Who Is Your Shepherd?

Posted on by under Article, Love of God

In life, we often find ourselves playing the game of “Follow the Leader.” When the leader is trustworthy and wise, this can be a comfort. However, if the leader is unreliable, following can quickly become a problem. Thankfully, as Christians, we have a perfect leader to follow—Jesus, our Good Shepherd. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 53:6 that we all, like sheep, go astray. We are prone to wander and make mistakes without guidance. Psalm 23, perhaps the most beloved Psalm, is often read during times of loss, but its message is rich for everyday life. It reveals who our Shepherd is and describes three incredible blessings He offers His sheep.

I. The Good Shepherd Provides

Psalm 23:1-3 assures us, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This means we will lack nothing essential. Jesus provides for our physical and spiritual needs, as echoed in Matthew 6:25-26, where He teaches not to worry because God cares for us.

  • Rest and Nourishment: The Shepherd leads His sheep to green pastures—places of abundance, not scarcity. He ensures we are well fed and have time to rest and be renewed.
  • Peace and Comfort: He leads us beside still waters. Sheep are afraid of rushing water, so the Shepherd provides calm, safe places for us to drink and be refreshed. With Him, we find peace and comfort.
  • Spiritual Wholeness: God supplies all we need to be spiritually complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:4; 2 Peter 1:3). He restores our souls, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father through Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • Right Paths: The Good Shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness, guiding us in the right way, unlike bad shepherds who mislead their flocks (Ezekiel 34:1-6; John 10:1-2, 7-9). We cannot live unrighteously and expect to be on the right path.

II. The Good Shepherd Protects

Psalm 23:4-5 describes how the Shepherd’s presence removes our fear, even in the darkest valleys. The “valley of the shadow of death” is a place we would not choose to walk alone, but with the Shepherd, we have nothing to fear.

  • Comfort and Security: The Shepherd’s rod and staff are tools of protection, defending the sheep from danger (1 Samuel 17:34-36). God promises spiritual security, but we must stay close to Him.
  • Guidance and Leadership: In John 10:3-5, Jesus explains that the sheep recognize and follow the Shepherd’s voice, not the voice of a stranger. The sheepfold is a place of safety, and Jesus is the only true door to salvation and spiritual nourishment.
  • Knowing the Shepherd’s Voice: We must learn to discern the voice of Jesus through His word, so we are not misled by false teachings. The Good Shepherd does not promise an easy life, but He promises to lead and protect.
  • Ultimate Sacrifice: The Good Shepherd goes so far as to lay down His life for the sheep (John 10:11-15).

III. The Good Shepherd Preserves

Psalm 23:5-6 illustrates how the Shepherd preserves and blesses His sheep. He anoints their heads with oil to protect them from pests and disease, ensuring their health and well-being. This act is also a symbol of honor and care.

  • Abundant Blessings: The Psalmist says, “My cup runs over” (2 Corinthians 9:8-10). God not only meets our needs but provides in abundance.
  • Goodness and Mercy: By following Jesus, we experience God’s goodness. Without obedience, we face His severity (Romans 11:22). For those who obey, mercy triumphs over judgment, and salvation is our reward (John 10:14-15).
  • Eternal Security: The promise to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” points to our eternal reward in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Conclusion

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides, protects, and preserves His sheep. Yet, these blessings are not automatic. We must be attentive sheep—listening for His voice, discerning His word, and following Him closely. If we don’t listen, we miss out on His blessings. If we hear but don’t recognize or obey, we risk going astray, just as the demons recognize Jesus but do not submit to Him.

The Good Shepherd offers all we need for a spiritually full and abundant life. The question is: Who is your shepherd today? Are you following the Good Shepherd, or have you wandered away? The invitation is open—choose to follow Jesus and experience the blessings and security only He can provide.

Why Do The Wicked Prosper?

