God’s Protection, Salvation, and the Joy of Fellowship with God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 61-63

 

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

(NKJV)

 

Like many of the psalms written by David, these three psalms come from times of great struggle in his life. When God chose David as King of Israel, he was seeking a man after his heart (1 Samuel 13:14). These three psalms give us a glimpse into the heart of David and how he trusted God for his protection, salvation, and found joy in fellowship with God even in trouble. I hope looking into these psalms will give everyone peace in a chaotic world.

 

David starts Psalm 61 by asking God to hear his cry and listen to his prayer, offered because his heart is overwhelmed, asking God to lead him to the rock that is higher than him (Psalm 61:1-2). God has been a shelter and tower of defense for David throughout his life, with him vowing to abide in God’s tabernacle forever, trusting in the shelter of God’s protection (Psalm 61:3-4). David knows God hears his vows and that he has the heritage of those fearing the name of the Lord (Psalm 61:5). God will prolong the life of King David, as David abides before the Lord forever in His mercy and truth (Psalm 61:6-7). David concludes by vowing to praise the name of the Lord forever as he performs his vows daily (Psalm 61:8).

 

Psalm 62 starts with David saying he waits for God because salvation comes from Him (Psalm 62:1). David knows God is his rock, salvation, and defense, knowing he shall not be moved (Psalm 62:2). David’s enemies attack but will be slain like a leaning wall or tottering fence because they delight in lies, blessing with their mouths while cursing inwardly (Psalm 62:3-4). David continues to wait silently for God with expectation of salvation and defense, providing a rock of stability from which he will not be moved (Psalm 62:5-7). David urges the people to always trust in God, pouring out their hearts before Him for He is a refuge for us (Psalm 62:8). David issues a warning to men of low and high degree who are lighter than a vapor, weighed on the scales (Psalm 62:9). David also warns against trusting in oppression, hoping in robbery, or setting our heart on riches if they increase (Psalm 62:10). David has twice heard that power and mercy belong to God and that God will render or reward each person according to their work (Psalm 62:11-12).

 

Psalm 63 begins with David praising God as his God, vowing to seek him because his soul thirsts and his flesh longs for Him in a dry and thirsty land with no water (Psalm 63:1). David seeks to see God’s power and glory in the sanctuary (Psalm 63:2). David vows to praise God, lift his hands to Him, and find satisfaction in Him (Psalm 63:3-5). Because God has been his help, David remembers Him on his bed and meditates on Him in the night watches, rejoicing in the shadow of God’s wings, with his soul following close behind as God’s right hand upholds him (Psalm 63:6-8). Those seeking to destroy David will go into the lower parts of the earth, falling by the sword, becoming food for jackals (Psalm 63:9-10). David vows to rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 63:11).

 

Saul’s kingdom has failed, with God seeking a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), with David anointed as king (1 Samuel 16:1-13). These three psalms of David give us a glimpse into the heart of David, showing us,

• David’s assurance of God’s eternal protection (Psalm 61) – David finds a source of eternal protection in the Lord, which is why he cries out to God when overwhelmed, finding shelter under the wings of the Lord. In Psalm 91, the psalmist elaborates on the safety we find by abiding in the presence of God.
• David’s resolve to wait for the salvation of God (Psalm 62) – When this psalm was written, Jesus had not been born, died, or resurrected from the dead to provide salvation. However, David was familiar with the many prophecies regarding the coming Messiah (Genesis 3:15). David also had God's promise that he would eternally be on the throne of Israel and knew that it would not be him personally, but an heir. This psalm expresses David’s faith and expectation of salvation from God (Psalm 62:5).
• David’s joy in fellowship with God (Psalm 63) – At the time of writing this psalm, David is in the wilderness of Judah with King Saul trying to hunt him down and kill him. He may have been alone, fearing for his life, and believing everyone had deserted him. In this psalm, David finds joy in knowing that he has fellowship with God night and day (Psalm 63:6-8).

