A Wedding Invitation

Matthew 22:1-14

If you were invited to a special event, a celebration that would include a very sumptuous dinner with the best of foods, would you turn it down?  Most of us would not likely reject that invitation, especially if it would not cost us anything, as all expenses were already paid, including the clothes we would wear.  In our Scripture today from St. Matthew’s Gospel, we continue with looking at the parables the Lord Jesus told just days before His crucifixion.  This parable was primarily aimed at the Pharisees and religious leaders in Jerusalem, the ones who were refusing the invitation.

In this parable, we read of a king who was holding a banquet to celebrate the wedding of his son, a marriage feast.  He had sent the invitations, and when the day arrived, he sent his servants out to call those invited to the banquet.  However, those invited would not come, and many of them even beat up the servants, some they even killed.  So the king destroyed the city, and then sent other servants out to invite others from farther away, many of whom responded.  At the banquet, the king saw a guest who did not have on a wedding garment, who was then cast out.

Like all of His parables, this one had a specific spiritual meaning besides just being a curious story.  Each character represents someone - the king represents God the Father, and the son represents Jesus Christ.  Those first invited primarily represent Israel, especially the religious leaders and the nation that had received God’s promises.  The servants are the prophets that God sent to the people, from the days of Moses all the way to John the Baptist.

The invitation had been announced, and then the king sent his servants to notify the guests that everything was ready (vs. 3).  The prophets foretold Christ’s coming.  John the Baptist announced His arrival, and Jesus Himself preached the kingdom.  However, the nation largely rejected Him.  The king then sent another invitation (vs. 4-5), showing God’s patience and mercy.  The invited guests made light of it, and chose their business and personal interests over the king’s invitation.  Today we see the same with people who value their careers and pleasures over Jesus.

Other of the invited guests took some of the servants and abused them, picturing the persecution of God’s messengers (vs. 6).  This happened to many of the Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist, the apostles, and other Christian martyrs through the ages.  When the king heard this, He responded quickly by destroying the city (vs. 7), which points prophetically to God’s judgment upon Jerusalem which was destroyed in 70 AD, along with the nation, and the people scattered throughout the world.  God is patient, but His patience is not endless.  Today, just as in the days of the Bible, rejecting God’s invitation will bring judgment.

Because those initially invited rejected their invitation, the king extended the invitation to others (vs. 8-10).  This pictures the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles, the outcast, and to all nations. The Gospel invitation is universal.  The message goes to all.  This does not mean that all are saved.  Rather, it means that all are invited.  The Gospel is for everyone, and no sinner is beyond God’s invitation.

As the parable continues, we see a man who was not wearing a wedding garment (vs. 11-13).  The man accepted the invitation but entered improperly.  In ancient royal weddings, it was common for garments to be provided for guests, yet this guest had refused to wear his.  The wedding garment represents the righteousness that God provides (Isaiah 61:10; Philippians 3:9).  This wedding guest wanted to trust in his own works, rather than in Jesus’ provision on the Cross.  No one enters God’s presence clothed in his own righteousness.  We must be clothed in Christ’s righteousness.

The man had no answer when questioned, as unbelievers will have no defense before God.  He was then cast out, a picture of eternal judgment upon those who reject God’s provision of salvation.  Neither good works nor church membership is salvation.  Only the righteousness of Jesus makes one acceptable before God.  If one is to be accepted into heaven, being clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ isn’t an option.  It is imperative.  You cannot enter heaven on your own terms, clothed in your own righteousness.

God sincerely invites people to come, and the Gospel invitation goes out widely, however only those who respond in genuine faith become partakers of salvation (vs. 14).  Those who are saved are chosen by God.  Those who are lost cannot blame God for rejecting His gracious invitation.

