Category Archives: Christian Living

Me In The Middle

Posted on by under Christian Living, Culture, Current Events

Happy Birthday, America! As we think about the 250 years of history that have shaped this nation, we recognize that our story is still short compared with many countries around the world. Even so, Americans deeply value independence. We appreciate the power of the people, the ability to govern ourselves, and the freedom to make our own laws, regulations, and decisions.

There is nothing wrong with loving our country. Patriotism can be honorable and meaningful. But love for country can also develop into something unhealthy when it becomes centered only on self. If we are not careful, independence can become an excuse to make everything about us—our desires, our preferences, our rights, and our will. In that way, we begin to want “me in the middle” of everything.

When it comes to who we are and what we stand for, we often discover that “me” is already in the middle. It appears in our attitudes, our focus, our priorities, and the things we consider most important. The question is not whether we will be involved in our lives; of course we will. The question is whether self will rule the center, or whether God will.

With that in mind, let us consider five things that either already have “me” in the middle or need to have “me” in the middle in the right way.

Pride

Pride is one of the clearest examples of self sitting in the center. Pride says, “I can do this by myself. I know best. I do not need correction, help, or guidance.” Scripture warns against that attitude. Proverbs 16:18-19 teaches that pride goes before destruction and that a haughty spirit comes before a fall. If we believe we can succeed entirely on our own, we are already headed toward failure. True success requires humility before the Lord.

Pride also causes us to love the wrong things. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul describes people who are lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, disobedient, ungrateful, and without self-control. That is the attitude that says life is all about me—my money, my desires, my wishes, and my way. When self takes over, love for others and love for God are pushed aside.

To change, ignore, or dismiss what God has said takes pride. It is arrogant to live as if we control everything. James 4:13-17 reminds us that life is a vapor. We may make plans for a year, a business, or a future, but we do not have the power to guarantee even tomorrow. The proper perspective is to say, “If the Lord wills.” When we boast in our own arrogance, James says such boasting is evil. Pride does not merely make us look foolish; it leads us into sin.

Sin

Sin is missing the mark. It is failing to become what God calls us to be and refusing to do what God commands. 1 John 3:4 describes sin as transgression of God’s law. Without law, there can be no sin; but because God has spoken, we are accountable to Him.

Sin is also centered on self. Think about nearly any sin and ask what is at its heart. Again and again, the answer is selfishness: “I want what I want, when I want it, whether God approves or not.” David knew in his heart that his sin with Bathsheba was wrong, but he pursued what he wanted. For a time, he may have thought he had escaped the consequences, but Nathan confronted him, and David came to understand the seriousness of his sin. In Psalm 51:4, he confessed that his sin was ultimately against God.

We may be tempted to think our sin is no big deal. We may tell ourselves that we did not hurt anyone or that we are only doing what we like to do. But all sin harms our relationship with God. Isaiah 59:1-2 teaches that sin separates us from Him. That separation is not what God wants. He desires all people to come to repentance and salvation, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Timothy 2:4.

When we put our wants and desires first—when pride and arrogance rule us—we are led into sin. Yet just as these evil things can have “me” in the middle, there are also good things that require personal involvement. No one else can believe, have faith, or live faithfully for us.

Believe

To believe is to have conviction based on testimony that something is true or that someone is reliable. In this sense, “me” must truly be in the middle. No one else can believe for me. It is not enough that my parents believe, that my congregation believes, or that people around me believe. Belief must become personal.

Joshua 24:14-15 shows that each person must decide whom they will serve. It is not enough to rely on the faith of our fathers, even if they served the true God. Just as we do not inherit sin from our ancestors, we do not inherit belief from them either. Ezekiel 18:19-20 reminds us that each person is accountable for his or her own response to God.

Salvation requires personal belief. John 3:16 emphasizes that whoever believes in the Son may have eternal life. In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer was told to believe in the Lord Jesus. Even then, it was not enough for one member of the household to believe for everyone else; each person had to respond. Closely connected with belief is faith.

Faith

To have faith in God is to trust Him and take Him at His word. Faith is closely related to belief, but it goes beyond simply knowing that God exists. Hebrews 11:6 teaches that without faith it is impossible to please God. That faith must be our own. It has to have “me” in the middle—not in a selfish way, but in the sense of personal responsibility and personal trust.

Faith directs the way we live. Proverbs 3:5-7 calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. That kind of faith overcomes pride because it refuses to be wise in its own eyes. It trusts God to direct the path.

Habakkuk 2:4 says that the righteous will live by faith. Living by faith means more than saying the right words. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 did not merely claim to believe; they acted. Again and again, the chapter says “by faith,” and each example shows faith moving someone to obey God. Faith is not passive. It calls us to act, and no one can do that for us.