 

Romans 12:2 reminds us that we are to have hearts not conformed to the world, but to experience transformation through the renewing of our minds. Like David, we can know that we have,

• Eternal protection – Like David, we can have peace in a chaotic and evil world by trusting in God’s protection. Fear is an enemy of faith and a tool used by Satan to paralyze us, which does not come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear also causes worry, bringing doubt that God will provide and protect us, and something Jesus told us not to do (Matthew 6:25-34).
• Salvation from God – Unlike David, who was waiting for salvation, salvation is available for us through God’s grace and the work of Jesus on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9). We do not need to look forward to salvation like David did but can look back at what Jesus did on the cross. Salvation is a gift we receive when we genuinely confess our heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
• Have joy in fellowship with God – The joy of the Lord is our strength, and what greater joy can there be than knowing we will be with Jesus for eternity (Nehemiah 8:10). David found joy in knowing he had fellowship with God night and day when in the wilderness of Judah (Psalm 63:6-8). Our joy is not only knowing we have fellowship with God night and day, but that we will be with God for eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation, bringing protection, salvation, and eternal fellowship with God, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Guided by the Spirit and the Word of God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 8:26-40

 

Acts 8:26-27a

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is ^[a]desert. ²⁷ So he arose and went. 

(NKJV)

 

Life is full of appointments and meetings. We have work appointments, meetings, and doctor's appointments. We meet friends and even strangers as we go about our daily routine. However, in this passage, we see Philip having a divine meeting arranged by the Holy Spirit. Philip is prepared for this meeting because of his knowledge of the Word of God. We must ask ourselves if we are living lives led by the Holy Spirit and prepared for such divine meetings.

 

An angel of the Lord speaks to Philip and tells him to rise and go down from Jerusalem to Gaza, a desert (Acts 8:26). Philip is obedient and goes, while an Ethiopian eunuch of great authority who had charge of the queen's treasury is also in Jerusalem worshipping (Acts 8:27). The Ethiopian man is returning and sitting in his chariot reading from Isaiah the prophet when the Spirit of God tells Philip to go near and overtake the Ethiopian’s chariot (Acts 8:28-29).

 

Philip runs to the man, and discovers he is reading from Isaiah, asking him if he understands what he is reading (Acts 8:30). The man tells Philip he needs someone to guide him in his reading and invites Philip to come and sit with him (Acts 8:31). Philip discovers the man is reading from Isaiah 53:7-8, foretelling the crucifixion of Jesus (Acts 8:32-33). The question the Ethiopian man has for Philip is whether the prophet speaks of himself or someone else (Acts 8:34). Philip begins with this passage of Scripture and shares Jesus with the man (Acts 8:35).

 

As they continue down the road, they come to a body of water, and the man asks Philip if anything is hindering him from being baptized (Acts 8:36). Philip then asks the man if he believes in his heart that Jesus is the Son of God, and he says he does (Acts 8:37). The Ethiopian man commands the chariot to stand still while both he and Philip go into the water where Philip baptizes the man (Acts 8:38). After they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord takes Philip away, and the Eunuch never sees him again and goes away rejoicing (Acts 8:39). Meanwhile, Philip is found at Azotus and passes through preaching in all the cities until arriving at Caesarea (Acts 8:40).

 

As believers scatter after the death of Stephen, Philip is led by the Spirit to an Ethiopian eunuch, a Gentile, and has an opportunity to share Jesus with him. In this text, we see,

• Philips Obedience (Acts 8:26-27) – Philip is one of those who did not flee from Jerusalem and is told by the Holy Spirit to go to Gaza. Philip has no idea why the Spirit has told him to go, but he goes in obedience to the Spirit's leading. We learn in Acts 8:27 that an Ethiopian eunuch is also there, setting up a divine meeting.
• Philip understands the Word and shares it (Acts 8:35) – After confronting the eunuch, Philip finds out he is reading from Isaiah 53:7-8 and that he wants someone to explain who the passage is referring to (Acts 8:30-34). Because of his knowledge of the Word, Philip can explain the passage to the eunuch. Philip is not only obedient to the Spirit's leading but is also armed with knowledge of the Word of God and who is referred to in Isaiah 53.
• No hesitation to be baptized (Acts 8:36-38) – Philip and the eunuch continue on their way and come to a body of water. The eunuch points out that there is water and asks Philip if anything is hindering him from being baptized. Philip confirms that the eunuch has come to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and they go down to the water where Philip baptizes him.
• The Holy Spirit leads Philip to other ministry opportunities (Acts 8:39-40) – Instead of being able to stay with the eunuch or even accompany him to Ethiopia, the Spirit catches Philip up and takes him to Azotus, where he preaches in all the cities until arriving in Caesarea. The Eunuch goes on his way rejoicing, leaving us to wonder if he was not influential in bringing the Gospel to Ethiopia, with Philip continuing his ministry in Israel.