God invites all to come to His Son Jesus Christ, but only those clothed in Christ’s righteousness will enter the eternal wedding feast.  Salvation is entirely a matter of God’s grace, yet it demands a personal response.  The King freely invites guests to the feast, but those who enter must be clothed in the garment He provides.  This parable beautifully pictures the Gospel.  We cannot come to God in our own righteousness, but only in the righteousness of Jesus.  Genuine salvation is not about religion, heritage, or good works, but about receiving Jesus by faith.

Content in All Circumstances

Philippians 4:10-13

Our Scripture for today, taken from the fourth chapter of St. Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, is a very familiar passage for many.  In fact, many Christians have memorized this portion of Scripture, particularly the last verse in the passage. However, that particular verse is often misunderstood, or taken out of context.  Let’s take a look at this passage that teaches the believer’s dependence upon the Lord Jesus, the secret of Christian contentment, and God’s sustaining grace in every circumstance, and also particularly look at the final verse, to understand what it really means.

Paul’s epistle to the Philippians was written while the apostle was imprisoned for his faith in Rome.  Unlike most prisons today, the prison system in the ancient world would provide just enough bread and water to keep the prisoner alive.  If one wanted a decent meal or a blanket to keep warm, the prisoner’s family or friends would have to send these.  While Paul was imprisoned, the Christians in Philippi sent financial help through a fellow believer.  The apostle was very grateful for their help and expressed his thanks to them (vs. 10).  However, he didn’t want them to feel bad that they hadn’t sent it earlier.  He knew they had wanted to, but didn’t have the means to until then.  Paul did not rejoice just because he received money or provisions.  His joy was centered in the Lord.  He knew that the giver behind every gift is God Himself.  His joy was rooted in Jesus, not in his circumstances.

The apostle testifies that he has learned to be content wherever he is, and in whatever circumstance he is in (vs. 11).  Notice, Paul said that he has learned.  Contentment does not come naturally, it is something that we need to learn and cultivate in our life.  Our natural response is to be happy and satisfied when things are going right and we have what we want.  When we don’t we are discouraged, depressed, resentful, and angry.  Paul learned through the years of trials that he would rest in God’s wisdom, and trust in His provisions.  He accepted God’s plan in his life, and was satisfied with His will.  Through trusting in God regardless of his circumstances, Paul learned that Christ is enough.

Throughout his ministry Paul had experienced both times of abundance and times of need (vs. 12).  He had received support from various churches throughout the years of his missionary journeys, along with seasons of blessings.  Along with that, though, Paul had also been imprisoned several times.  He had gone hungry, been beaten, and suffered shipwrecks.  However, regardless of which he was experiencing, Paul’s spiritual stability remained unchanged.  He glorified God in both situations.

Verse 13 is one that many Christians have memorized, and is one that some have misunderstood and taken out of context.  Many Christians have quoted this verse as meaning that they can win at anything, they can achieve any dream they have, or accomplish whatever they desire, all because they feel that if they have faith, Jesus will strengthen them to be able to.  However that is not Paul’s meaning here.  The context of this verse is Paul’s contentment in any circumstance. The verse is not about unlimited human achievement.  It is about unlimited divine enablement to fulfill God’s will.  Paul was saying that through Christ’s strength he could endure either abundance or poverty, that he could obey God in every circumstance he was in.

Contentment rarely appears instantly.  God teaches it through trials, losses, disappointments, and also through answered prayers.  Circumstances should not determine the level of our joy.  Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison.  His surroundings were difficult, but his spirit was victorious.  As Christians, our joy should be based on Jesus’ unchanging character, not on our changing circumstances.  God controls both abundance and adversity for His purposes.

In closing, as believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, we should remember that when health fails, Christ strengthens.  When our finances shrink, Christ strengthens.  When what we do for the Lord becomes difficult, Christ strengthens.  And when suffering comes, Christ strengthens.  The great secret Paul learned was simple: Christ is enough.

