Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed…" (Psalms 2:1-2)

The second Psalm is ascribed to David (Acts 4:25) and is no doubt Messianic.  The Psalmist foresees mankind conspiring to harm God’s Anointed.  However, he also acknowledges the Messiah to be God’s son, and he foresees Him ruling as king on God’s holy hill, Zion.

The Psalm begins by posing a question: Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? He sees the Messiah on his throne, but he also sees the enemies rising up to thwart God’s cause.  Hence the question; “Why”?  “What is wrong with mankind?”  “Why does he rage?”  People to this day still resist Jesus and some would do anything to eradicate His influence.  Why do they imagine vain things?  What a terrible picture we have of the disposition of man!

Why do men reject such an incredible story of love?  Paul says:  But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)  Certainly, no man is wise enough to devise, nor even dream that God would reach down to redeem the one who rebelled against him!  Psalm 2 foresees the Messiah’s sacrificial death!

Why do men resist Jesus when he offers so much hope?  In Acts 13:30-33 Luke connects the good news of Jesus’ resurrection to the predictions of Psalm 2.  As incredible as it may seem, the Bible claims that Jesus was killed and buried and three days later he came back to life.  Because of the resurrection of Jesus, man has the opportunity to live on and on in eternal glory when he leaves this world!

Why do men refuse Jesus when he directs them toward a wonderful well-ordered life?  Jesus said:  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)  The Sermon on the Mount begins with “blessed” describing the joyful state of mind of those who imitate the character described here.  Anyone who has ever experienced it will readily admit a life of “godliness” is truly profitable.  (I Timothy 4:8)

Why do men reject Jesus when his story is backed by so much evidence?  Credible witnesses plainly testified of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  They saw him when he wrought wonders and signs by the power of God.  They heard him utter profound, practical truths.  They looked into Old Testament prophecy and witnessed its fulfillment before their very eyes.

Why do men turn Jesus away?  Why do they rage against him?  Does your heart yearn in love and pity for those who walk in darkness?  Then let us boldly share God’s message and plead with the few who will receive it!

By George Slover

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. “ (Hebrew 11:7)

Noah had the right kind of faith, the kind that got results.  He had the kind of faith that pleased God.  When most of the world did not believe, Noah did! 

His faith resulted in the saving of his house.  He would not have been considered the greatest personal worker, but his strong faith led his family to also believe.  This was remarkable in an extremely wicked world.  Thus, eight precious souls were spared from the terrible flood. By his faith, he also condemned the world.  His righteous conduct and love for God judged all of those who rejected the Lord.  By faith, he became an heir of righteousness meaning that through faith he was forgiven of sin and gained fellowship with God.  Thus, Noah saved himself and his family.  What were some features of such a faith?

First, Noah’s faith was intellectual.  It was not a blind leap in the dark, as some would have us to believe.  God warned him of the flood. Noah considered the evidence, and though he has never seen a flood, he still believes! 

Second, Noah’s faith was emotional.  He “moved with godly fear”.  An acceptance of God’s justice will lead to such fear and an acceptance of his mercy will result in praise!  “And when I think that God his Son not sparing sent to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross my burdens gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin, then sings my soul, my savior God to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art!”

Third, his faith was active. He prepared an ark to the saving of his household.  “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did”.  (Genesis 6:22)  Such a faith is the kind that God accepts, (James 2:14-26) and will result in God’s forgiveness.   
What kind of faith do you have?  Is it dead?  Or, is it alive and actively trusting God and obeying him to the redemption of your soul?

By George Slover

"So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them. (Exodus 2:24-25)

As Israel grew and multiplied in Egypt, another Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph.  This new ruler in Egypt subjected the Israelites to forced labor and threatened to kill Israel’s baby boys.  This oppression would last for more than eighty years (Acts 7:17-36) before Moses would arrive to deliver them.

During this time Ramses II died and another Pharaoh took the throne.  On their ascension, such kings would often reverse the policy of the previous ruler.  But this new monarch disappointed the hopes of the Israelites.  Thus, they cried still more for freedom.

Israel’s sighs and groans during this long period were recorded and treasured in God’s ledger.  He must wean them of their attachment to Egypt and discipline them for the hardships of the desert.  Just at the time appointed, he sent Moses to rescue them.

This enslavement in Egypt mirrors the pitiful condition of the human race.  For thousands of years, mankind has grouped in darkness looking for a purpose and hope. (Romans 8:22,23)  There is in every human a yearning for something better than this earthly existence.   At just the right time God sent his Son into the world to deliver man from the pollution of the World.  (II Peter 2:20)  

God hears the cries of the contrite.  We must never grow weary or listless, for if we seek him with an honest heart, he will release us from the bondage of sin, and lead us to the Promised Land.   

By George Slover

“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.” (Psalms 27:4)
 

Here the Psalmist suggests a focus and a single mind.  “One thing” implies the steadfast eye and a single purpose.  This resolve influences everything else.  It suggests that there is no other pursuit that will compare with this one thing!   This goal is loftier than the pursuit of gold and silver!  (Matthew 6:19,20)

Next, this great prize will not be found without effort.  It must be sought!  The Psalmist states that he is willing to make the sacrifice to find it.  God commands, “seek my face” (vs.8)!  The Psalmist answers, “Your face Lord I will seek”. (vs.8) Furthermore, the poet implores, “Teach me, your way, Oh Lord”. (vs.11)  The writer is willing to make a diligent effort to find his prize.
  

Next, the Psalmist’s seeks 1) to “dwell in the house of the Lord”, 2)  “to behold his beauty”, and 3) “to inquire in his temple”.  (vs. 4)  Here he expresses his desire:  1) to worship God, 2) to appreciate God’s awesomeness and graciousness, and 3) to know God’s will.  These three may also be summarized as “fellowship” with God.  This sweet communion with God is the Psalmist’s single pursuit.   As a favorite hymn states “I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy, you alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye.”

Finally, he has assurance that his pursuit will result in God’s protection in troubling times, “for he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret place of his tabernacle.” (vs.5)  “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” (vs. 10) When his world falls apart he knows that God will be his helper. 
Therefore, he exhorts us to “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”  (vs. 14)
 

By George Slover

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."'   (Numbers 6:22-27)

In the midst of stern commandments and restrictions is recorded this well-known benediction.  Similar sentiments are also expressed in apostolic literature.  (II Corinthians 12:13)  It is an expression of what God really wants for his people. 

The LORD bless you and keep you.  The Lord is the keeper of Israel.  He promises to provide and preserve.  It is by this same care that our world is sustained.  (Acts 14:15-17)  God graciously supplies all that man needs both physically and spiritually.  Among God’s people, there should be the security (Matthew 6:33) that God will meet every need to those who seek Him first.

The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you.  God’s shining countenance is the assurance of pardon and salvation!  Just as a child feels the difference between the shining or darkened face of a mother, the Christian pleads for God’s approval.  God wishes to heap His favors upon us.

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.  This third clause seems to repeat the second but in a stronger form.  To lift the eyes upon anyone is to gaze with a keen interest.  God furnishes his children with all of the tools necessary for continued fellowship. He will guide and shelter any who will submit to his discipline.  The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

God’s mercies are everlasting to everlasting.  If we are at peace with Him in hearty and diligent obedience, nothing else matters.

By George Slover