2019 Jan 26 Psalms, 2Thessalonians 1
2019 Jan 26 Psalms, 2Thessalonians 1
Hello with a hearty welcome! Let's begin by picking up in Psalm 26, highlighting integrity to God, continuing with verses 5-8. For consideration of verses 1-4, search "Dec 26":
In verses 1-4, David pleads for God to judge and examine him, refining his innermost thoughts, as he seeks to walk in "integrity" before God, meaning "completeness or wholeness without corruption." Let's see some ways David was determined to continue:
"5 I hate the company of evil men, And I refuse to associate with the wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence, And I will march around your altar, O Jehovah, 7 To cause the sound of thanksgiving to be heard And to declare all your wonderful works. 8 Jehovah, I love the house where you dwell, The place where your glory resides."
Psalm 26:5 It is 1Corinthians 15:33 which says: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits." This can also be translated "Bad associations corrupt good morals," or "character." In what ways could we invite evil men into our company, inviting corruption of our spirit? Of course, literally we could somehow take pleasure in spending time with corrupt evil men, perhaps impressed by their knowledge of things or some other gift God had granted them. Maybe we imagine our association may have a good effect on them, when 1Cori. warns that it is usually the other way around--corrupting our own stand for righteousness. So we should keep our distance, while we could at times offer encouragement to repent of evil, to turn to doing good, to pursue the genuine wisdom of God, out of love for them, before it is too late. (Isaiah 55:6,7). We could also invite such men or women into our company via the radio, television, and the movies, for instance in cases where evil men are not really treated as villains. While TV and movie ratings should not be the end-all decision maker, they can certainly be helpful in our judgment of what we might reasonably watch, in harmony with God's just standards. We can often find something that is uplifting or beneficial in some way, promoting respect for God and His ways! (Phili 4:8).
Psalm 26:6-8 David was determined to maintain clean hands, indicating actions that are pure and blameless before God. He also was happy to honor God by extolling His wonderful works to others, offering thanks to God for His loving ways and thoughtfulness toward mankind. Jehovah is the giver of "every good gift and perfect present!" (James 1:17). Under the rulership of God's kingdom, Jehovah's "tent" is said to be "with mankind." (Revel 21:3,4) 2Corinthians 6:16 says "And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”" Jehovah's great spiritual temple is not now a literal building, but rather among certain devoted Christian servants of God, with courtyards among human worshippers. May we appreciate the privilege of getting to know God and Jesus, dwelling among the people of God, having His favor and blessing upon us!
Psalm 89 (Book 3, 17th psalm continued) verses 34-37 reassure us of God's favor upon David's offspring, in the Davidic covenant. We read God's words: "34 I will not violate my covenant Or change what my lips have spoken. 35 I have sworn in my holiness, once and for all; I will not tell lies to David. 36 His offspring will endure forever; His throne will endure like the sun before me. 37 Like the moon, it will be firmly established forever As a faithful witness in the skies.” (Selah) May we cooperate fully with God's direction in choosing the rulership of David's offspring over mankind, those having similar faith as David, along with the chosen son of David to rule in God's kingdom, like David, trusting in God's direction and blessing.
2Thessalonians 1:4,5 highlights the endurance and faith, especially of those chosen to rule with Christ in the Kingdom. They receive a scourging before God in discipline and training, to truly be worthy of their privilege to rule. Enduring persecutions and hardships faithfully, they learn vital Christian qualities and principles of truth that will serve them well in their role as kings and priests before mankind, lovingly assisting humans to grow in their relationship with God and others. This is all after the example of Christ, as at 1Peter 2:21-23, revealing "21 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. 23 When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously." Verses 4,5 of 2Thes. read this way: "As a result we ourselves take pride in you among the congregations of God because of your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the hardships that you are suffering. 5 This is a proof of the righteous judgment of God, leading to your being counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you are indeed suffering." We should look to God if we are having to cope with any sort of suffering, especially from others, as Romans 12:17-21 says "Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.”20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good." What about the heaping of "fiery coals"? These were used to soften metal, to make it workable. Thus, good works toward wrongdoers can soften or melt their stubbornness of pride, perhaps leading to their genuine repentance. Thus, may we "keep conquering the evil with the good."
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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!