The Righteous Judge

Psalm 9

A few days ago I was talking with my daughter Lucy, and we were discussing how so often in society today it seems that the wicked have the upper hand.  So often they get away with their evil ways, and unfortunately good people are afraid to speak up.  It was very discouraging.  However, my discouragement was short-lived as I turned to study this psalm for today’s study.  Our psalm for this week, one written by King David, praises the Lord as the Righteous Judge.  Though the wicked may seem to be on the top now, God will bring them to judgment.  Let’s take a look at our Scripture.

Many of the years of King David’s reign were spent in battle as he defended his country against military attacks by surrounding enemy nations.  This psalm appears to have been written following a significant victory that God had given him over these enemies.  We see here that God will ultimately judge evil, and He will vindicate those who trust in Him.

As was often the case in the psalms that David wrote, he begins with praise to God, this time for a military victory (vs. 1-2).  He isn’t bragging about his military skills.  Instead, David praises God for His intervention and righteous rule.  True worship will be centered on God, not on ourselves, our personal feelings, or in circumstances.  Many Christians will praise the Lord when things go well, but are quick to complain when difficulties arise.  David would begin praising God before discussing any of his problems.  He knew that any victory belonged to the Lord (vs. 3-6).  When enemies fall it is because of God’s presence, His judgment, and His power.  Whenever we fight a spiritual battle, the victory comes from God, not ourselves.

We see several important truths in this psalm.  One truth is that God’s reign is eternal (vs. 7).  Earthly kingdoms and empires rise and fall.  We see that throughout all of history, such as the Egyptian Empire, the Babylonian and Persian Empires, and the Roman Empire.  However, God’s throne remains forever.  He rules over nations, kings, and history (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:9-10).  Another is that God’s judgment is righteous (vs. 8).  Human judges may be corrupt or mistaken, but God never is.  His judgments are perfect, just, and holy.

A third truth is that God is a refuge for His people (vs. 9-10).  The Lord is like a secure fortress or stronghold that believers can turn to when surrounded by trouble (Nahum 1:7).  Having God as a refuge doesn’t mean that storms, trials, or problems won’t come.  However, in the refuge God will strengthen our faith to protect us.  He may not prevent our struggles or problems, but He will safely carry us through them.  God does have the ability to lessen these problems intensity and duration if He chooses.  He is in control, and will allow nothing in our life that doesn’t carry the ability to form us more into His image.  The world often appears unfair, but this psalm reminds us that God sees everything, and He will judge rightly.

David continues by declaring how God cares for the afflicted (vs. 11-14).  The wicked will ignore people who are suffering, but God doesn’t.  He remembers the oppressed and needy (Psalm 34:17).  There may be times when we feel that people have forgotten us, but we are never forgotten by God.  The Lord doesn’t forget His children, and neither does He forget what the wicked have done, particularly against Him and His children (vs. 15-18).  We read here that frequently they will fall into their own traps.  Though many people today deny that there is eternal punishment, verse 17 strongly affirms the reality of divine judgment and of hell.  Jesus spoke of the reality of hell several times (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48).  People and nations that reject God may prosper for a time, but no one can escape His judgment forever.

The psalm concludes with a prayer for God’s glory, His justice, and His rule to be recognized (vs. 19-20).  People and nations might imagine themselves to be self-sufficient, but God’s judgments remind us of our weakness and dependence upon Him.

In closing, our Psalm reminds us that God is righteous, sovereign, faithful, and just, and believers can confidently trust Him in every circumstance.  When we know that He is loving, kind, and gentle, we can entrust our hearts fully to Him.  If we don’t believe that, we struggle to trust Him.  God will never forsake those who trust in Him.  We should always remember that, even when evil seems to prosper and justice appears delayed, God is still on His throne.  His timing may not always be our timing, but His faithfulness never fails.  God will never abandon those who seek Him.

Faithful to His Promises

Isaiah 25:1-9

Our Scripture to start this week off is a wonderful message from the Prophet Isaiah.  Instead of a message of judgment or one of urging the people to get back on the right track with God, Isaiah records blessings that he saw for God’s people in the future, one that looks beyond God’s judgment upon the nations to His future kingdom blessings.  It is a message that anticipates the future Millennial Kingdom of Christ, and ultimately God’s final victory over death.