 

As we live our lives guided by the Spirit of God, God will lead us to opportunities to share Christ with others. Philip gives us an example of how to act when these opportunities arise.

• Let the Word and the Spirit guide (Psalm 119:105; Romans 8:14) – Believers in the Church must be like Philip and obediently follow the leading of the Spirit of God. When we do, God will arrange meetings with people who need to hear the truth of the Word of God. These are not chance meetings, but divinely appointed meetings like the one Philip had with the Eunuch.
• Know the Word of God (Acts 17:11; John 8:32) – In preparation for these divine meetings, we must be diligent students of the Bible like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, so we are prepared to be used by God. The truth of God’s word not only sets us free but will set others free as we share it.
• Do not allow fear to cause hesitation (Matthew 28:19-20) – The Church has a divine mission to take the Gospel to all the world. As part of the Church, every believer must live their lives led by the Holy Spirit and not allow fear to prevent us from sharing the Gospel with those God places in our lives.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive forgiveness of your sins and make Jesus the Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Judgment of the Wicked and the Restored Favor of God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 59-60

 

Psalm 59:16-17

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
¹⁷ To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense,
My God of mercy.

(NKJV)

 

In a world of hatred and violence, those of us professing a belief in Jesus as our savior can become impatient and have doubts. We can become impatient, wondering when Jesus will return to judge evil and establish His kingdom on earth. We can also doubt our salvation when we sin, believing we are no longer saved. David experienced impatience and doubt, which he expresses in this text.

 

Psalm 59 is a michtam of David seeking assurance of God’s judgment of the wicked. It begins with David asking the Lord for deliverance from his enemies and workers of iniquity, asking God to defend him from those rising against him and for God to save him from bloodthirsty men (Psalm 59:1-2). David asks God to look because his enemies gather and lie in wait for him, and not because of anything he has done (Psalm 59:3-4). David wants the Lord God of Hosts to punish all nations and not show mercy to wicked transgressors (Psalm 59:5). In the evening, his enemies reappear, growling like dogs as they go about the city, belching with their mouths and swords in their lips, asking who hears (Psalm 59:6-7).

 

Despite his circumstances, David knows God shall laugh at his enemies, holding them in derision (Psalm 59:8). David will wait on the Lord, his defense and source of strength, knowing God shall meet him with mercy and that he shall see his desires come upon his enemies (Psalm 59:9-10). David then asks that the Lord not slay his enemies, but scatter them and bring them down so the people do not forget (Psalm 59:11). David asks that they be taken down for the sins of the mouth. For them to be taken in their pride for what they speak (Psalm 59:12). David wants his enemies consumed in wrath. Hence, they know God rules in Jacob and to the ends of the earth (Psalm 59:13). While his enemies return in the evening, wandering about the city, David will sing of God’s power and mercy for God is his defense and refuge (Psalm 59:14-16). David will continue offering praise to God, his strength, defense, and his God of mercy (Psalm 59:17).

 

Psalm 60 is a michtam of David, praying for God's restored favor. It begins with David knowing God is displeased and has cast them off, brought them down, asking God to restore them (Psalm 60:1). God has made the earth tremble and broken it, showing His people hard things, and bringing confusion (Psalm 60:2-3). God has given His people a banner to display because of truth, bringing deliverance and salvation by God’s right hand (Psalm 60:4-5).