Posted on by under Article, Culture

It’s a question that has troubled people for generations: Why does it seem like those who do wrong often get away with it, while those who strive to do right face hardship? Whether it’s seeing others break the rules on the road or watching the wealthy escape justice with the help of top lawyers, the apparent prosperity of the wicked can be confusing. This dilemma is not new, it was pondered by Asaph, a musician appointed by King David, as recorded in Psalm 73. Asaph’s honest struggle with this question provides us with valuable insight.

Asaph observed that the wicked seemed to live lives of luxury and ease, free from the troubles that plagued others. In Psalm 73:2-12, he admits his own envy and discouragement, feeling as though his commitment to God was pointless when the boastful thrived. The wicked appeared to avoid consequences, buying their way out of trouble and living in comfort. Their arrogance and pride were on full display, yet they continued to prosper. This led Asaph—and can lead us—to question whether devotion to God is in vain, especially when suffering seems to be the reward for righteousness.

It’s easy to become discouraged when the world’s values seem upside down. The temptation to envy those who disregard God’s ways is real, especially when their lives look so appealing. Asaph’s pain was not just intellectual; it was emotional, making him question the very purpose of his faith.

However, Asaph’s perspective shifts when he considers the bigger picture—eternity (Psalm 73:17-20). He realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. Their foundation is slippery, and their end is destruction. Wealth and abundance, while desirable, can become obstacles to following God if they become the ultimate goal. The laughter and comfort of the wicked will not last; judgment awaits.

In contrast, the destiny of the righteous is secure (Psalm 73:21-26). Asaph admits his own ignorance and grief, but he remembers that God is always with him, guiding and ultimately welcoming him into glory. The true value lies not in temporary success, but in an eternal relationship with God. Jesus is described as our advocate, the ultimate “legal dream team” for eternity (1 John 2:1).

It’s easy to be blinded by the world’s definition of success and comfort. The apparent lack of justice can make us question our values and choices. But Psalm 73 reminds us that the story isn’t over—the wicked will face judgment, and the righteous will be rewarded for their faithfulness. Sometimes, being caught when we do wrong is a blessing, steering us back to the right path.  The real question is: How shall we live? What will we value? The invitation is clear, don’t be on the outside looking in. Trust in God’s testimony and remember that true prosperity is found not in what we gain in this world, but in what awaits us in eternity.

Create in Me a Clean Heart

Posted on by under Article, Repentance

In life, we often wish for a “do-over” – a chance to correct our mistakes and start anew. Whether it’s a questionable call in a game or a misstep in our personal lives, the desire to erase our errors and begin again is universal. This sentiment is vividly captured in the story of David, who sought a “do-over” after his grievous sin with Bathsheba. David’s journey from sin to repentance is a powerful reminder that our worst moments do not have to define us. Instead, with genuine repentance and a change of heart, we can seek forgiveness and renewal.

Appeal

David’s plea for mercy is expressed in Psalm 51:1-2. He begs for compassion, acknowledging that he has no claim to the favor he seeks. His appeal is not based on his own goodness but on God’s steadfast love and tender mercies. David’s hope to restore his covenant relationship with God is a testament to his faith in God’s unending love. Romans 12:1 reminds us that God’s tender mercies are available to us as well, but we must not conform to this world. Like David, we must seek to be free from sin’s pollution, asking God to blot out, wash, and cleanse us thoroughly.

Confession

In Psalm 51:3-5, David’s confession is heartfelt and sincere. He acknowledges his sin, recognizing that his attempts to hide it have failed. His sin is ever before him, and he understands that he has sinned not just against Uriah and Bathsheba, but against God. David’s acknowledgment of his sin is a crucial step in his repentance. He does not make excuses or shift blame; instead, he owns his actions and expresses true sorrow. This godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance, as David seeks to be free from the guilt and punishment of his transgressions.