Isaiah opens this passage with his praise and worship of the Lord, not just for what He has done in the past, but also for what He has promised in the future, events that the prophet is certain God will accomplish.  God’s “counsels of old” refer to His eternal plans and decrees (vs. 1).  Isaiah knows that the Lord is sovereign, and that whatever He foretells is certain to happen.  He knows and can trust that God is perfectly faithful.  Today we look back and see that the prophecies concerning Jesus’ first coming were literally fulfilled.  Therefore, we can expect the prophecies concerning His second coming and kingdom will be fulfilled literally, as well.  True worship grows from recognizing God’s faithfulness.

Though the city in verse 2 is not specifically identified, it can represent mankind’s rebellious world system.  Its destruction depicts the downfall of proud human civilizations that oppose God.  No earthly power can ultimately stand against God.

Isaiah proceeds to tell us that God is a refuge for the afflicted (vs. 3-5).  In contrast to the destruction of the proud, God will protect the humble, the poor, the needy, and distressed.  The Lord repeatedly demonstrates His concern for those who trust in Him, and promises to be a divine refuge in trouble.  Believers today know that Jesus remains a refuge during trials, persecution, and the uncertainty of this world.

Next we read of Isaiah’s prophecy of the great Messianic banquet (vs. 6).  The mountain refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, and looks ahead to the reign of the Messiah Jesus.  This feast symbolizes joy, fellowship, victory, abundance, and peace, and is connected to the future Messianic Kingdom after Jesus returns.  We see references to this great banquet several times in the New Testament.  Jesus speaks of it in Matthew 8:11, and the Apostle John had visions of it in Revelation 19:9.  God’s future for His people is not sorrow but celebration.

God has also promised to remove all spiritual blindness on earth (vs. 7).  The “covering” represents the spiritual blindness and ignorance that has affected humanity since the Fall of Adam.  There is a veil of ignorance and evil that covers the world, blinding us to God’s love.  Selfishness, greed, and desire for power obscure our vision, making us unable to clearly see God (II Corinthians 4:3-4).  Left to ourselves we experience only darkness, confusion, and despair.  God will not leave us hopeless.  His love can remove whatever blinds us, and reveal His truth.

Isaiah continues by prophesying the Lord’s victory over death (vs. 8).  Death had entered the world through sin (Romans 5:12), but here we see God promising its ultimate defeat.  Paul also quoted this verse in I Corinthians 15:54.  The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the future resurrection of believers (John 11:25-26).  As followers of Jesus, we have an amazing hope.  The hope of eternal life, and the hope that one day we will see God the Father face to face.  On that day, when death is swallowed up, He will wipe every tear away from our face (Revelation 21:4).  For believers, death is not the end.  Jesus Christ has conquered the grave!

Our Scripture closes with the joyful expectation of God’s people (vs. 9).  The redeemed recognize that God has fulfilled everything that He has promised. Twice we read “we have waited for him”.  God’s people throughout time have lived in expectation.  Abraham waited, David waited, the prophets waited, and believers today also wait.  At this time Isaiah prophesies that our faith will become sight, and our hope will become reality.

As followers of Jesus, we can praise the Lord, as we know that He is faithful to every promise He has made.  We can turn to Jesus in times of distress, and take comfort in His victory over death.  Throughout Scripture God’s people are characterized by waiting on God, and their waiting is never in vain.  Today let us keep looking forward to the day when faith becomes sight, and we can join the redeemed in saying “This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers

Matthew 21:33-43

Our Gospel reading today continues in a series of parables that the Lord Jesus told a couple of days before His arrest and crucifixion.  Today’s parable tells of a rather shocking scenario, and was told specifically to the Pharisees and religious leaders in Jerusalem and the Temple.  The message that this parable gave was one that would have angered them, and made them all the more determined to see that the Lord destroyed.  Let’s look at this parable which has come to be known as The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers or Husbandmen.