 

David rejoices, divides Shechem, and divides out the Valley of Succoth because God has spoken in His holiness (Psalm 60:6). David touts the victories given to him by God, asking who will lead him to the strong city and lead him to Edom (Psalm 60:7-9). It is the God who cast them off and did not go out with their enemies who will bring him to the strong city and Edom (Psalm 60:10). The psalm concludes with David asking God for help from trouble, understanding that the help of man is useless (Psalm 60:11). Through God, David will do valiantly with God the one who shall tread down their enemies (Psalm 60:12).

 

As with many of the Psalms written by David, these psalms come out of times of trouble for David and represent emotional cries out to God. In these two psalms, we see David crying out to God for,

• Assurance of judgment of the wicked (Psalm 59) – Saul is seeking to kill David, with him stalking his home (1 Samuel 19:11-17). This is the beginning of Saul's many attempts to kill David, with this psalm letting us know David's emotional and mental state in this situation. The main things that stand out are that David continued to sing of God’s power and mercy. He also praises God for being his defense and refuge in this time of trouble (Psalm 59:16-17).
• The restored favor of God (Psalm 60) – The context of this psalm is a time of great conquests for David (1 Chronicles 18:1-13; 2 Samuel 8:1-14). However, there was a surprising setback with Edom that was rectified by Joab and possibly Abishai, who killed eighteen thousand Edomites (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). Perhaps David believes Israel needs restoration from God for not trusting God to defeat Edom, offering this psalm as a prayer affirming his faith in God.

 

In a chaotic and fallen world, we may become impatient and wonder when Jesus will return to bring judgment upon the wicked. We may also begin to doubt if we still have the favor of God in our lives. Like David, if we have Jesus as our Savior, we know,

·         Jesus is coming back to judge wickedness (John 5:24-30) – This passage in John assures us as believers in Jesus as Savior that we will not come into judgment because the penalty for our sins was paid by Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Those who do not believe and do evil will incur the judgment of condemnation (John 3:18, 5:29). Rest assured, Jesus is coming back to judge evil and bring it to an end.

·         We are forgiven and part of the family of God (1 John 3:1) – Those that have accepted Jesus as their savior, are not subject to condemnation and are children of God (1 John 3:1; John 3:17). This is a fact that cannot be changed for those having a genuine belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 10:9-10), but the devil likes to cause doubt in this when we slip up. Instead of listening to his lies, causing doubt, confess your sin to God and ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation and the complete forgiveness of sin, I encourage you to do so now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 8:1-25

 

Acts 8:25

So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

(NKJV)

 

In John 16:33, Jesus reminds those following Him that, in the fallen world in which we live, there will be trouble or persecution, but He promises that He has overcome the world. This is what Jesus demonstrated by resurrecting from the dead, conquering sin, and death. After Stephen's martyrdom, the church is about to face persecution, but this does not deter them from carrying out the mission Jesus gave them (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). The question asked of the church in our times is, will we have the same tenacity when persecution comes?

 

Saul, who was present at the stoning of Stephen, consented to his death. Great persecution arose against the Church, causing disciples to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles (Acts 8:1). While devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him, Saul made havoc of the church, entering houses, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison (Acts 8:2-3). However, instead of cowering in fear, the scattered believers went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them, accompanied by miracles, causing them to heed the things spoken of by Phillip, bringing great joy to the city (Acts 8:5-8).

 

In Samaria, there was a sorcerer named Simon who astonished the people of the city with his sorcery, claiming to be someone great, with the people saying he was the great power of God (Acts 8:9-11). However, when the people began to heed the teachings of Phillip, they were baptized, including Simon, who was astonished by the miracles Philip performed (Acts 8:12-13). Word of this got the attention of the apostles in Jerusalem, with Peter and John paying them a visit (Acts 8:14). Upon arriving in Samaria, Peter and John prayed that the new believers might receive the Holy Spirit, for as of yet, they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:15-16). When Peter and John laid hands on the new believers, they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).