Restoration

David’s desire for restoration is evident in Psalm 51:6-9. He understands that sin separates him from God and longs to be restored to his position as one of God’s children. David’s plea to be purged with hyssop, washed, and cleansed reflects his deep desire for purity. He seeks complete cleansing, knowing that only God can make him whiter than snow. David’s request to blot out his iniquities and restore joy and gladness highlights his yearning for a renewed relationship with God.

Inward Renewal

Psalm 51:10-12 reveals David’s understanding that only God can give him a clean heart and a fresh start. While David must repent of his sins, it is only God who can create in him a clean heart and renew his spirit. David’s plea not to be cast away from God’s presence or lose the Holy Spirit reflects his fear of losing the special relationship he once had with God. He seeks to be restored to the joy of salvation, desiring to be as innocent as he was before his sin.

Humble Worship

David’s forgiveness serves as a lesson to others, as seen in Psalm 51:13-17. He recognizes that worship and sacrifices are empty and worthless if one is not living right with God. David’s desire to get back in line with God and offer acceptable worship reflects his understanding that true worship comes from a humble and contrite heart. He knows that God does not desire sacrifices that represent failure but seeks a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

Acceptable Sacrifices

In Psalm 51:18-19, David acknowledges that once we are back in fellowship with God, our sacrifices become productive and pleasing to Him. He emphasizes the importance of doing good and offering sacrifices in spirit and truth. David’s journey from sin to repentance and restoration serves as a powerful reminder that we too can have a “do-over.” By owning our mistakes, confessing our sins, and seeking God’s forgiveness, we can be restored to a right relationship with Him.

None of us are perfect, and we all fall victim to sin. The key is how we respond to our failures. Like David, we must take responsibility for our actions, confess our sins to the Lord, and appeal to Him for forgiveness and cleansing. Only God can create in us a clean heart and restore us to a right relationship with Him. True repentance involves a change of mind and heart, and it starts with us. By looking inward and seeking God’s forgiveness, we can experience the joy of being restored to His fold and having His Spirit with us. Then, when we are restored to Him, our worship and sacrifices will be pleasing to God, and we will enjoy the joy of heaven.

Taste and See That the Lord is Good

Posted on by under Article, Christian Living

In times of crisis, we often find ourselves relying on our own strength until we can no longer manage. We might turn to first responders like the police, fire department, or even the National Guard in severe situations. However, as children of God, we have the best responder in any crisis. He is our refuge, our strength, our shield, and our defender. He is the One who can deliver us, not just physically but spiritually as well. This is a truth that Daniel’s friends understood (Daniel 3:16-18) and that David also comprehended, as seen in Psalm 34.

Give Thanks With Me

David, in his time of trouble, did not rely on himself for deliverance. He knew it was the Lord who heard him and delivered him (Psalm 34:1-10). David is committed to ceaseless praise, praising the Lord at all times, in both good and bad times. Even while in the clutches of Achish and his men, David’s first response was to praise God. His soul boasted not in himself but in the Lord. The humble and afflicted would hear and be glad. David shared his story for God’s glory, magnifying the Lord and exalting His name together. David’s prayer was answered with total deliverance, and he knew that when we look to the Lord, we will not be ashamed or disappointed. The Lord saved David from all his troubles, anxieties, and distress.

Learn From Me

What is truly good is to be in league with God, to be on His side (Psalm 34:11-22). David reveals three secrets in this passage:

  1. The Secret of the Good Life (Psalm 34:11-14): David invites us to learn from him, emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord. He was not afraid of Goliath or Saul because he put his fear and trust in the Lord. To receive the Lord’s blessings, protection, and deliverance, we must keep our tongue from evil, depart from evil, and do good. We should use our tongue to speak well and seek peace.
  2. The Secret of Facing Trouble (Psalm 34:15-18): When we face trouble, our first line of defense should be to cry out to the Lord in prayer. We must strive to be righteous, as the Lord’s eyes are upon the righteous, and He hears their cries. The Lord delivers us from all our troubles, anxieties, and distress. He is near to those who are afflicted, broken-hearted, and crushed in spirit.
  3. The Secret of Deliverance (Psalm 34:19-22): Because of the kinship we share as part of the family of God, the Lord can deliver us. He safeguards us, sides with us against our opponents, and offers Himself as an available refuge.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Only He can redeem our souls. Only through His grace and the blood of Christ can we be bought back from sin. We need to give thanks to God for His great deliverance, just as David did. We need to learn from David, putting God first in our response to crisis, leaning upon Him, trusting Him, and fearing Him. We must understand that we have to do our part to receive the blessings and the great gift of God. He is near, He is our Father, and Jesus is our Brother. We are part of the family of God if we are Christians. Don’t you want some of that? Taste and see.

If The Foundations Be Destroyed

Posted on by under Article, Christian Living, Love of God

In times of crisis, we often face the dilemma of whether to fight or flee. The fight or flight response is a natural reaction that occurs when we are faced with a threat. As a child growing up in a tough neighborhood, the decision to fight or flee might depend on the number of antagonists. In Psalm 11 David’s trust in the Lord is highlighted. The Lord will protect His own, regardless of what is happening in the world. Even if society breaks down, the righteous must remain upright and rely on the Lord. It’s easy to run, but sometimes God needs us to take a stand.

Flee as a Bird

Presented as the only choice, Psalm 11:1-3 discusses the idea of fleeing when the foundations are destroyed. David, who had great faith in God, was advised to run during times of danger. There were instances in David’s life when he had to flee, such as when Saul wanted to kill him, and he ran to Nob, the wilderness, the stronghold, Moab, and Philistia. Similarly, when Absalom tried to take the throne, David was advised to flee as a bird to the mountains. Birds don’t stand and fight when threatened; they flee and fly away, making it difficult to track them in the mountain forests.

This advice might have been insincere and not in David’s best interest, similar to the advice given in Luke 13:31-32. The wicked bend their bow, and the imagery of an assassin waiting in the dark to shoot is used in Psalm 11:2. Psalms are poetic and often use figurative language, with arrows and shooting referring to the tongue and harsh words, as seen in Psalm 64:3-4. David is told to flee, but he hears the wicked wagging their tongues against the upright.

How does it make us feel when others speak against God or His holy word? Do we want to run away? Are we afraid of them? If the foundations are destroyed, will we tell the truth even if it is labeled as hate speech by society? David is told that the righteous can do nothing but flee in such situations. This psalm might not refer to a specific instance in David’s life, but it brings to mind the Philistines and Goliath in Samuel 17. David was sent to take supplies to his brothers, who had been arrayed in battle against the Philistines for 40 days. He was told to flee back home, as the battlefield was no place for a young shepherd boy. However, David heard Goliath wagging his tongue against the armies of Israel, speaking against God. David saw this as a test, and he had faith in the God who had always delivered him.

Stand and Fight

David could fight because the foundation of God is sure and steadfast. Rather than fleeing to the mountains, David put his trust in the Lord, as seen in Psalm 11:4-7. The Lord is in His holy temple, not on earth, as the temple had not been built yet. His throne is in heaven, and He sees everything, knowing if we are men or mice. God makes a careful examination of us during our lifetime. He wants to see if we will trust in Him. We should count it all joy when tested, as the Lord tested Abraham, Moses, and Israel. David’s battle with Goliath was a test, and while Saul and the rest of the army failed, David had faith in God.

God hates the wicked and those who love violence. David didn’t rush into battle because he loved violence, but to defend the glory of the Lord. The wicked will be punished, as seen in Psalm 11:6, and will not stand in the day of Judgment. The Lord is righteous and just, loving what is right and executing judgment. He looks with favor upon the upright, and the foundations of the Lord are strong and everlasting. We should desire to see His face and do what is right to receive His favor.

