2018 Dec 27 Psalm 27, 2Peter 2
2018 Dec 27 Psalm 27, 2Peter 2
Wishing you a fine day! Let's see what spiritual gems we may find in Psalms and 2Peter. We'll first look at Psalm 27:1-4:
"1 Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Whom should I fear? Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Whom should I dread? 2 When evil men attacked me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies were the ones who stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army should set up camp against me, My heart will not fear. Though war should break out against me, Even then I will remain confident. 4 One thing I have asked from Jehovah—It is what I will look for—That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To gaze upon the pleasantness of Jehovah And to look with appreciation upon his temple."
Psalm 27:1 A good verse to remind us that the fear of Jehovah is not a morbid fear. What motivated David to fear or dread God? That Jehovah is his light, salvation, and stronghold. He was thus moved to love God and greatly respect him with a reverential fear of ever hurting or displeasing Him. Similarly, Psalm 147:11 says: "Jehovah finds pleasure in those who fear him, in those waiting for his loyal love."
Psalm 27:2,3 David's proper fear of God moved Jehovah to save him from his enemies, those attacking and seeking to devour him. Those truly fearing God in the right way, moving them to love God and hold to His moral standards, learning from foresighted shrewdness to take precautions in life, should rarely ever have morbid fear or feelings of panic. (Prove 22:3). Elsewhere, David was inspired by God to write, at Psalm 4:8: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Jehovah, make me dwell in security." May we have faith in God, really trusting God's direction and guidance, looking to Him for spiritual support, protection, and salvation.
Psalm 27:4 When we come to find peace and joy in the midst of the congregations of God's true, loyal Christian servants, and see God's hand in arranging and organizing true worship for all mankind, we may long to ever maintain the privilege of serving God and doing His will, even forever! Right now that will "is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1Timo 2:3,4). May God's blessing be on any efforts to shine as true Christian illuminators and contribute to the finding of "all those who [are] rightly disposed for everlasting life" (Acts 13:48). As we see more respond to Christian truth, gaining the hope of eternal life, what delight we may experience, growing in our appreciation for God's love for mankind and His great spiritual temple, with Christ as the foundation cornerstone (Ephes 2:20; 1Pete 2:6).
2Peter 2 cautions true Christians to be wary of false teachers among Christianity. Such ones would prove to be a divisive influence, quietly bringing in "destructive sects" and disown God, "the owner who bought them," purchased "with the blood of His own Son." (Acts 20:28). May such ones repent, and seek to cling to God's word of truth, humbly seeking the praise and glory of God, and not that of themselves. John 7:18 says "Whoever speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him, this one is true and there is no unrighteousness in him." 2Peter 2:1-3 reads this way: "1 However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping." May we carefully examine the word of God, especially the teachings of Christ, to treasure and maintain our hold on Christian truth, trusting God in prayer, as He guides us by his holy spirit into "all the truth," appreciating His genuine instruction and guidance based solidly on the word of God.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