When reading this parable it is important to know who each person symbolizes.  Just as in the Scripture from Isaiah that we looked at earlier this week (Isaiah 5:1-7), the vineyard represents Israel.  In both passages God planted the vineyard, protected it, provided all that was necessary, and then expected fruit.  The owner is God, and the vinedressers or workers are the religious and political leaders of Israel.  The servants that were sent to collect the fruit are the prophets of God in the Old Testament.  And of course, the owner's son represents God’s own Son, Jesus Christ.

The owner of the vineyard had planted it, hedged it about, put in a wine press and a tower (vs. 33-34).  Nothing was lacking.  Similarly, Israel had God’s Law, the prophets, His covenant, protection, and Temple.  And today, believers have received great spiritual blessings through Jesus.  God expected, both then and today, for the vine to be fruitful.  The vineyard was not ornamental.  It was there to produce fruit (John 15:8).

At harvest time the owner sent his servants to collect the fruit (vs. 34-36).  These symbolized the prophets that God sent His people throughout history.  However, the workers responded violently.  They beat some, stoned some, and killed some.  The religious and political leaders consistently rejected God’s messengers.  The Lord, though, like the owner, was patient.  He didn’t immediately judge them.  He sent more servants.  The tenants became more guilty with each rejection.  That is true today.  Rejecting God’s Word brings greater accountability.

Finally the owner sent his son, who they not only rejected, but brought him out of the vineyard and killed him (vs. 37-39).  This is the central point of the parable.  The son is Jesus Christ.   The workers recognized the son’s identity, but rejected him anyway.  This mirrors the conduct of Israel’s leaders.  Many saw Jesus’ miracles and heard His teaching, but refused to submit to Him (John 1:11).  The religious leaders in Jerusalem had Jesus brought outside of the city and crucified.

Jesus then asked His listeners to pronounce judgment (vs. 40-41).  Without realizing it, they condemned themselves.  God’s patience is not endless.  Judgment eventually comes.  He is also perfectly just.  The tenants received exactly what their actions deserved.  In verse 42 Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23.  The stone is Jesus and the builders are Israel’s religious leaders.  They examined the stone and rejected it.  Yet God exalted the very One they cast aside.

The parable ends with Jesus stating something that greatly angered the Pharisees and religious leaders, and is sometimes misunderstood today (vs. 43).  This verse does not mean that Israel permanently ceases to be God’s chosen nation, that He has no future plans for Israel, or that His covenants have been canceled.  Romans 11 clearly teaches Israel’s future restoration.  It does mean that the kingdom privilege and stewardship were removed from the unbelieving Jewish leadership.  The opportunity to proclaim God’s truth would be entrusted to others.  The Church today, as in the days of the Apostles, includes both Gentile believers and believing Jews.

Israel was accountable for the light it had received.  Greater privilege brings greater responsibility.  The religious leaders knowingly rejected their Messiah, the Lord Jesus.  Their rejection led to judgment.  God still requires fruit from those entrusted with His truth.  Believers today should examine whether their lives honor the Lord.  They should respect God’s messengers, and be bearing spiritual fruit.

God graciously entrusted Israel with unparalleled spiritual privileges, repeatedly sent prophets to call the nation to repentance, and finally sent His own Son, Jesus Christ.  Israel’s religious and political leaders rejected and killed the Son, bringing divine judgment upon themselves.  Yet God’s purposes were not thwarted.  The rejected Stone became the Cornerstone, and the stewardship of God’s kingdom work was entrusted to those who receive Christ and bear fruit, both Gentile and Jewish believers.  This parable stands as both a solemn warning against rejecting Jesus and a glorious affirmation of His ultimate victory and authority.

