"In that day," says the LORD, "I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast And those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, And the outcast a strong nation; So the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on, even forever. (Micah 4:6-7)

“In that day” seems to identify the marvelous promises mentioned here to the Gospel age. Remarkably these prophecies also describe the pathetic state of those who received God's blessings. “The lame” and “the outcast” represent an afflicted people. For centuries the Jews had suffered at the hands of various nations and her own unfaithful shepherds. However the Christ would but would relieve the afflicted of all nations.

The ministry of Jesus offers a clue as to who would receive his blessings. "He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives.” (Luke 4:18) Among the recipients were a social outcast that had five husbands, a  tax collector, and  a  harlot that rejoiced in the grace of God.

Human monarchs have promised to take up the calls of the downtrodden and have failed because they fail to serve the greatest needs of the human soul.  But Jesus, the King reaches the very heart of human need.  He lifts them from the dregs of sin and makes them a part of his remnant.

The “remnant” includes Jews and Gentiles who trust in Jesus (Romans 9:27-33). They are citizens of Christ heavenly kingdom, a holy nation, God's people (1 Peter 2:9-10).  And they have been chosen to bear fruit for God (Ephesians 2:10).

The Lord reigns over his people in Zion. When he is enthroned in one's heart something very special happens.  There is no one like him.  He heels our woes and gives us a special place with God.

Thankfully God's kingdom has come!  Those of all nations have entered and found righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.

By George Slover

"This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24)

This familiar verse seems to be connected to the promised Messiah.  He is the “stone rejected” by the builders which is the “chief cornerstone” or the foundation of God’s redeemed ones. (Acts 4:11,12) Thus, the Lord has given them a day in which they must rejoice.

There are certainly several significant days connected to the Messiah.  When the angels announced the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:11), they announced a new era and hope for the world.  At just the right time God sent his son into the world to redeem man. Jesus came fulfilling prophecy and healing the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives. Praise God!

Certainly, there are several significant days in Christ’s earthly ministry, but none more significant than his resurrection.  Jesus promised his disciples this would happen (Matthew 16:21). This was the day of all days! It was not the day of his birth or the day of his transfiguration, but the day of his resurrection.  Without this day there would be no victory over death.  Be glad and rejoice in it!

Because of his death and resurrection, other significant days are brought into the life of believers. One may recollect the time and place and circumstances where they were born again into the family of God. “Oh, happy day when Jesus washed my sins away!”

For 2000 years disciples have on each first day of the week been remembering his death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 20:7). Jesus promised (Matthew 26:29) his disciples that the “bread” and the “cup” would be a memorial of his death. Paul then instructed the believers at Corinth to commune with each other and the Lord, proclaiming His death, and awaiting His return (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).  Rejoice in it!

Surely the Lord brings a day of gladness to our hearts each day of our lives.  The close fellowship with God, the joyful service, and the ever brightening hope compel us to rejoice. One day these things will disburse into immortality and the people of God will eternally bask in the peace of heaven.  Praise God!

George Slover
 

Although my house is not so with God, Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire; Will He not make it increase? (2 Samuel 23:5)

The last words of David are recorded here. As he reflects upon his eventful life, he sees one constant: the remarkable presence of God. By God's grace David is the Lord's anointed and sweet psalmist of Israel.

In messianic tone, he marks out the qualifications of a truly good king (vs 4). Though David has come short of those marks there is one to come of whom David is his is type. Characterized by justice, the Lord’s rule shall be as refreshing as the morning sun (vs.4).

The Messiah’s rule will be marked by a covenant (vs.5). A “covenant” usually connotes a mutual agreement between two parties. However, this covenant focuses on the promises of God to David. God promises an everlasting kingdom offering the “sure mercies of David”.

The first noted quality of this covenant is its reliability and trustworthiness. It is marked by orderliness and security. It is well arranged because it is the product of God’s perfect wisdom, and suited to the deepest needs of man. It is guarded and preserved by God himself.  While men may question it, scorn it, and even attempt to twist it with their own traditions, God’s counsel remains unchanged.

“Everlasting” marks the enduring character of God's covenant.  God had promised David an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7: 12,13). It has an eternal king who is also a priest and Savior.  It was designed according to the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:11). God’s marvelous purpose was to bless men and women of every nation with the rights of citizenship in His kingdom.

“Salvation” is the blessing offered by this covenant. For this reason, both David as well as all of God's people look forward to an ultimate triumph over death, and a wonderful eternal inheritance.

The sure and steadfast promises of God surely rejoice our hearts. What a marvelous thought. Though I have been a wretched a failure, God, faithful and true to his promise, is determined to save me.

By George Slover

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by...” (Psalms 57:1)

At a recent worship service several of our men were asked to read a favorite scripture or lead a favorite song, and then relate the story behind the scripture or song.  Seventeen men led us in a service that lasted for an hour and forty-five minutes.

As each man spoke it occurred to me that each chosen passage pointed to a personal experience in the life of that person.  One of them spoke of losing his father and grandfather within a few short months, another of his little brother’s struggles with type-1 diabetes, another of when he realized the true meaning of a Bible passage that he misapplied for many years; and the list goes on and on. With each selection, there was a personal connection between God and the individual.

A few days ago I started reading Lee Strobel's, “The Case for Faith”.  Our worship service reminded me of an observation made in that book: "God didn't let Job suffer because he lacked love, but because he did love, in order to bring Job to the point of encountering God face-to-face, which is humanity’s supreme happiness.  Job's suffering hollowed out a big space for him so that God and joy could fill it.”

Skeptics point to pain and suffering to question the existence of God. Intellectually there are valid answers to their disputes, but when one's world is turned upside down it is not reason that comforts, but the reality of God.

And so on a Sunday afternoon, I got to know my brothers in Christ a little better. Indeed, we do live in a broken world.  However, the God who skeptics deny strengthens relationships, increases faith, and provides meaning and purpose for living like no other. 

By George Slover

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 
(2 Timothy 3:12)

An entitlement is a guarantee of access to something based on established rights or legislation. Often our feeling of entitlement is expressed in the form of rights. How this sense is expressed depends on one's political or moral perspective.

The generation born between 1982 to 2004, often called Millennials, tend to delay adulthood, and live with their parents for longer periods than previous generations. Some Millennials also tend to believe it is their right to have everything given to them.

However, Millennials are not the only ones to have this mentality.  The US government’s tax-funded entitlement programs have perpetuated a sense of dueness rather than a sense of pride and hard work.

Before this turns into a political rant, let’s bring the lesson to a spiritual application. I have observed even Christians who are politically opposed to many of the above-mentioned government programs, who have a strong work ethic, still expressing the entitlement mentality.

Just what has God promised his people? I realize we who live in the USA are richly blessed with liberties like no other society. Our freedom has provided unprecedented prosperity. But did God guarantee such prosperity or even physical happiness to his people?  

In your marriage, God did not promise the right of self-gratification. Instead, he demands commitment, self-denial, and self-sacrifice of both the husband and the wife.  (Ephesians 5:22-33) Yet, I have known of couples breaking their marriage vows because “its not working out” and “after-all God wants us to be happy”.

When tragedy strikes some disciples want to blame God for their problems. But God never promised “heaven on earth”. Instead, he allows human beings to be subject to the pain and futility of a sin-broken world. (Romans 8:21-22)

In Matthew 6:33 Jesus did not promise to make us rich. The “things” he promised were food, drink, and clothing. So where do we get the idea that we are entitled to be rich?

Just what did God promise his people? “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) True disciples have always been among the outcast of the world who rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

By George Slover