We must decide whether to fight or flee when the moment comes. We are not told to flee from the devil but to resist him, and he will flee from us. God has not given us a spirit of timidity but wants us to put on the armor of God and stand, placing our trust in Him like David did. Even if the world collapses, the foundation of God is solid and reliable. The Lord examines us and wants to see us doing what is right, passing the test, and receiving His favor. The final exam is coming, and we must be prepared to stand and fight, relying on the strength of the Lord.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Posted on by under Article, Love of God

People sometimes fear the dark, especially kids. This fear can make it hard to get them to bed. They might need a night light, or a parent to check the closet, or under the bed. Similarly, David had a dark chapter in his kingship when his throne was being usurped by Absalom, his son (2 Sam. 15:13-14). David had to flee from Jerusalem, and he might have wondered if this was punishment for his sin with Bathsheba. He was told that because of his sin the sword would not depart from his house (2 Sam. 12:10-11). David was in despair, questioning if the Lord had departed from him, but he continued to show resolve. He sent the ark back into Jerusalem, saying that if God was happy with him, he would return (2 Sam. 15:26). Even though we might have dark times, God still rules, and there is peace in God. With God, we can pillow our heads and sleep.

Surpassed by Enemies

David had become outnumbered and surpassed by his enemies (Psalm 3:1-2). Absalom had worked on the people and stole their hearts, even getting one of David’s trusted allies to join him (2 Sam. 15:12). David’s enemies increased, and they rose up against him, declaring Absalom to be king. It may have looked to both these enemies and David that God was not going to help him (Psalm 71:10-11). In 2 Sam. 16:5-8, a man from Saul’s kin, Shimei, mocked David, saying that God was punishing him for seizing the throne from Saul. David did not seize the kingdom from Saul; God made David king once Saul was dead. One of David’s nephews wanted to take Shimei’s head off, but David was in distress and had enough (2 Sam. 16:10-12). It may have looked like this was part of his punishment, but that was not the case. We can feel in despair when the world and worldly people keep increasing, and it might look like a dark hour for us. We need to remember who is in charge.

Protected by God

Things may have looked bleak, but David realized that God was still with him (Psalm 3:3-4). He had God’s protection, as if a shield was around him (Psalm 5:12, Psalm 28:7). The Lord was David’s glory, and David correctly ascertained that it was not all about himself.  He wanted to glorify the Lord. He knew that if he glorified the Lord, the Lord would glorify him and lift up his head (2 Sam. 15:30). David’s head would indeed be lifted up again, meaning that Absalom would not be victorious. David was still God’s king, and God heard him from His holy hill (Psalm 2:6). God had made David king, not Absalom. When things look bleak for us, we should remember who is ruling in heaven. He is the one who will save us and lift our heads.

Peace of Mind

David was on the run, but he could lay down and sleep, confident that the Lord had heard him (Psalm 3:5-6). He had peace of mind that allowed him to pillow his head at night and sleep, knowing that God had his back. Even if not physically, if he should die before he wakes, he knew that the Lord sustained him and kept him safe. The Lord lifted his head in the morning and gave him life. We should not say we are going to go here or there, make a year happen, and make a profit. Instead, if the Lord wills, we will live. The Lord allowed us to wake up this morning, and we should not be afraid even if surrounded. We can have peace of mind even if we are surrounded in this world, knowing that the Lord is with us if we are doing His will. If we are in a good relationship with God, we don’t need to worry and can lay down and go to sleep. If we are not right with God, we might have a hard time resting, and it is something that would need to be rectified..

Salvation in the Lord

David called on the Lord to arise and take care of business (Psalm 3:7-8). The battle belongs to the Lord, and He is not going to allow someone to overthrow His king. David trusted in the Lord to save him, as no one else could. God had struck David’s enemies in the past, and thus David could have faith and trust in the Lord. David’s foes had become “toothless” and powerless since salvation belongs to the Lord. He is the only option (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). We must be humble and glorify Him, and He will lift us up. There is no victory worth having that is not rooted in the Lord. The Lord is a blessing not just to David and Israel, but to all His people, including us. The Lord blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.

