Monday Reflection – August 26, 2019

In God’s Time

 Thus says the Lord, “In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you.” Isaiah 49:8

Today’s Watchword is in the context of the second of four Servant Songs in Isaiah 42-53. The servant is God’s agent to do his work in the world. The songs are about God’s servant who will, among other things, bring justice to the nations, raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the preserved of Israel. Furthermore, God says, “I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth” (49:6b). It is clear that the servant will exercise considerable power on Yahweh’s authority.

In today’s text, Yahweh promises to bring his children home. This is intended to encourage the exiles who are having trouble believing that Yahweh will soon free them from their exile and lead them back to their homeland. God is about to liberate them. Yet, such will be on God’s terms and at God’s determined time. Notice that God says, ‘in a time of favor’ and ‘on a day of salvation’. Further, God promises that he will preserve them and give them as a covenant to the people. God is reminding them of the covenant he had established between them, a covenant between a superior (God) and an inferior (humans). God initiates these covenants and dictates their terms, and in every case the terms are favorable to the humans.

Thus in the context of the people’s inability to recover on their own and bring about their own future, God promises their restoration. God uses language that is akin to that of a mother to emphasize his promised care. For example, in 49:14, the people complains that God has forsaken and forgotten them. God responds in verse 15 by asking, if it is possible for the actual mother of a child to forget her child, even her nursing child, and if it is possible for the literal mother of the child to show no compassion for a child she has borne. Even if this were possible, God declares that it is not possible for him. “Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” God is faithful and this means that God’s options are limited; God will not, indeed cannot forget Israel. This is an act of divine self-limitation. In fact, God says that Israel is inscribed or tattooed on the palms of his hands. Israel has become a part of God’s identity. God is mother in a way that no earthly mother can be.

What a word of assurance for God’s people today! When we face life’s challenges, we have a mothering God who will always remember us. We are tattooed on the palms of God’s hands, never to be forgotten, but marked by him. We have a faithful God who will raise us up and cause us to thrive bountifully. Our journey may be through the wilderness, but we shall not be in want of food or water or protection. God himself will be our provider, guide and shelter. Yet God acts in his own time and day, as he bestows favour and salvation upon us.

Until next week, let’s trust God’s timing and actions.

Give God glory

Yours, O Lord, are the greatest, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and on Earth is yours.
1 Chronicles 29:11.

Background:
Earlier in the chapter, David had ask leaders to contribute to the building of the temple. Each leader contributed much of their possession. The people as well as David were happy to see how the leadership willingly gave the best of what they had to the work of the God. Just moments after the giving, David began to pray. As I read the passage I could feel the warmth of his heart and how grateful he was to God for allowing the leadership to give so willingly.

Application:
Many times in life we see great things happen in our midst and we forget that it is God who made it possible. If it had not been for God’s provision, the leaders who have gold , iron and bronze would not have been able to do so.
David who knew that every good thing came from God began to pray “Yours, O Lord, are the greatest, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and on earth is yours.

In the same way, we too should declare the greatness, power and majesty of God! Everything on earth and in heaven belongs to him. When we see great things in our midst, we should give him glory!

Encouragement:
Sometimes we get caught up in the rush of life, and we become so busy, that we forget to pray and give God our best worship

In times of miracles, we sometimes give honor to those who God would have used for his purpose to be fulfilled and we forget that it is God who is using those who help us

ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING GOOD IS FROM GOD, THE NEXT TIME YOU EXPERIENCE GOODNESS, GIVE GOD THANKS FIRST

Blessings
Shaneka Raymore-Euphfa

CALLED TO BE SERVANTS

But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant. Mark 10:43

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem for what would be the fulfilment of his ministry here on earth. He was accompanied by his disciples who followed him until they were scattered after Jesus’s arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. On the way to Jerusalem James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked to be placed on the right and left of Jesus when he enters his glory. Jesus indicated that he was unable to grant such a request for those places have already been reserved.

