Psalm 71

 

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up"(Verse 20). In this verse, we are reminded that God does allow us to face troubles. God does allow things to go wrong for us. Sometimes, we are living as Job. There are times bad things happen to good people. The hope that those who trust in God have is that he will restore us. Yes, it may be after death, but those who serve God will be restored; they will be saved. This isn't just a New Testament promise; it is a promise found throughout Scriptures, like we see here. 

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Psalm 73

God protects those who our pure of heart. The problem is I’m not right now. This is what the psalm seems to be saying. Thankfully, there is help that comes from God. However, we need to realize that we often want to claim that we are pure and innocent when we aren’t. I don’t believe that every problem has two sources. There are times when one person or group is the source of the problem, but there are far more times when we aren’t as innocent as we would like to pretend. The Psalmist saw that and went to God. In the end, he got straightened out, but it started with him admitting that he had a problem.

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Judges 8

 

The beginning of this chapter reminds me of something CS Lewis said. He said you wouldn't think much of someone who said they supported the resistance (France in WW2) if they only did so after the Allies had retaken France.  So those who are hoping to wait until Jesus returns to declare Jesus as Lord are in a bad position. 

Here, the Gideon was in the mopping-up stage. Yes, the rulers hadn't been caught, but they were on the run, yet what we have to assume is that fear keeps those who should be supporting Gideon from doing so. Gideon brings back the proof and then punishes those who were playing it safe. To me is a reminder that we need to support those who are right, even if it means putting ourselves in possible jeopardy. Waiting until the war is won is the coward's path, and in the end, cowards are punished.  

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Judges 7

 

What might have happened if Gedeon had attacked with all his men? We know he would have lost. The lesson to learn here is to wait until God says it is time and do what he says in the meantime. Years ago, God spoke to my heart to leave the little church I was appointed to and focus solely on hospice work. This bothered me as I have always seen pastoring as my greatest calling. To make matters stranger, to leave a church without somewhere to go was suicidal for future pastoral appointments. Yet, I did it. I think I have seen what God did because of that, but to be honest, most of the benefits of obeying are confusing to me. Yet, at least I obeyed. This is the key. There are times we will understand and see exactly what God was planning, like for Gideon; other times, we may not, but that doesn't change the truth: we need to obey God.

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Jeremiah 12

 At the end of this chapter, God gives a promise to the nations that have fought against Israel. God tells them if they turn to him, he will establish them like he established Israel. God is wanting to have those who lead his people astray to follow him. How unlike us. If someone led my child into trouble, the last thing that I would naturally want to do is to say, I want to see you saved like I want to save my children. Yet God loves even those who led His people into idolatry. So much for the God of the Old Testament being mean and spiteful. 

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Judges 6

 

In all my years of ministry and life in the church, I do not think I remember anyone speaking on the unnamed prophet who prepared Israel for Gideon. This is a reminder to me that not all ministry, though it is vital, is remembered, or at least the people who do it are. In truth,  most ministry done around the world is done by people whose names are never going to be remembered in this world. This doesn't mean they aren't important, but it is a reminder that if you are seeking earthly fame, then working for God isn't the route to go. However, in eternity, I will get the chance to meet this prophet and learn his name. More importantly, God knows his name, and that at the end of the day is what truly matters.  

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1 Corinthians 9

 Paul ends this chapter on why a teacher can receive pay, but he doesn't, with the illustration of an athlete who disciplines himself. These thoughts are connected. The reason Paul didn't take funds was probably thinking it might hinder the ministry of the gospel, but it might also hinder him. Paul may have thought that accepting support for ministry would be a hindrance to the work God wanted in him. I believe this is true. It can also be true for everyone else in that there may be some things that might be good and right for others, but not for you. The same thing that another person might enjoy would be destructive for you. This is why the writer of Hebrews says that we need to lay aside everything that may hinder us (Hebrews 12:1). If you're now sure in your life what they might be, ask God or your spouse. God will know, and your spouse probably knows more than you realize, so ask. 

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