Striving to Reach the Goal

Philippians 3:14-21

Most of us have goals in our life.  The student in the university has a goal of getting a degree in his chosen field, then getting a good job and advancing in his career.  The athlete has goals, some of them immediate, and then other long-term goals.  The rookie baseball pitcher wants to pitch a no-hitter this game, and then be picked for a major league team.  The Apostle Paul had goals in his Christian life, and encouraged other believers to also have goals, and to press on and strive to meet those goals.  In today’s Scripture he speaks of one such goal.  Let’s take a look.

As one reads through the various letters that St. Paul wrote to the churches he helped to establish, we get the impression that he was a sports enthusiast, as he often made comparisons between certain sports and various aspects of the Christian life.  One he often used was running a race, striving to reach the finish line and win the prize.  As we begin this portion of Scripture, Paul pictured a runner pressing on to reach the mark (vs. 14).  Paul was not spiritually complacent.  He energetically sought to know Jesus more fully.  The prize is not salvation, since salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Instead it refers to the rewards, approval, and Christ- likeness that we can receive.

That should be a goal of ours, as well.  Don’t get side-tracked or give up.  Paul urged us to keep growing spiritually and keep serving the Lord faithfully.  When we grow weary we need to fix our eyes on Jesus.  He knows each challenge we face, and He will guide us to the finish line (Hebrews 12:1-2; I Corinthians 9:24-27).

As Paul continued, he instructed his readers that mature believers should share the same mindset (vs. 15-16).  We should all strive for humility, and desire ours and others spiritual growth, being dependent upon the Lord Jesus.  If we get confused about certain truths, God will continue to reveal them as we walk with Him.  In the meantime we need to live according to the truth that we already know.  God expects obedience to revealed truth.  Spiritual growth will occur when we obey the Scriptures we already know.

We all need godly examples to copy so that we can live godly lives (vs. 17).  Paul boldly invited believers to follow his example because he was closely following the example of Christ.  This is not the apostle being proud, but rather him showing confidence that he was yielding his life fully to God.  Every Christian will have some type of influence on others.  We need to ask ourselves if our life will help someone else follow Jesus more closely or not.  Are we setting a godly example in our speech, our conduct, and our priorities?

In contrast to godly examples to follow, Paul continued on to describe that there are those who are bad examples, who are actually enemies of the cross of Christ (vs. 18-19).  People can be enemies of everything the cross represents, such as mankind’s sinfulness, Jesus’ sinlessness, our inability to save ourselves, God’s justice, grace, mercy, and His shed Blood for our sins.  Some of the characteristics that Paul gave of these enemies is that their end will be destruction.  They will face eternal judgment because they reject the true Gospel.  Their god is their belly.  Their desires and appetites control them.  They glory in their shame, celebrating what should produce repentance.  And they mind earthly things, their focus being entirely on worldly concerns rather than eternal realities.  A person may profess having faith, but reveal a false profession through a life dominated by fleshly desires and worldly values.

Paul reminded the Philippians that their citizenship was in heaven, not here on earth (vs. 20).  The Philippians lived in a Roman colony and understood citizenship well.  We are all citizens of one country or another.  However, if we are Christians we belong to another kingdom.  Though we are physically on earth, our primary allegiance is in heaven.  As citizens of heaven we should be thinking and living differently than others.  We should be valuing eternal things as we anticipate Jesus’ return.

As Paul finished this portion of Scripture he spoke  of the future glorification of believers (vs. 21).  As many of us can attest to, our current bodies are subject to aging, weakness, sickness, and ultimately death.  However, one day Jesus will transform them into glorified bodies like His resurrection body.

As we close, we see our Christian life as a race towards the heavenly goal, and we need to press forward, rejecting worldly-minded living, following godly examples, and live in anticipation of Jesus’ imminent return.  Until then, Christians are to live faithfully as citizens of Heaven, pressing towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Restore Us, O God

Psalm 80

When we go through a personal crisis period in our lives, as believers it is important that we turn to the Lord for His help and deliverance.  Serious problems can often weaken our faith, and we need a revival in our spirit to draw us back into a closer relationship with Jesus.  This is also important on a national level, especially if one’s country at any time was considered a “Christian country”.  Many Christians pray not only for personal revival in their lives, but also for national revival.  Our psalm for today is such a prayer, one which the psalmist Asaph prayed for his nation Israel.