 

When Simon saw this miracle, he was astonished, like he was with the miracles he saw by Phillip, and offers Peter and John money so he could also have this power (Acts 8:18-19). Peter rebukes Simon, saying that his money should perish with him because he believed he could purchase the power of God with money (Acts 8:20). Peter continues his rebuke by saying Simon will have no part in the matter because his heart is not right with God (Acts 8:21). Peter tells Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray God will forgive him of the thought of his heart (Acts 8:22). Simon’s heart is poisoned with bitterness, and he is bound by iniquity (Acts 8:23). Simon asks Peter to pray none of the things Peter said to him will come upon him (Acts 8:24). After preaching the word of the Lord in the city, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).

 

The efforts to silence the preaching of the Gospel only succeeded in scattering believers, who then preached the Gospel as they went. The early believers were missional-focused and, as they scattered, actually took the message of the gospel outside of Judea to Samaria (Acts 1:8). The remainder of the mission outlined in the Great Commission (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) will begin to have fulfillment after the conversion of Paul and continues today.

 

Each of us who professes faith in Jesus Christ as savior must search our hearts to determine whether we will continue to share the Gospel when persecution comes. Believers in Jesus Christ today must ask themselves if they will have the courage of Peter and John, who believed it was an honor to suffer persecution for the Lord (Acts 5:41-42). In nations like Iran, where believers suffer hard persecution for their faith, the Church thrives because believers have the tenacity to press on. However, in places where there is no hard persecution, but only a soft persecution from friends and family with no threat to life, we must search our hearts. As the coming of the Lord draws near, there will be hard persecution as foretold by Jesus (Matthew 24:9-10). There will also be a rise in false prophets spewing deceptive theology, deceiving many (Matthew 24:11; 2 Timothy 4:3). Because of the rise in lawlessness, the hearts of many will grow cold, but the gospel will be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:12-14). As we continue to pray for revival, let us search our hearts and grow in the steadfastness of our faith and not grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive forgiveness of your sins and make Jesus the Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Relief, Safety, and Just Judgment

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 56-58

 

Psalm 57:9-10

I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the ^[d]nations.
¹⁰ For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.

(NKJV)

 

Jesus told us in John 16:33 that we would experience trouble in this world, but with the promise, he overcame the world through his resurrection. David did not have the benefit of these words from Jesus, but in these psalms, he expresses his trust in God for relief, safety, and just judgment in the troubles of life. One can find encouragement in times of trouble in these psalms.

 

Psalm 56 begins with David asking God to be merciful to him, for man would swallow him up, fighting to oppress him and hound him all day (Psalm 56:1-2). However, when afraid, David says he will trust in God, praising his word, without fear of what flesh can do to him (Psalm 56:3-4). David’s enemies twist his words and have evil thoughts against him (Psalm 56:5). His enemies gather, marking his steps and lying in wait for his life, with David asking if they will escape by iniquity, asking God to cast them down in anger (Psalm 56:6-7). David knows the Lord numbers his wanderings, placing his tears in a bottle and writing them in His book (Psalm 56:8). When David cries out to God, his enemies turn back because God is with him (Psalm 56:9). David will praise the word of his God and Lord, placing his trust in the Lord without fear of what man can do to him (Psalm 56:10-11). The vows David has made to God are binding on him, with David rendering praises to God for God has delivered his soul from death, and kept his feet from falling, so he can walk before God in the light of the living (Psalm 56:12-13)

 

Psalm 57 also begins with David asking God to be merciful because his soul trusts in Him, with David finding refuge in the shadow of the Lord’s wings until his calamities have passed (Psalm 57:1). David cries out to God knowing God performs all things for him, and that He will send from heaven to save him from those who would swallow him up (Psalm 57:2-3). David’s enemies are like lions who are on fire with teeth like spears and arrows and tongues like a sharp sword (Psalm 57:4). David exalts God above the heavens, letting God’s glory be above all the earth. (Psalm 57:5). David’s enemies have prepared a net to trip him and dug a pit in front of him, so his soul is cast down, but his enemies have fallen into the pit they dug for him (Psalm 57:6). Despite these calamities, David’s heart remains steadfast with him singing and giving praise on the lute and harp, awaking the dawn (Psalm 57:7-8). God’s mercy reaches to the heavens with his truth in the clouds, so David praises the Lord among the people, singing among the nations in exaltation to God (Psalm 57:9-11).

