Looking back over the long expanse of history, there has not been any consistent time where all of the nations of the world were at peace between each other. You might ask “What about during the Pax Romana” a period of peace from roughly 27 BC - 180 AD. That involved the Roman Empire, and though that empire was large and powerful, it did not encompass the whole world. There very likely were conflicts and even wars in other parts of the world then, such as among the indigenous tribes in North and South America, or perhaps among the different kingdoms of eastern Asia, or elsewhere. There has never been a time where there was not some type of hostility or war between two or more groups of people. Looking around the globe today, I can pick out several places where there are armed conflicts of various degrees. When such conflicts arise close to home, or we fear may begin to include our country or territory, we may begin to fear. “Can my country protect me and my family? Will our leader keep us safe? Is our military strong enough to defeat the enemy?” In our Scripture for today we will read the answer that the Lord God gives to those questions and fears.
Our psalmist today, in the second half of Psalm 33, can answer these questions, and hopefully put to rest the fears that many may have in these challenging days, where the fears of war and hopes for peace seem to dominate. As we read, we see that the Lord is watching over all the world (vs. 13-15). He is not oblivious to what is going on. He sees all of mankind, and He understands the hearts and actions of everyone, from the lowliest person on the streets to the richest or most powerful leaders. Contrary to what some religions teach, God is omniscient and He is personally involved in all that happens. Nothing escapes His notice. No action, person, or situation - past, present, or future - is hidden from Him. Not only does He see everyone’s actions, He also knows the motives behind those actions. We can only guess at someone’s motives, including world leaders, but God knows their true motives.
Who are we trusting in to keep us, our families, our friends, and ultimately our nation safe? Our psalmist speaks the truth when he says that no king (or president, or prime minister) is saved by his army (vs. 16-17). Without getting into the technicalities of military theory, in every battle or war, there have always been two or more armies (of varying sizes) involved. One side ultimately defeats the other. God tells us that we should not put our trust in an army, nor in the war horse (today we could say military aircraft, tanks, missiles, etc.). Trusting in our political leaders, military might, or personal strength is vain. Our hope must be in God’s power, not worldly solutions.
So if we can’t trust in our political leaders to help us, neither our military, nor in multi-national organizations (United Nations, EU, etc.), who can we turn to for help when the drums of war are sounding louder and louder? Or who can we turn to for help when our country’s economy is falling apart, and basic necessities like food and housing are becoming too expensive? Or when we can’t afford the medical care that we need? Our psalmist here tells us that we should turn to the Lord God, and trust in Him, not in any human agency (vs. 18-19). God watches over those who fear Him, and who hope in His mercy. Salvation and deliverance comes through God’s grace, not through someone else, or even our own ability. When we fear the Lord, giving Him His due honor and respect, and trust in His mercy, He will deliver us.
Our psalmist reminds us that we need to wait upon the Lord, trusting in His timing and plan, even when there are frightening challenges (vs. 20-22). We can rejoice in all that He has done, and has promised that He will do for us, and hope in His mercy, because He is a faithful God.
As the portion of our psalm began, blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (vs. 12). Though there possibly were some nations in the past who genuinely trusted in the Lord Jesus, there really aren’t any today where we could say that both their leader and the vast majority of the people put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Though God is concerned with nations, He is also especially concerned with individuals. Each of us as individuals can and should turn to the Lord Jesus and claim Him as our Lord and God. Believers today form a spiritual nation (I Peter 2:9). Our allegiance must be to the Lord above all. God’s blessing is tied to submission to His lordship. Nations that reject the Lord Jesus cannot expect His favor.
Knowing this, we need to pray that our nation, whatever one you may live in, will come (or return) to the Lord Jesus, acknowledging Him as their Lord and God. For ourselves, for our own peace of mind in challenging times, we need to trust in God’s mercy, not in our own or anyone else’s strength. Remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God’s eye is upon us.
No comments:
Post a Comment