David was on the run and surrounded, but even so, he could pillow his head and sleep, having peace from the Lord. We can lay down and sleep knowing we belong to the Lord and have peace of mind, even if outnumbered in the world or scared of the dark. None of that matters if we are on the Lord’s side. David was on the Lord’s side, and God sustained him and lifted his head. God can take care of us and lift our heads too. If we are not on His side, we might have trouble sleeping, as our conscience may be bothering us. Soon we will go home and lay down to sleep. What kind of sleep do you want? Will your soul be safe in the arms of Jesus? If not, fix that.

Resistance is Futile

Posted on by under Article, Christian Living

The phrase “Resistance is futile” is often associated with the Borg from the Star Trek Next Generation series, but it also carries a profound spiritual message. We can explore the futility of resistance in the context of Psalm 2, drawing parallels between the unstoppable force of God and the foolishness of opposing His will.

The Nations Rage

Psalm 2:1-3 highlights the age-old struggle of humanity against God. From the rebellion of Satan in the Garden of Eden to the defiance of nations against King David, biblical history has many examples of futile resistance. The plans of those who oppose God are ultimately in vain, as they battle against the Almighty and His Anointed. In the immediate context, this refers to David, anointed by Samuel and recognized as king by his tribe and all of Israel. However, this resistance is even more significant when directed against Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One, who faced opposition and crucifixion.

God’s King Reigns

Despite the raging of nations, God’s response is one of derision. Psalm 2:4-9 depicts God laughing at the arrogance of those who plot against Him. He holds them accountable for their actions, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord. David, as God’s chosen king, was invincible against his enemies, and this is even more true for Jesus, God’s Son. Jesus’ reign is unassailable, as He rules with a rod of iron, as can be seen in Revelation 12:5 and 19:15.

Choose Wisely

Psalm 2:10-12 serves as a warning to the nations and their rulers. The path to wisdom and success lies in serving the Lord with fear and submitting to His authority. Victory comes through surrender, and true allegiance is shown by “kissing the Son,” a gesture of reverence and submission. This call to embrace Jesus is not just for the rulers of nations but for all individuals. Trusting in Him is the only way to be blessed and secure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the message of Psalm 2 is clear: resistance against God is futile. Throughout history, many have tried to oppose Him, but God’s power and authority are undefeated. We are invited to place our trust in Him, recognizing that He will ultimately be victorious. Embracing Jesus is our only hope.  It is Jesus who leads us to a path of true victory and eternal life.

The Blessed Man of Psalm 1

Posted on by under Christian Living

Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

These are the opening verses of Psalm 1.  This Psalm is sort of the introduction to the whole Book of Psalms.  It sets the stage for the ongoing discussion of what the righteous man is like, what he does, what he thinks about, and what he avoids.

This psalm kicks off by telling us what a truly blessed life doesn’t look like. It’s an important warning: watch where you’re walking, who you’re listening to, and what you’re settling into. There’s a kind of slide that can happen:

  • First, you just walk alongside the wrong crowd.
  • Then you stop and linger where trouble hangs out.
  • Before you know it, you’re sitting down, totally comfortable with scoffing and cynicism.

It’s subtle. And that’s the danger. The path away from God rarely feels dramatic—it’s usually slow and sneaky.

Then we have the flip side.  The person who’s truly blessed loves the things God says. They’re not just checking the Bible off a reading list. They delight in it. They chew on it, mull it over, carry it in their minds during quiet moments or busy days.  They spend time meditating on the word of God.  God’s Word becomes like a favorite song stuck in your head.  It becomes a guide for our lives.

This kind of person, someone who chooses God’s wisdom over the world’s noise, is like a strong tree planted near water (Psalm 1:3). Even when life gets tough, their soul doesn’t dry up. Their life shows purpose and their faith continues to grow, season after season.  The person who has God’s word at the center of their life is able to truly prosper in what they do.  It may not look like what the world considers success, but it is a life that is pleasing to God.