 

Psalm 58 begins with David asking the silent ones if they speak righteousness, answering his question with a no because there is wickedness in their hearts and their hands weigh out violence (Psalm 58:1-2). The wicked are estranged from the womb and go astray at birth, speaking lies (Psalm 58:3). The poison of the wicked is like a serpent, with them like a deaf cobra that cannot hear the voice of the skillful charmer (Psalm 58:4-5). David asks the Lord to break the teeth of his enemies in their mouth and for his enemies to flow away like a river when they bend their bow and for their arrows to be as if cut in pieces (Psalm 58:6-7). He also asks that they melt away like a snail and be like a stillborn child that they may not see the sun (Psalm 58:8). David concludes by asking that his enemies be taken away like a whirlwind with the righteous rejoicing at the vengeance and washing their feet in the blood of the wicked (Psalm 58:9-10). Because of this, men will say there is a reward for the righteous and that it is God who judges the earth (Psalm 58:11).

 

David wrote these psalms during different times in his life, providing us with reason to praise God for relief, safety, and just judgment when we face difficulty.

• Relief (Psalm 56) – David wrote this psalm when the Philistines captured him in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The Philistines were not known for letting captives live, so it was a time when David feared for his life. He did escape by faking insanity and may have written this psalm, seeking relief from God during his captivity. Perhaps God planted the thought in David’s head to fake insanity for relief from the fear of captivity.
• Safety (Psalm 57) – David wrote this psalm when he hid in a cave to escape Saul (1 Samuel 24). While David is hiding, Saul comes in to relieve himself, allowing David to kill Saul, but David refuses to kill God’s anointed. It is possible that David wrote this psalm between his hiding in the cave and his encounter with Saul. In the Psalm, David finds safety in God and not the cave, which would prove unsafe when Saul came in.
• Just judgment (Psalm 58) – It is unclear what the circumstances were in David’s life when he wrote this psalm. It may be observations made by David due to the many trials he encountered during his life, because the psalm contrasts God’s judgment against the wicked with the rejoicing of the righteous at their demise. David finds comfort in the many circumstances of his life, knowing God judges in the earth and rewards the righteous (Psalm 58:10-11).

 

These psalms have relevance in the lives of believers today.

• Relief (Psalm 56) – Those not placing their trust in the Lord Jesus seek relief from troubles in life through created things of the earth (Romans 1:24-25). These created things may be drugs, alcohol, sexual pleasure, a career, or material possessions. While these created things may provide relief, it is temporary, with the trouble returning and worsening. This psalm reminds us to find relief in a relationship with God through Christ.
• Safety (Psalm 57) – In a dangerous world, many seek safety in created things of this world. An example of this is Pharaoh, who thought the might of his chariots and horses could bring back the Hebrew slaves, only to have the might of his army drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus 14). Goliath also depended on his size and sword, only to be brought down by a stone from David’s sling shot (1 Samuel 17:45-51). Like David, we must learn to depend upon God for safety in a dangerous world.
• Just judgment (Psalm 58) – Jesus foretold the chaotic events occurring in our world today, so He is not surprised (Matthew 24:3-14). However, trusting in the political and legal systems for just judgment is uncertain and will discourage us. Instead, judgment comes from the Lord who will rid the world of evil and make all things new (Revelation 20:11-21:8). Like David, we must have faith, trusting God that the wicked will be judged and the righteous rewarded.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation and the complete forgiveness of sin, I encourage you to do so now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Taking the Religious Elite to Task (Part 3)

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 7:37-60

 

Acts 7:59-60

And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

(NKJV)

 

Stephen’s history lesson to the council has the purpose of showing these Jewish religious leaders that Jesus is the Messiah. Like anyone exposed to the Gospel, they must choose to either accept or reject it. These religious leaders choose to reject the message and determine to kill the messenger, believing the message will stop, but the message will go on in an even greater manner through young Saul. Truly, the gates of hell, or unsound doctrines of religious leaders, cannot stop the spread of the Gospel.