Going

One of the things I must do is be going. As I go through life, I need to ask whether I am involved in what God wants me to do. Matthew 28:19-20 gives the charge to go and make disciples. I may not be able to travel everywhere in the world, but as I am going, I can share the gospel with those I meet. For some people, I may be the only Christian they meaningfully interact with.

Going also includes going to the Lord in prayer. Matthew 6:6 reminds us of the personal nature of prayer. Others can pray for us, and we should pray for one another, but God also wants to hear from me. I need to be personally involved in going to Him.

At the same time, we must make sure we are not going astray. Hebrews 2:1 warns that it is possible to drift. Even after being saved, we can begin to move in the wrong direction if we do not pay careful attention. We must stay on the path that leads to God and go forth to Him, as Hebrews 13:13 urges. If we are going to heaven, we must remain faithful to Him.

Conclusion

We love independence. We appreciate freedom, the ability to make choices, and the opportunity to take responsibility for our lives. Freedom is a great blessing. But we must also understand our dependence upon God. We need Him for everything.

We can find ourselves in the middle of pride, living only to fulfill our own desires. We can find ourselves in the middle of sin, doing wrong and refusing to accept responsibility. But we also need to be in the middle of believing, because no one else can believe for us. We need to be in the middle of our faith, because our trust in God must be personal, active, and growing.

So the invitation is simple: where do you find yourself in the middle this day? Is self at the center in pride and sin, or are you personally placing yourself in the middle of belief, faith, and faithfully going with God?

The Wheat and The Tares

Posted on by under Christian Living, Doctrine
Golden wheat field with tractor and farmhouse under partly cloudy sky

Introduction

Have you ever planted a garden and struggled to tell the difference between young plants and weeds? Many gardeners, especially those starting from seed, find it difficult to distinguish between the two. This challenge is at the heart of the biblical Parable of the Tares, which follows the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. Both parables use agricultural imagery to teach about the growth and spread of God’s kingdom, but the Parable of the Tares introduces a new element: the presence of weeds among the wheat.

God Sows the Good Seed

In Matthew 13:24-27, Jesus describes a man who sows good seed in his field. Unlike cheap seed mixed with weeds, this seed is pure. Jesus later explains that He Himself is the sower, spreading the good seed—the Word of God—throughout the world. Just as Jesus scattered the seed everywhere, believers are called to do the same, sharing the message in all places and circumstances (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Colossians 1:5-6).

The field represents the world, and the good seed produces the “sons of the kingdom”—those who are obedient and fruitful (Matthew 12:46-50). However, alongside the wheat, tares (weeds) also grow. In the Mediterranean, a weed called darnel closely resembles wheat until it matures. Roman law even punished those who sowed darnel among wheat as an act of revenge, highlighting the real-life relevance of Jesus’ parable. When harvest time comes, the wheat is gathered and preserved, while the tares are burned—a clear reference to Judgment Day (Matthew 13:40-43).

Satan Sows the Bad Seed

The parable continues in Matthew 13:27-28, where an enemy deliberately sows bad seed among the good. This isn’t just a case of mixed seed; it’s a second, malicious sowing. Jesus identifies the enemy as Satan, who sows chaos, lies, and confusion in the world (Matthew 13:38-39). While Jesus sows truth and righteousness, Satan’s influence leads people astray, often in subtle ways that are not immediately obvious. The result is a world filled with individuals who do not follow God, each doing what seems right in their own eyes.

Confusion in the World

God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), yet the world is full of religious confusion. There are thousands of denominational groups, all claiming to follow the same God but teaching different paths to salvation. This diversity of doctrine, often contradictory, is a result of Satan’s deceptive work. Revelation 12:7-9, 15-17 describes Satan’s ongoing war against God and believers, spreading false teachings and encouraging people to “just follow your heart” or choose whatever belief system suits them.

In this environment, it is crucial to be rooted in the good seed—the Gospel message sown by Jesus, which alone has the power to save (Galatians 1:6-9; James 1:21; Romans 1:16). A time of harvest is coming, when those who practice lawlessness will be separated from those who follow God’s will (Matthew 13:40-42; 7:21; 15:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The confusion sown by Satan makes the task of evangelism more challenging, as the world sees division and doubts the truth (John 17:20-21).

Conclusion

The world is full of tares—those who do not follow God. But why not uproot them now? The parable teaches that the field is the world and that both good and evil will coexist until the final harvest. While believers are called out of the world, they still live in it and can have a positive influence. Sometimes, what appears to be a tare today may become wheat tomorrow. Ultimately, the separation will come at harvest time, when the true nature of each will be revealed.