In today’s world, it’s easy to be swept along by whatever’s trending. But Psalm 1 reminds us that where we walk, stand, and sit—who we listen to and what we value—shapes our life more than we think.  So here’s a simple challenge.  Take a moment today to ask yourself, “What voices am I letting shape me?” And maybe crack open your Bible—not just to read it, but to let it shape you into the person God wants you to be.

Boldly Approaching God’s Throne

Posted on by under Christian Living, Love of God

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).

            Oftentimes we may look at prayer as a commanded ritual or a timid request before a distant God.  While we must be humble before God, the Hebrews writer paints a different picture with regards to our prayer life.  God wants us to draw near to Him with confidence.  He wants us to come boldly before His throne to receive grace and mercy.  Our confidence in so doing doesn’t come from ourselves or what we have merited by our own actions.  It is only because of the work of Jesus upon the cross that we have this access through our High Priest (Hebrews 10:19-22).

            Jesus is a High Priest who understands us.  He came down from heaven and dwelt among us (John 1:14).  While He had no faults or sins of His own, He has been tempted in all ways like we have.  There is no temptation that we face that Jesus has not overcome Himself.  When we speak to the Father through Jesus, we have a mediator who can empathize with our struggles.

            Prayer for us should never be a burden.  It is a magnificent lifeline direct to the throne of God.  Men living before the cross of Jesus did not have this kind of access to God.        However, since Jesus shed His blood for us, and since we can make contact with that blood through baptism (being buried with Him – Romans 6:3-4), we can now approach the throne of God 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

            We don’t have to come with timidity, like the human high priests did once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).  We can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that we are His beloved children, and that He longs to hear from us.

Isn’t That Convenient

Posted on by under Christian Living, Culture, Doctrine

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience has become a significant aspect of our daily lives. The definition of convenience often involves little trouble or effort, and we tend to favor it because it allows us to avoid going out of our way and makes it easier to be lazy. However, convenience is not always beneficial.

While convenience can make our lives easier, it can also lead to negative consequences. For instance, it can cause us to overspend. Imagine needing something that costs $10, but you end up spending $50 to get free shipping, thinking you saved $4.99 in shipping fees. Additionally, convenience can lead to loneliness. With apps that allow us to order food and complete transactions without speaking to anyone, our electronic devices have made things easier but at what cost?

There was a time in the history of Israel when convenience became a significant problem. Solomon’s sins, as mentioned in 1 Kings 11:29-33, led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah. Jeroboam took ten tribes to the North and, in an attempt to make worship easier for his subjects, he built and fortified a new capital city, Shechem, in the tribal area of Ephraim. He was more concerned about maintaining his power than the well-being of his subjects, fearing they would return to the house of David if they went to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices.

Jeroboam’s solution was to make worship easy for his subjects by setting up two golden calves, with one in Bethel and one in Dan. This act was reminiscent of the golden calf incident in Exodus 32. The people, preferring the convenience, accepted this new form of worship. However, this was not the worship the Lord desired. It was in the wrong place, in the wrong manner, with the wrong priests, and directed towards the wrong subject.

Choosing convenience over what God wants can lead to dire consequences. Jeroboam’s actions led to punishment in the days of Josiah, as prophesied in 1 Kings 13:1-2 and fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15-16. Amos was sent to Israel with a message that they would be led away captive, as mentioned in Amos 7:10-13. If we choose convenience over God’s commands, our worship becomes vain and useless.

God desires what He wants, and it might not always be convenient for us. It may not be a convenient time or place, and there may be other things we would rather be doing. However, convenience does not please the Lord. Our heart and desire must be for Him, and we should want to do what pleases the Lord, even if it requires effort. Choosing convenience over God’s commands can lead to consequences we do not want to face. Instead, we should desire to be with Him in eternity.