 

Stephen continues his history lesson, telling them that Moses told them that God would raise up a prophet like himself from the brethren and that they are to listen to Him (Acts 7:37). This prophet is the one that accompanied the angel on Mount Sinai, giving the law to Moses that the fathers of the Children of Israel rejected, turning their hearts back to Egypt (Acts 7:38-39). They turned back to Egypt by asking Aaron to make a golden calf to worship, offering sacrifices to an idol (Acts 7:40-41; Exodus 32:1, 23). God then gave them up to worship the host of heaven as foretold in Amos 5:25-27 (Acts 7:42-43).

 

The Lord then instructed Moses to make a tabernacle of witness in the wilderness according to a pattern given by God (Acts 7:44). This was the tabernacle they took across the Jordan with Joshua and used to worship God until the time of David, with Solomon building a house in which God could dwell (Acts 7:45-47). However, the Most High does not live in temples made by men, as told by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 66:1-2 (Acts 7:48-50).

 

Stephen’s history lesson now becomes personal, directed at his accusers, reminding them that they, like their forefathers, are resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). Stephen then asks his accusers which of the prophets, who foretold the coming of the Just One, their fathers did not persecute, having now become betrayers and murderers of the Just One (Acts 7:52-53). When they heard these things from Stephen, they gnashed at him with their teeth, but Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:54-55). He then told his accusers he saw the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56).

 

The crowd then ran at Stephen, casting him out of the city to stone him, with them laying their cloaks at the feet of young Saul (Acts 7:57-58). As they stoned Stephen, he called upon God to receive his spirit (Acts 7:59). Stephen then knelt and cried out with a loud voice, asking the Lord not to charge them with this sin, then Stephen fell asleep (Acts 7:60).

 

The Church is growing and presents a greater threat than Jesus to the Jewish religious leaders. Rather than calling in one of the Apostles again, which did not work, they have called in Stephen, believing he may be weak since he is not an apostle. However, they are unable to break Stephen, and after he accuses them of murdering the Lord, they stone him, making Stephen the first one martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. They believe that the death of Stephen will prevent anyone else from daring to speak of Jesus, but they did not consider young Saul. Empowered by seeing what happened to Stephen, Saul, a Pharisee, began persecuting Christians by entering their houses and dragging them off (Acts 8:1-7). Later, Saul went to the high priest and received letters to go to Damascus and round up Christians (Acts 9:1-2). Saul, who will become known as Paul, will go from the Church’s greatest persecutor to its greatest missionary.

 

The situation for the Church today is not different in many parts of the world. In many places in the world today, it is illegal to be a Christian with a penalty of death, so many are still like Stephen and martyred for their faith. There is another threat to the Church today, something the Apostle Paul warned Timothy about in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, the teaching of unsound doctrine. Church history has demonstrated that the Church thrives when threatened with death, but cannot endure false doctrine. In the Church today, we observe the false doctrines of

 

·         The health and wealth gospel – Those spreading this doctrine often use 3 John 1:2 and interpret it to mean anyone not prospering or in good health lacks faith in Jesus. They interpret prosperity as having all the money and possessions they want and never being sick. However, Jesus said that in this world we will experience trouble, which can manifest itself in a lack of money or possessions and illness (John 16:33). The problem with this doctrine is that when one does not prosper or is sick, they may feel like they have no faith and that God has rejected them.

·         Works-based legalism – Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that our salvation is not based upon our works, with Isaiah reminding us that our good works of righteousness are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

·         Cheap Grace – However, some take the truth of Ephesians 2:8-9 to the point of excusing a continued life of sin, believing this serves to make God’s grace abound. This doctrine is nothing new and was later condemned by Paul (Romans 6:1-4).

 

Sound doctrine is following what is taught throughout scripture, not just cherry-picking passages, as is done in promoting unsound doctrine. Those tasked with detecting counterfeit currency do not spend time studying different counterfeit currencies but learn to recognize real currency. To avoid unsound doctrine, one must be like the Bereans who daily studied the word of God to know the truth which sets us free (Acts 17:10-11; John 8:31-32).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive forgiveness of your sins and make Jesus the Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.