Satan has sown much confusion, but it is vital to ensure we are following the right seed—the truth of Jesus. By doing so, we can be confident of our place in the “barn” rather than the fire. As the parable concludes: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Render Unto Caesar

Posted on by under Christian Living, Doctrine
Desk calendar showing April 2024 with April 15 circled for Tax Day, tax forms, pen, glasses, plant, and coffee mug

April 15, Tax Day, is here.  Very few dates on the calendar are met with less enthusiasm. It is not celebrated like holidays. For most people, it is a reminder of an obligation they would rather avoid. Complaints about taxes are universal, politicians know how unpopular they are, and many campaigns are built on promises to lower them. Some people go further, arguing that what the government does with tax money justifies refusing to pay.

That raises an important question for Christians: Is it ever acceptable before God to refuse to pay taxes? Did Jesus actually address this issue?

That question is at the heart of a well-known exchange recorded in Matthew 22:15–22, a passage often summarized by the phrase “Render unto Caesar.” But the wisdom of Jesus’ answer goes far deeper than a simple command about taxes. In fact, what He says confronts both our civic responsibilities and our spiritual loyalties.

The Trap

The question put to Jesus was not sincere. Matthew tells us that “the Pharisees plotted to trap Him in what He said.” This was not an off‑the‑cuff debate but a calculated ambush. They met together, consulted together, and devised a question they believed would force Jesus into a no‑win situation. Mark and Luke both emphasize the same point: they were trying to entangle Him—to set a snare.

To make the trap even more devious, the Pharisees allied themselves with the Herodians. Politically, these groups were enemies. The Pharisees despised Roman occupation and longed for independence. The Herodians, on the other hand, cooperated with Rome and benefited from its power. Yet politics often makes strange bedfellows, and their shared desire to discredit Jesus brought them together.

They began with flattery, appealing to Jesus’ commitment to truth and His reputation for impartiality. Then they asked the question they believed would ruin Him: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

If Jesus answered yes, He risked alienating the Jewish people, especially the zealots, who viewed Roman taxation as oppressive and idolatrous. If He answered no, He could be accused of rebellion against Rome. Either answer, they assumed, would destroy Him.

But Jesus recognized their hypocrisy immediately.

Render Unto Caesar

Instead of answering directly, Jesus asked for the coin used to pay the tax, a Roman denarius. That detail mattered. The coin bore the image of Tiberius Caesar, along with inscriptions declaring him “son of the divine Augustus” and “high priest.” To devout Jews, the coin itself was offensive, associating political power with religious claims and violating their sensitivities about images.

Yet when Jesus asked for the coin, His questioners produced one instantly. In doing so, they exposed themselves. They were already using Caesar’s money and participating in his economic system.

Jesus then asked a simple question: “Whose image and inscription is this?” When they answered, “Caesar’s,” Jesus responded, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”

The word render is crucial. It means to give back, to settle a debt, to return what belongs to someone else. By using Caesar’s currency, benefiting from his system, and living under his rule, they owed him the tax he required. The demonstration dismantled their trap completely. Matthew tells us that they marveled and walked away.

Jesus was not endorsing Roman tyranny, nor was He suggesting that Caesar ultimately owned everything. God alone is sovereign. But Jesus firmly established that participation in a civil system carries real obligations, including taxes.

Render Unto God

What is often missed is that Jesus did not stop with Caesar. He said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Paying taxes does not interfere with loyalty to God. Being God’s people does not exempt us from civic duties. The New Testament reinforces this truth elsewhere, including in Romans 13. Jesus was not appealing to some higher law to cancel out taxes, nor was He excusing disobedience under the banner of spirituality.

Instead, Jesus was redirecting the conversation to something far more important.  If Caesar’s image on a coin determines ownership, then what bears God’s image?

Genesis 1:27 gives the answer: mankind. We—our lives, our hearts, our obedience—belong to God. Taxes are not what God is seeking. Coins with Caesar’s face are not what God claims. He is calling for the one thing no government can collect and no force can compel: your willing obedience.

You can pay your taxes on time and still fail to give God what is rightfully His. The IRS will never show up if you refuse to serve God. Angels will not drag you into obedience. God allows you to choose. But Scripture is clear that obedience to the gospel is required, and it must come sincerely, from the heart, not as religious play‑acting.

Conclusion

So yes, Christians must pay taxes—even when they are unpopular, even when government is imperfect. That issue is settled by Jesus Himself.  But the greater question remains: Have you rendered to God what belongs to Him?