Our psalmist, Asaph, wrote this psalm during a national crisis, possibly after a serious defeat in battle, or during the years that the powerful Assyrian empire threatened the nation. He knew that many of the problems that the nation faced were due to God’s chastening because of the people’s sin and departure from Him.  Knowing this, Asaph prayed a prayer of repentance and for national revival.

As the psalm opens, Asaph addressed God as the Shepherd of Israel, the One who led Joseph as a flock, and as the One who is enthroned between the cherubim (vs. 1-3).  This was a reminder that God cares about His covenant people, and is their Leader and Sovereign.  Asaph called on the Lord on behalf of the people, as Israel was in distress, and God’s blessings appeared withdrawn.  He prayed for God’s face to again shine upon them, so they could experience His peace and restoration.

Israel’s suffering was not accidental.  These afflictions and national humiliation were allowed by God (vs. 4-7).  Sometimes God permits hardships in order to correct His people, both at the time of Asaph, and also today.  His discipline is evidence of His concern for His children.  We read this in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:6.  When we go through a time of suffering, it is not a sign that God has abandoned us, but that He is dealing with us as His children.  In addition to praying that God would bring relief from our suffering, we should also seek to learn the lesson that God is teaching us through them.

Asaph continued in his psalm by portraying Israel as a vine which God brought up from Egypt (vs. 8-13).  This, of course, refers to His deliverance of His people from bondage to Pharaoh.  God had removed the heathen nations, prepared the land, and caused the vine of Israel to flourish, showing His gracious work in their history.  However, now the protective hedge has been removed, and enemies freely invade and destroy the country.  Israel’s protection depended on walking in fellowship with the Lord.  This can apply to us today, as well.  Christians and churches that once flourished can decline when they cease depending upon the Lord.  Just look around our cities and see how many churches are closed, or have a bare minimum of people who occasionally attend.

The psalmist prays to God to look down from heaven and protect what He had at one time planted (vs. 14-18).  He pleads to God, not for Israel’s merit, but because of His mercy.  In verse 17, the “man of Your right hand” may initially point to the king, but it ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  He is God’s chosen King, the One seated at God’s right hand.  The ultimate restoration of Israel will come through her Messiah, Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the people, Asaph promised a renewed faithfulness if the Lord would restore them (vs. 18-19).  Three times throughout this psalm Asaph had prayed for the Lord to turn to them and restore them (vs. 3, 7, 19), each time with a stronger plea.  The first time it was “O God”.  The second is a bit stronger, “O God of hosts”.  The final time Asaph pleads “O Lord God of hosts”.

As believers, what can we learn from this psalm/prayer for revival?  First, we see that God is both our Shepherd and also our Judge.  The same God who protects His people also disciplines them when necessary.  We also see that sin brings consequences.  Israel’s afflictions were linked to her spiritual condition.  God forgives sin, but sin often leaves painful consequences.  In this psalm we see that revival is not produced by human effort alone, but by God’s gracious intervention.  God’s covenant purposes cannot fail.  Though the vine was damaged, it was not destroyed.  The Lord God remains faithful to His promises.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only ultimate hope, both for individuals and also for each nation.  Only through Jesus can Israel or any nation be restored, can sinners be saved, and God’s purposes be fulfilled.  A nation that rejects God’s truth should not presume upon His blessings.  When God’s people experience spiritual decline, the answer is repentance, renewed dependence upon God, and confidence in His covenant faithfulness and mercy.

In closing, we need to pray the three requests that Asaph prayed in Psalm 80.  “Restore us again” - Ask God to reveal areas where spiritual renewal is needed.  “Cause Your face to shine” - Seek restored fellowship and God’s blessing.  And finally “we shall be saved” - Trust God to bring the restoration that only He can accomplish.