mercy and unlimited forgiveness. (see Ephesians 4:31,32)

The power of this wise woman’s appeal rests in God‘s very nature. He is not bent on punishing us, nor carrying out sentences, but is ready to forgive and bring us home if we are willing to repent.

By George Slover 
 

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalms 16:11)

The verse above is applied by Peter (Acts 2:25-28) as prophecy regarding the resurrection of Christ. However, it’s immediate application would be to David, it’s author. There are rich promises in this verse that should encourage us.

We often speak of life as a journey. All along the way there are highs and lows, sunshine and storm. But, David shows David the right path. This path leads to God who is the source of blessings, rather than death and corruption.

The point of the Psalm is not the difference between life here and there, but between life with God verses life apart from God. The secret to ultimate fulfillment is found in communion with God. When we realize this, the challenges of this life will seem to dwindle.

By trusting God, we can cheerfully except the place he has appointed for us. David seeks God‘s counsel (vs.7), God’s protection (vs.8), and the assurance of a future life to come (vs 1). God is the only one who can make such promises. He is the only true path to life.

By following the right path, one finds that in God‘s presence is enough joy to for fill every craving of the human heart. The effect of sin is to quench our desires for God, and hinders us from following this path to ultimate contentment.

The Scriptures are designed to convict us of sin, and lift our thoughts back to God. The Scriptures tell us of a crucified risen and glorified Savior who rolls away the burden of sin and provides forgiveness, peace, security, and victory. Joy in God is found through faith in this Savior.

In this life there will be many challenges heart aches grief and pain. But, in the midst of this earthly sojourn God is a fountain of life and joy.

By George Slover
 

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”  (Deuteronomy 5:11)

Jehovah has supreme authority over all that we do. This would certainly include our speech. This third commandment seems to cover this area.

The “name of God“ is a phrase referring to Jehovah himself. It stands for much more than just speaking of God. The “name of God” represents God’s very essence and character – his omnipotence, wisdom, love, and justice. All of these things are included in God’s name. 

We commonly use this passage as a warning against profanity. Some may warn of using God‘s name flippantly and irreverently. Or, some speak of those who viciously scoff at God and impugn his character. Others warn of vain worship where God’s name is spoken of thoughtlessly in song and prayer. The Bible certainly warns of all of these transgressions.

Some apply this verse in regard to our relationship with others such as making promises that we never intend to keep. Making oaths rashly are forbidden by God. One must never use God‘s name to persuade others of a conclusion that is not true. Jesus said, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

However, these typical applications miss the true intent of this commandment. Literally, the Hebrew translates “you shall not bear/carry the name of God emptily.“  The idiom derives from the ancient practice of claiming ownership, and was commonly used to brand slaves. The real issue here is a claim of ownership.

Truly one must not claim Jehovah as their covenant Lord and live as if they belong to false gods. “One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ And name himself by the name of Israel.” (Isaiah 44:5)  “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Deuteronomy 5:7) Jehovah will not allow for dual allegiance (Colossians 3:5) It is God only or nothing!

Jehovah would have us to stand in awe of him. We must look up on heaven as His throne. We are to honor His word, and His people. Consider how you stand in relation to him. Have you made him your king? And, have you made fellowship with him all that matters?

By George Slover
 

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” (Isaiah 61:1)

Imagine a man walking into a religious assembly, opening the Bible to this passage, reading it, then proclaiming he was the fulfillment of this prophecy. Yet this is what Jesus did in the synagogue in Nazareth 2000 years ago. Luke says those who heard marveled at his gracious words.

Isaiah, 700 years before the time of Christ, spoke about the mission of the Messiah. Under the law, priests and kings were anointed as a sign of the appointment to a high office or commission by God. According to Isaiah, just what was God‘s mission for this Messiah-King?

Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it. (John 3:17) The angels announced the birth of Christ proclaiming peace and good tidings. The Messiah’s forerunner declared that “all flesh would see the salvation of God“ (Luke 3:6)  During his earthly ministry, Jesus plainly stated that he came to seek and save the lost. (Luke 19:9) There is no better good tidings than this.

The brokenhearted are the target of the Messiah‘s message. The main thrust of this proclamation is to those broken by the burden of sin. Christ made atonement for sin and secured a means of forgiveness. The Lord’s life, death, and resurrection was a declaration of God‘s mercy.

In addition, the Messiah came to free the captives.  All of Satan’s prisoners are slaves of sin. Christ not only offered freedom from the guilt of sin, but freedom from its bondage. “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:11) Men are slaves of lust and habit. But Christ has opened the prison doors and cast off the fetters.

These marvelous blessings are not offered to the “rich“ and “noble“ – to those who solely pride in human accomplishment. They are offered to the meek and humble; to those so crushed by hopelessness, that their primary longing is the joy only found in fellowship with God. Have you given him your life?

By George Slover

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 20,21)

The book of Jude begins with an exhortation to stand for “the faith“. The author recognizes the dangerous influence of false teachers that were turning the grace of God into “lewdness”.  (vs. 4) Jude follows with a vivid description of these apostates. (vs. 5-19)  From these corruptor’s who have occupied his pen, Jude now directs his readers toward final words of encouragement.

First, Jude’s readers are exhorted to “keep themselves” in God’s circle of love. The soul’s primary retreat is the love of God. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-38). 

Second, “the faith” which was mentioned in verse three is the objective standard they must cling to. Jude personalizes “the faith” (“your most holy faith”) because it had been delivered to them. The faith delivered by God, the gospel of Christ, is the only sure and solid foundation for our soul’s salvation. For this reason, Jude encourages them to build on this foundation. A better and more complete understanding of God‘s will is the best preventative against the false doctrine that was plaguing these disciples.

Next, this must be coupled with praying in the Holy Spirit. The spirit instructs us and helps us to ask according to God‘s will. The spirit suggest the manner of a prayer of sincerity and fervency. It is by this kind of prayer that the saint can become empowered to overcome the evil.

Finally, Jude’s words are linked to an expectation of God‘s mercy, and its ultimate end, eternal life. This inspired writer encourages his disciples to keep their hearts focused on the goal. It was through God‘s mercy that the people were called into a relationship with him. The final manifestation of mercy will be enjoying God‘s presence forever.

Dear reader where do you stand with God? The message of Jude is to persevere! One day you will enjoy the reward.

George Slover