When the rest of disciples heard this they became angry with James and John for making such a request. Jesus then called his disciples to teach them. He said, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

At the heart of James and John’s request and the vexation of the disciples was self-centeredness, greed and a desire for power. James and John were only concerned about themselves and the disciples were upset that they were not part of this request. Jesus went on to explain that this is how the Gentiles or the world operate. They “lord” it over others and become tyrants in doing so.

In other words they crave power and want to be greater than others and in doing so ensure they subjugate others. They keep others down so that they can remain on top. They mistreat others so that they can be in control. They lie, scheme and plan so that they will always have subordinates. This is how the world thinks. They possess the mentality suggesting, “I am bigger, better, and have more power than you, while telling others you’re weak, insignificant and powerless.”

Humans generally have a desire to be better than others and this is evident in how leadership treat staff at times; how individuals in higher social strata treat those in lesser social strata; how the rich treat the poor and how the poor treat those who are poorer.

Jesus said to his disciples, “But it is not so among you.” As believers in Christ we are challenged to look differently at how we lead, look at power and greatness. Jesus continued by saying, “But whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.
Greatness defined by Jesus is humbling ourselves and becoming a servant to others. Greatness is not the accolades that come with a “so-called” high position. Greatness is getting our hands dirty, doing the hard work and serving others. Not even Jesus, the son of God, came to be served. Jesus said he came to serve.

We are called to be servants. In all spheres of life we are called to serve others. Those who want to be first will be last. Those who put themselves above others will be placed below others. Jesus wants us to be servants and change our mentality from that of the world. I end with this question, do your actions depict that of a servant or that of a tyrant?

Until next week serve God and be a servant to others.

Shalom

Christopher Euphfa

Live Responsibly!

I must bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he takes my side and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light: I shall see his vindication. Micah 7:9

Responsibility and accountability are two critical words to apply to everyone and to every sphere of life. Daily we hear the demand for accountability of political, public and private sectors, civil and religious leaders. We also hear the challenge for all to demonstrate responsibility in how we conduct ourselves at home, school, work, as we use the roads etc. Taking responsibility is an honourable thing, but also a Christ-like attribute. God is always summoning us to be responsible in all aspects of our lives.

Today’s Watchword presents the prophet Micah taking responsibility not only for himself, but for his people. He outlined the crumbling relationships that existed among God’s people. Their rampant sin and selfishness had led to the decay of personal relationships among God’s people. One could not trust a friend nor put confidence in a companion. Even blood relatives were at war with each other. He then warned his enemies not to gloat over his present distressing condition, for he will rise. In today’s text he admits that he, and by extension his people, have sinned and must bear the penalty.

We must note that Micah places himself and his people confidently in the hands of God. He is prepared to bear God’s wrath. I can hear David in 2 Samuel 24:14, “I am in great distress; let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into human hands.” It is better to be in God’s hand and under his chastisement than to be under the punishment of humans. In God’s hand, we are assured of justice and fair treatment. Humans tend to forget that we are all sinners and we crucify others by our actions and especially with our tongue.  

Micah accepts the punishment for his sins. When we fail to accept God’s punishment and murmur against God, we do not truly acknowledge our guilt and we act irresponsibly. God’s people pled guilty before God; but, in respect of their enemies, they were innocent and undeserving of the pain brought on by them. The people were guilty of idolatry, ingratitude towards God, injustice, unfaithfulness, and unmerciful against one another. These sins deserved serious punishment. The people humbled themselves and were willing to bear patiently and submissively the indignation of the Lord; the just and chastising measures of the Lord and its consequences.

Such a powerful lesson for us today! We ought to be quick to acknowledge our wrongs, repent of them, and be ready to receive God’s punishment. Yet, such punishment is mixed with mercy, for we cannot bear the full brunt of God’s wrath against our sinful actions.

Till next week, let’s strive to live responsibly, and when we fail let’s acknowledge same and seek God’s forgiveness.

Rejoice, Daughter of Zion!!!

