July 17, 2006 - Psalms 18-19 and Acts 20:17-38
The word pictures in the Bible are very powerful. We need to take time to use our minds to absorb these images, so we can receive the full meaning of the Lord. These passages have several word pictures for us. I pray that we will take time to let them sink into our souls and to become etched on our minds.
The main image in Psalm 18 is that of God as a raging storm sweeping down upon David's enemies. Think back to the worst storms you have encountered. The wind and the rain beat down from the angry black clouds. Perhaps, there were hail stones, and the roaring sound they make as they pound the earth. Then, after the storm we go out to survey the damage done, and we are amazed at the power of God unleashed in just a few minutes. That is how David is inspired to describe how God came against his enemies and gave him the victory. God can do the same thing for us today. In His great wrath against sin He can swoop down and make quick work of the Devil or other influences in our lives, if we will allow Him to do so.
Psalm 19 calls on us to consider the glory of God's creation and how it all screams out to us about the wisdom and power of God. Each time we see the sun rise and set we are reminded of how God has designed this universe to operate so well. It points us to His wonderful Word for His wisdom to lead our lives each day. We need the insights the Creator of the universe can give us from His Word. There is great reward in keeping God's Word. It is the final word of the One who made everything, and He always keeps His word.
The message of Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus has several word pictures, too. I want to point out one this morning. It is the image of wolves coming into the church to destroy the flock. That is how Satan works. He sends people into God's family to disrupt the unity and to harm other people. Then, in the confusion others in the flock are scattered, just like an attack by wolves on a flock of sheep. It is a terrible image, but it is true. We must be diligent to watch for the wolves and to protect the flock as the Lord says here. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is so precious, and none of His children should want to do anything that would harm the church. When there is a threat to the church, the sheep should come together and allow the shepherd to lead them and to protect them. Jesus is the Shepherd, and the under shepherds are the pastors of the church. I pray that we will let this image instruct us today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 20-22 and Acts 21:1-17.
The main image in Psalm 18 is that of God as a raging storm sweeping down upon David's enemies. Think back to the worst storms you have encountered. The wind and the rain beat down from the angry black clouds. Perhaps, there were hail stones, and the roaring sound they make as they pound the earth. Then, after the storm we go out to survey the damage done, and we are amazed at the power of God unleashed in just a few minutes. That is how David is inspired to describe how God came against his enemies and gave him the victory. God can do the same thing for us today. In His great wrath against sin He can swoop down and make quick work of the Devil or other influences in our lives, if we will allow Him to do so.
Psalm 19 calls on us to consider the glory of God's creation and how it all screams out to us about the wisdom and power of God. Each time we see the sun rise and set we are reminded of how God has designed this universe to operate so well. It points us to His wonderful Word for His wisdom to lead our lives each day. We need the insights the Creator of the universe can give us from His Word. There is great reward in keeping God's Word. It is the final word of the One who made everything, and He always keeps His word.
The message of Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus has several word pictures, too. I want to point out one this morning. It is the image of wolves coming into the church to destroy the flock. That is how Satan works. He sends people into God's family to disrupt the unity and to harm other people. Then, in the confusion others in the flock are scattered, just like an attack by wolves on a flock of sheep. It is a terrible image, but it is true. We must be diligent to watch for the wolves and to protect the flock as the Lord says here. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is so precious, and none of His children should want to do anything that would harm the church. When there is a threat to the church, the sheep should come together and allow the shepherd to lead them and to protect them. Jesus is the Shepherd, and the under shepherds are the pastors of the church. I pray that we will let this image instruct us today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 20-22 and Acts 21:1-17.