2018 Dec 28 Psalm 28, 2Peter 3
2018 Dec 28 Psalm 28, 2Peter 3
Hello, welcoming you with wishes for a pleasant today! Let's begin with Psalm 28, verses 1-3:
"1 To you I keep calling, O Jehovah my Rock; Do not turn a deaf ear to me. If you keep silent toward me, I will become like those going down to the pit. 2 Hear my pleas when I cry to you for help As I lift up my hands toward the innermost room of your sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those practicing what is hurtful, Those who are speaking words of peace with their fellow man while evil is in their hearts."
Psalm 28:1 Clearly, David highlights in this verse the vital significance of prayer--that if God would fail to respond to our requests, our spirituality could weaken and we could fall to disobedience, leading to eventual death. How vital that we stay alert spiritually, and seek to pray for what we truly need to remain strong, pleasing God by our conduct. Philippians 4:6,7 says: "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." Therefore, Paul wrote: "Persevere in prayer." Just as we maintain communication in our treasured relationships, such as with a dear marriage companion, so may we trust God and speak with Him often.
Psalm 28:2 David recognized his need for help from Jehovah, to remain alive and spiritually strong. Israelites were encouraged to pray toward the sanctuary, representing God's presence among His people. So today, we should acknowledge arrangements for true worship here on earth, worshipping God among those truly desiring to live in harmony with Christian truth. We must faithfully head toward Christian unity, not falling away from it. The apostle Paul was inspired by God to write, at 1Corinthians 1:10: "Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought."
Psalm 28:3 By contrast, David sees the need to separate himself from those straying from God in their hearts, "practicing what is hurtful." These at first glance may seem sincere worshippers of God, "speaking words of peace with their fellow man." But they give evidence that evil lurks "in their hearts." 1Corinthians 15:33 reminds us: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits," or corrupt "good character." (NLT) Paul was referring to bad associations, false teachers actually within the Corinthian congregation! Let us remain alert spiritually, as Jesus encouraged us by his letters to the seven congregations in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
2Peter 3:1-4 shows that there would be those minimizing Bible warnings and prophecies, as if nothing has changed since "creation's beginning." But make no mistake--the evidence is clear that we're living in the "last days" of the present system, or arrangement, of things, with its associated corruption and lawlessness. God's Kingdom is soon to bring significant changes among right-hearted mankind, eventually ushering in blessings of good health and happiness worldwide. May we do all we can to uphold the truth, helping as many as possible to exercise faith in God's promises and benefit by a close relationship with Him. May we not be caught off guard by critics, realizing God foresees their ridicule: Peter's words read this way: "Beloved ones, this is now the second letter I am writing you in which, as in my first one, I am stirring up your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, 2 that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.” Peter goes on to remind Christians that such ones "deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water." Therefore, just as God judged an evil, violent world in Noah's day, so He stands ready to remove evil ones on a coming day of judgment. (Prove 2:20-22). May such ones repent of any such thoughts and activity, being remorseful over their disappointing and harmful conduct, that God may bless their sincere repentance, and help them find true happiness in life, perhaps even with a loyal marriage partner to share life with in the coming new world. May as many as possible appreciate God's mercy and love for his human creation, and respond accordingly, seeking to please our loving God by careful obedience and adherence to His wise and loving standards.
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!