Caesar’s image covers his coins. God’s image marks you. The only thing God cannot give Himself is your voluntary obedience. Jesus’ answer not only silenced His enemies, but it also still challenges us today.

Render to Caesar what is his, and render to God what truly belongs to Him.

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Posted on by under Christian Living, Doctrine, Repentance

Can we earn our way to heaven? Is it enough to just be a good person in the world? Will we be saved by our good deeds alone? These are questions that have puzzled many throughout history. Some of the Jews believed they could earn their way to heaven through their actions. The Law was supposed to lead them to Christ, but it was not going to bring them salvation by their own merit.

In this parable, Jesus illustrates the truth by contrasting two people: a Pharisee and a Tax Collector. The Pharisees were a sect of the Jews who became organized in the intertestamental period. They were very orthodox in their religious practices and very demanding of the Jewish people at that time. Dedicated as they were, they soon became so caught up with their desire to be righteous that they began to add their own requirements to the law rather than learning from the law that they needed a Savior.

Some religious groups today still teach works-based salvation, but salvation doesn’t work that way. It is not based on works of merit. This parable looks at the prayers of these two men, focusing on their hearts and intentions. We, like them, must put our trust in the right place.

The Pharisee

 The Pharisee in this parable stood to pray, which was a normal posture for prayer (Mark 11:25). However, in this context, it seems to indicate something more. The Pharisee saw himself as independent, able to stand on his own two feet. He prayed within himself (Luke 18:11-12), not a public prayer, but just between him and God. He was thankful, but his attitude was all wrong. The Pharisee had an “I” problem, focusing on himself rather than God. He mentioned God once at the beginning and used the word “I” five times. Instead of praising God for His goodness, he boasted about his own righteousness.

The Pharisee thanked God that he was not like others, using the wrong standard to measure himself. It was easy to look good when compared to the worst dregs of society. He listed his virtues: not an extortioner, not unjust, not an adulterer, and not like the Tax Collector. He looked down on others, showing no interest in helping them come to God. His prayer revealed his pride and self-righteousness, as if he had earned something. He missed the point of the law (Romans 3:20).

The Pharisee boasted about fasting twice a week and giving tithes of all he possessed. While the Law of Moses commanded fasting only once a year on the Day of Atonement, the Pharisees went beyond the law, being stricter and requiring more devotion. They even tithed the smallest spices and herbs (Luke 11:42). This kind of prayer, uttered in a spirit of pride, was not unknown. Somewhat later, according the Talmud, Rabbi Nehunia used to pray in a similar manner, thanking God for setting his portion with those who study Torah rather than those who engage in frivolous talk.

The Pharisee did not see himself as he truly was (Revelation 3:17). Do we see ourselves in the Pharisee? Is it okay to thank God for being born in a certain place? Are we like the Pharisee in thanking God for our superiority? Is it okay to look down on others because they are not like us? Jesus told this parable to those who trusted in themselves and despised others (Luke 18:9). Sometimes we may trust in ourselves too much or trust in others who are good people but give nothing to God. The Pharisees trusted in themselves, believing they were superior to others.

The Tax Collector

In contrast, the Tax Collector stood afar off, likely realizing he was not welcome near the Pharisee. Tax collectors were a despised class, seen as traitors for collecting taxes for the Roman Empire. They were viewed as collaborators with their oppressors. Despite this, the Tax Collector showed humility before God. He would not raise his eyes, bowing his head in sorrow. He beat his breast, a sign of ongoing sorrow and repentance. Unlike the Pharisee, he did not boast about his virtues. Instead, he acknowledged his sins and begged for God’s mercy and grace.

The Tax Collector’s prayer was short and simple, without excuses for his sins. He recognized his need for God’s forgiveness and mercy (Romans 3:23). When we come to God, it must be in humility, recognizing who He is. Consider the model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), which praises God for His greatness, prays for His will to be done, asks for daily needs, seeks forgiveness, and prays for deliverance. It is not about us, but about God.

Conclusion

In Luke 18:14, Jesus concludes the parable by stating that the Tax Collector went home justified before God. This does not mean that God condones sin, but rather that the Pharisee was guilty of the sin of pride. The Tax Collector was justified because he humbled himself before God, acknowledging his need for God’s grace. The Pharisee exalted himself, trusting in his own righteousness and comparing himself to others. God will humble those who exalt themselves and exalt those who humble themselves.

None of us have anything to boast about before God. It is important that we do not trust in ourselves, but in God. We must not despise others, thinking we are superior. Let us be like the Tax Collector, admitting our faults and praying for forgiveness.

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.

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.