When afflicted, insulted, and lied about, do we pray? Are we angry without sin, do we trust in the Lord, do we have gladness in our hearts and lie down and sleep in peace? Let’s look at Psalm 4.
Did the Psalmist ask God for help in the midst of insults and lies from men in high positions? Have we ever experienced that?
Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted? How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie? Selah (Psalm 4:1-2 HCSB)
How do we engage with our accusers yet remain holy, not becoming like them? How do we forgive, and still defend ourselves?
But understand this: the Lord has set apart the godly for himself! The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him! Be angry, yet do not sin. Think about this when upon your beds, and be silent. Interlude (Ps 4:3-4 ISV)
Instead of countering evil with evil, should we use a righteous approach, trusting the Lord for the outcome?
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. (Ps 4:5-6 KJV)
We can’t avoid all the bullies in life, but can we ask God for gladness of heart and safety?
You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Yahweh, make me to abide in safety. (Ps 4:7-8 LSB)
What did Jesus say about such people who make themselves our enemies?
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Mat 5:43-45 NASB)
When afflicted, insulted, and lied about, do we pray? Are we angry without sin, do we trust in the Lord, do we have gladness in our hearts and lie down and sleep in peace? You decide!
Peaceful Sleep (Psalm 3)
In a world where we shrink from the dangers of evil all around, can we sleep peacefully? Let’s look at Psalm 3.
Do we have many enemies? What about those who add poisons to our food or sell us fake food? What about advertisers that lie? What about businesses that cheat us? What about politicians who make millions from bribes? What about foreign governments that threaten? What about criminals all around?
O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Interlude (Ps 3:1-2 NLT)
Who can we truly trust to shield us from these enemies? Can we trust our governments, corporations, the wealthy, the powerful, or God alone?
But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry to Yahweh with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah. (Ps 3:3-4 WEB)
How can we relax in a world of enemies on all sides? Who can help us sleep at night?
I lie down, sleep, and wake up because the Lord helps me. I won’t be afraid of thousands of people surrounding me on all sides. (Ps 3:5-6 CEB)
Who can rescue us from those who would bite and devour us?
Come and save me, Lord God! Break my enemies' jaws and shatter their teeth, because you protect and bless your people. [Selah] (Ps 3:7-8 CEV)
Will God help us overcome the anxiety of living in a dangerous world, and give us peace?
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication [petition] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 ESV)
In a world where we shrink from the dangers of evil all around, can we sleep peacefully? You decide!
Do we have many enemies? What about those who add poisons to our food or sell us fake food? What about advertisers that lie? What about businesses that cheat us? What about politicians who make millions from bribes? What about foreign governments that threaten? What about criminals all around?
O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Interlude (Ps 3:1-2 NLT)
Who can we truly trust to shield us from these enemies? Can we trust our governments, corporations, the wealthy, the powerful, or God alone?
But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry to Yahweh with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah. (Ps 3:3-4 WEB)
How can we relax in a world of enemies on all sides? Who can help us sleep at night?
I lie down, sleep, and wake up because the Lord helps me. I won’t be afraid of thousands of people surrounding me on all sides. (Ps 3:5-6 CEB)
Who can rescue us from those who would bite and devour us?
Come and save me, Lord God! Break my enemies' jaws and shatter their teeth, because you protect and bless your people. [Selah] (Ps 3:7-8 CEV)
Will God help us overcome the anxiety of living in a dangerous world, and give us peace?
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication [petition] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 ESV)
In a world where we shrink from the dangers of evil all around, can we sleep peacefully? You decide!
Kiss the Son (Psalm 2)
Even in politically free countries is there increased opposition to the Lord? Was there a Son born who will one day rule the nations? Let’s begin in Psalm 2.
Why is there persecution of Christians in countries like North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Mali, China, Maldives, Iraq, Syria, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Laos, Mauritania, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Central African Republic, Niger, Turkmenistan, Nicaragua, and more? [World Watch List, opendoors.org]
Hebrew poetry is not so much about rhyme, but stating the same thing in different words, twice and sometimes three times. This parallelism is used frequently throughout the Psalms.
Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and His Anointed One: “Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints.” (Ps 2:1-3 HCSB)
Does God scoff at ineffective worldly solutions and rebuke the nations? Has He prepared a king to rule from Jerusalem?
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. In his anger he rebukes them, and in his wrath he terrifies them: “I have set my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” (Ps 2:4-6 ISV)
Does the Psalmist prophesy about a Son who will eventually rule even the uttermost parts of the earth?
I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Ps 2:7-9 KJV)
Does God warn world leaders to take refuge in the Son?
So now, O kings, show insight; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Serve Yahweh [the Lord] with fear And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Ps 2:10-12 LSB)
How did Paul explain this Psalm in the synagogue at Antioch in the region of Pisidia?
And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to those of us who are the descendants by raising Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have fathered You.’ (Acts 13:32-33 NASB)
Did Jesus promise to Thyatira that those who are victorious and do His will will also rule over nations with an iron rod?
To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. (Rev 2:26-27 NIV)
Even in politically free countries is there increased opposition to the Lord? Was there a Son born who will one day rule the nations? You decide!
Why is there persecution of Christians in countries like North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Mali, China, Maldives, Iraq, Syria, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Laos, Mauritania, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Central African Republic, Niger, Turkmenistan, Nicaragua, and more? [World Watch List, opendoors.org]
Hebrew poetry is not so much about rhyme, but stating the same thing in different words, twice and sometimes three times. This parallelism is used frequently throughout the Psalms.
Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and His Anointed One: “Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints.” (Ps 2:1-3 HCSB)
Does God scoff at ineffective worldly solutions and rebuke the nations? Has He prepared a king to rule from Jerusalem?
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. In his anger he rebukes them, and in his wrath he terrifies them: “I have set my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” (Ps 2:4-6 ISV)
Does the Psalmist prophesy about a Son who will eventually rule even the uttermost parts of the earth?
I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Ps 2:7-9 KJV)
Does God warn world leaders to take refuge in the Son?
So now, O kings, show insight; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Serve Yahweh [the Lord] with fear And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Ps 2:10-12 LSB)
How did Paul explain this Psalm in the synagogue at Antioch in the region of Pisidia?
And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to those of us who are the descendants by raising Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have fathered You.’ (Acts 13:32-33 NASB)
Did Jesus promise to Thyatira that those who are victorious and do His will will also rule over nations with an iron rod?
To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. (Rev 2:26-27 NIV)
Even in politically free countries is there increased opposition to the Lord? Was there a Son born who will one day rule the nations? You decide!
Two Choices (Psalm 1)
Are there basically two choices in life, bringing forth either good fruit or worthless dust; two gates, leading to either life or destruction? What do we choose? Let’s look at Psalm 1.
Whether he walks, stands or sits, what is the end result of a life of obedience to God’s teachings? Is there a right kind of meditation, one that thinks about God’s instructions day and night?
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Ps 1:1-2 NKJV)
Though we may suffer in this life, is there a general heading for those who strive to do the right thing?
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Ps 1:3 NLT)
Though the wicked may prosper materially for a time, will justice eventually come to them in the judgment?
The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. (Ps 1:4-5 WEB)
Does this Psalm contain a broad outline of two ways and their ultimate destinations?
The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed. (Ps 1:6 CEB)
Did Jesus basically describe the two choices in the sermon on the mount? Which choice is less popular?
Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it. (Mat 7:13-14 CEV)
Is there a tree planted by a river that pictures the eternity granted to those who choose the right path?
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. (Rev 22:1-3 ESV)
Are there basically two choices in life, bringing forth either good fruit or worthless dust; two gates, leading to either life or destruction? What do we choose? You decide!
Whether he walks, stands or sits, what is the end result of a life of obedience to God’s teachings? Is there a right kind of meditation, one that thinks about God’s instructions day and night?
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Ps 1:1-2 NKJV)
Though we may suffer in this life, is there a general heading for those who strive to do the right thing?
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Ps 1:3 NLT)
Though the wicked may prosper materially for a time, will justice eventually come to them in the judgment?