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Today’s Watchword summons God’s people to celebrate and rejoice for what is on the horizon. This is a theme in this book. The people are described as “Daughter of Zion” and “Daughter of Jerusalem”, which are terms of endearment, and serve as a means of inviting the people to recognize their priviledged identity in God. Interestingly and even ironically, this call to celebrate is in the context of the Israelites who had spent seventy years of servitude in exile, followed by a return to Jerusalem that has been difficult and disappointing. So, what is the cause for rejoicing? Their king will come to them with righteousness and salvation. The prophet also assures the people of Yahweh’s forgiveness and his presence among them.

This king in question here is the messianic king. Both Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15 quote Zechariah 9:9 in connection with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Their king will be righteous and victorious. They can depend on him to do the right thing and to save the people. Another point of interest is this king will come riding on a donkey. It was quite common for people to ride donkeys, but a warrior would usually ride a horse. To have the messianic-king come riding a donkey is a sign of peaceful intentions. He doesn’t ride the triumphant stallion of a conquering general, but the customary mount for royalty, coming in peace.

Inherent in this text are at least two thoughts for us to reflect:

1. The Message of Hope – The people were distressed and anxious about the future. They were seeking to find ways to recover and make life. The prophet Zechariah declares a word from the Lord that their King is coming. We face episodes in our lives that cause stress and distress, with great uncertainty about what’s ahead. The text offers to us God’s assurance that salvation and victory is certain for his people. And because God is our trusted deliverer, we can rejoice and shout for joy; praising God in advance.

2. The Call to Humility – The King will come riding on a donkey, a sign of humility. God’s continued call to his people is to demonstrate a life of humility. He often used the exilic experiences to humble his people. When the messianic-king came, he modeled a life of humility and called on all to humble themselves. Jesus declares in Matthew 23:12, “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Such humility should not be faked, but genuine. Spurgeon says, “It is astonishing how much of pride there is in the most modest…we must pray God to make us humble.”

Until next week, let’s rejoice and shout for joy in anticipation of God’s action among us. Let’s receive the message of hope and demonstrate humility.

Learning the Lessons of Life

 I said, “Surely the city will fear me, it will accept correction; it will not lose sight of all that I have brought upon it.” But they were the more eager to make all their deeds corrupt. Zephaniah 3:7

It is such an important task for us to learn the lessons of life that are afforded to us every day. I struck me just now that there may be so many lessons that I have missed in my every day experiences…Lord, forgive me. Every experience, whether we have had it or another person that we know of, every person we meet, every conversation we have, absolutely everything, everyday are all here to teach us lifelong lessons.

The book of Zephaniah consists of God’s warning of coming destruction. God declared judgement against Judah, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush and Assyria. God then turns his attention to Jerusalem, his own people. He describes them as being rebellious, defiled, disobedient, arrogant and shameless. They fail to trust in God and is in a long distant relationship with God. The state leaders are vile and cunning, while the religious leaders are arrogant, treacherous, and lack compliance with the law. In the context of this shameful behaviour of the people, God remains present, righteous, just and upright.

In today’s Watchword, God expressed disappointment at the behaviour and conduct of his people. He expected his people to fear him, accept correction and always remember all that he has done for them. However, the people became more corrupt, and of course ungrateful. One would have thought that in the very presence of God destroying others, but as yet sparing them, they would have learnt to fear God, to stand in awe of God for his judgments on others; that they would be in fear of God for his loving longsuffering towards them. Surely one might have expected that under such circumstances they would have repented and received correction, but no! They continued in their old way of living contrary to the will of God.

God’s judgement on others should have served as a lesson for his people, but they missed the lesson and received their own judgment. God was ready to exercise mercy, but only if the people repented. This text holds in proper balance the justice and mercy of God. We should always remember that we serve a God of justice, yet a God of mercy. In the midst of God’s justice is his mercy, and in his mercy is his justice. Our response to God is to acknowledge our sins and sincerely repent of them; to commit to seek first God’s Kingdom and pursue always the things that honour God. We ought always to strive to learn the lessons God is always teaching every day.