The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. (Ps 1:4-5 WEB)
Does this Psalm contain a broad outline of two ways and their ultimate destinations?
The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed. (Ps 1:6 CEB)
Did Jesus basically describe the two choices in the sermon on the mount? Which choice is less popular?
Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it. (Mat 7:13-14 CEV)
Is there a tree planted by a river that pictures the eternity granted to those who choose the right path?
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. (Rev 22:1-3 ESV)
Are there basically two choices in life, bringing forth either good fruit or worthless dust; two gates, leading to either life or destruction? What do we choose? You decide!
God's Restoration (Job 42)
Would our faith endure despite persecution or other suffering? Did God reject Job’s friends’ simplistic judgmental attitude that all suffering is caused by personal sin? Is present suffering sometimes completely independent of our sins? Let’s conclude in Job 42.
Did Job finally admit his total lack of understanding? What did he say to God in his repentance? Do we see God in creation?
Job said: No one can oppose you, because you have the power to do what you want. You asked why I talk so much when I know so little. I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding. You told me to listen and answer your questions. I heard about you from others; now I have seen you with my own eyes. That's why I hate myself and sit here in dust and ashes to show my sorrow. (Job 42:1-6 CEV)
What did God say to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar? Was Elihu perhaps partly right about the most important things? Is that why God did not correct him?
After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job's prayer. (Job 42:7-9 ESV)
After this trial did God restore prosperity, family and friends to Job?
After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his prosperity and doubled his previous possessions. All his brothers, sisters, and former acquaintances came to his house and dined with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him concerning all the adversity the Lord had brought on him. Each one gave him a qesitah [money] and a gold earring. (Job 42:10-11 HCSB)
Was Job blessed in the latter part of his life more than the first part? Did he give his daughters an equal inheritance?
The Lord blessed Job during the latter part of his life more than the former, since he owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first daughter Jemima, the second Keziah, and the name of the third was Keren-happuch. No one could find more beautiful women in the whole land than Job’s daughters. Their father gave them their inheritance along with their brothers. Job lived 140 years after this, and saw his children and grandchildren to the fourth generation. Then Job died at an old age, having lived a full life. (Job 42:12-17 ISV)
Rather than judge as a sinner those who are suffering, should we honor their patient endurance?
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11 KJV)
Would our faith endure despite persecution or other suffering? Did God reject Job’s friends’ simplistic judgmental attitude that all suffering is caused by personal sin? Is present suffering sometimes completely independent of our sins? You decide!
Did Job finally admit his total lack of understanding? What did he say to God in his repentance? Do we see God in creation?
Job said: No one can oppose you, because you have the power to do what you want. You asked why I talk so much when I know so little. I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding. You told me to listen and answer your questions. I heard about you from others; now I have seen you with my own eyes. That's why I hate myself and sit here in dust and ashes to show my sorrow. (Job 42:1-6 CEV)
What did God say to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar? Was Elihu perhaps partly right about the most important things? Is that why God did not correct him?
After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job's prayer. (Job 42:7-9 ESV)
After this trial did God restore prosperity, family and friends to Job?
After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his prosperity and doubled his previous possessions. All his brothers, sisters, and former acquaintances came to his house and dined with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him concerning all the adversity the Lord had brought on him. Each one gave him a qesitah [money] and a gold earring. (Job 42:10-11 HCSB)
Was Job blessed in the latter part of his life more than the first part? Did he give his daughters an equal inheritance?
The Lord blessed Job during the latter part of his life more than the former, since he owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first daughter Jemima, the second Keziah, and the name of the third was Keren-happuch. No one could find more beautiful women in the whole land than Job’s daughters. Their father gave them their inheritance along with their brothers. Job lived 140 years after this, and saw his children and grandchildren to the fourth generation. Then Job died at an old age, having lived a full life. (Job 42:12-17 ISV)
Rather than judge as a sinner those who are suffering, should we honor their patient endurance?
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11 KJV)
Would our faith endure despite persecution or other suffering? Did God reject Job’s friends’ simplistic judgmental attitude that all suffering is caused by personal sin? Is present suffering sometimes completely independent of our sins? You decide!
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