In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. On the first day, He created the light and saw that the light was good. On the second day, He created the sky as an expanse between the waters. On the third day, He gathered the water under the sky and let the ground appear. He also let the land produce vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and trees and God saw that it was good. On the fourth day, He made lights in the sky to govern the day and the night as well as the stars. Again God saw that it was good. On the fifth day, God created the living creatures teeming the water and the birds flying in the sky and saw that it was good. On the sixth day, God created living creatures on the land according to their kinds. Lastly, God made man “in our image, in our likeness,” made them male and female, and blessed them. God saw all that He created and it was very good. On the seventh day, God rested from all His work, blessed the day and made it holy. (Genesis 1:1-2:3).
Speaking of what is good or who is good, Jesus said, “There is only One who is good” (Matthew 19:17). He was, of course, referring to God Himself. If God is the only One who is good, what did God see in His creation that was good?
I think there can be only one obvious answer to that question. I think God saw a revelation of Himself in His creation and that is what He saw was good. God saw the creation before the original sin and downfall of mankind – the creation that declared the invisible qualities of God, that is, His eternal power and divinity (Romans 1: 20). Finally when God made man, both male and female, “in our image, in our likeness”, it was very good. Man was the pinnacle of God’s creative work, because man was made in God’s image, in God’s likeness. Man was the best revelation of who God is.
With the fall of mankind, this image became distorted and damaged, though not entirely lost. In order for man to be once again a likeness of who God is and serve as a revelation of who God is, man must therefore be born again (John 3:3) and, in Christ, be made a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17). Then our very being should serve as a manifestation of who God is. My being, that is, I should serve as a manifestation of who God is. What an awesome statement this is!
Lord God, I am unworthy. I am nothing. Yet you were not ashamed to call me your likeness, your image. Help me be a good reflection of you – like a mirror that shines light to the world. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Romans 8:19-22
Imagine for a moment that the most beautiful woman in the world constantly wears a frown on her face. Would she still be beautiful? Maybe or maybe not. Even though initially she may be, eventually her frown will distort her facial bones and muscles and it is likely that her beauty will be marred.
The nature that we see and marvel at has been groaning in frustration since the fall of mankind. That is thousands of years worth of groaning. Despite that, the nature is still spectacular, from the majesty of the universe to the intricate details of tiny living things. The sun that sustains all life forms on this earth is but a medium-sized star, of which there are so many as to defy a count. Its radiant light and heat have been emanating for thousands of years without failing. By contrast, we humans strive to make a light bulb that will last thousands of hours. A tiny fruit fly has been the subject of decades of research by a host of scientists. There is still a mystery to the little insect that people have not unraveled. If the nature after years of groaning is still so spectacular that through it, God’s invisible qualities are clearly manifested (Romans 1:20), how much more spectacular would the nature have been before the fall of mankind – before all the groaning began?
What is it that the nature has been groaning about? The subject of frustration has been its bondage to decay. Nothing in the nature lasts forever. A seed is planted in the ground and germinates to grow a flower or a shrub or a tree. It grows to maturity and then dies and decays. With longevity, a tree might last a thousand years, but still must die. An animal life lasts even shorter. Even inanimate objects or human artifacts don’t last forever. All things are subject to decay.
But there will be a day of release from this bondage to decay. The entire universe is waiting for this day, just as we the believers of Jesus Christ wait for it. It is the day of His second coming, when we will be resurrected. Whereas a perishable body is sewn, it will be raised imperishable. Whereas it is sewn in dishonor, it will be raised in honor. Whereas it is sewn in weakness, it will be raised in power. Whereas it is sewn a natural body, it will be raised a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:42-44). The first heaven and the first earth will have passed away and a new heaven and a new earth will come (Revelations 21:1).
Like many things, what is now is but a shadow of what is to come (cf. Hebrews 10:1). I praise God for giving us the nature, through which we can get a glimpse of the better world to come as well as of His divinity and eternal power. How spectacular and supremely wonderful are His handiworks! Hallelujah!
The nature that we see and marvel at has been groaning in frustration since the fall of mankind. That is thousands of years worth of groaning. Despite that, the nature is still spectacular, from the majesty of the universe to the intricate details of tiny living things. The sun that sustains all life forms on this earth is but a medium-sized star, of which there are so many as to defy a count. Its radiant light and heat have been emanating for thousands of years without failing. By contrast, we humans strive to make a light bulb that will last thousands of hours. A tiny fruit fly has been the subject of decades of research by a host of scientists. There is still a mystery to the little insect that people have not unraveled. If the nature after years of groaning is still so spectacular that through it, God’s invisible qualities are clearly manifested (Romans 1:20), how much more spectacular would the nature have been before the fall of mankind – before all the groaning began?
What is it that the nature has been groaning about? The subject of frustration has been its bondage to decay. Nothing in the nature lasts forever. A seed is planted in the ground and germinates to grow a flower or a shrub or a tree. It grows to maturity and then dies and decays. With longevity, a tree might last a thousand years, but still must die. An animal life lasts even shorter. Even inanimate objects or human artifacts don’t last forever. All things are subject to decay.
But there will be a day of release from this bondage to decay. The entire universe is waiting for this day, just as we the believers of Jesus Christ wait for it. It is the day of His second coming, when we will be resurrected. Whereas a perishable body is sewn, it will be raised imperishable. Whereas it is sewn in dishonor, it will be raised in honor. Whereas it is sewn in weakness, it will be raised in power. Whereas it is sewn a natural body, it will be raised a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:42-44). The first heaven and the first earth will have passed away and a new heaven and a new earth will come (Revelations 21:1).
Like many things, what is now is but a shadow of what is to come (cf. Hebrews 10:1). I praise God for giving us the nature, through which we can get a glimpse of the better world to come as well as of His divinity and eternal power. How spectacular and supremely wonderful are His handiworks! Hallelujah!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Psalm 22:4-5
"In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed."
One of the reasons why I can put my trust in the Lord is the history I know that God has never disappointed my forefathers who put their trust in Him. God was trustworthy, still is, and will always be.
As I remember my parents and grandparents, I can only be thankful. My maternal grandmother was born to a relatively affluent family, but was married to a poor man, who was among the first Christians in Korea and traveled to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. She was given a new name by her husband. The name, Kyung Shin, meant Strong Faith. She also learned how to read the Bible and began a long life of devotion not only to her husband and family, but more to the Lord. She was early to rise and late to retire. She borrowed a plot of land from her sister and tilled it to grow crops to support her husband and family. She raised 6 children, not counting those who died in their infancy. She was busy and diligent with her hands till her last day, so that she can worship the Lord, by lending helping hands to others. I still remember her daily prayers in her room. She had her appointed hours with the Lord, when she would raise her voice in prayer. She is a model for me.
My father was born as the second of three sons. In his youth, he was drawn to a town church, because of the church bells and church music. He accepted Christ as a child. In his younger days, he became a very successful businessman, trading merchandise between the colonized Chosun (Korea) and Manchuria. I remember hearing that he was #1 tradesman in Pyongyang. When the Korean War broke out, he gave up all that and fled to the South. He responded to a calling to become a minister. Once he became a minister, he was indeed a totally different person. I remember a couple of anecdotes that exemplify how he was changed. One day, he brought home a bag of apples from the market. My mother was surprised to see him buy anything and bring home, but was then disappointed right away, seeing that many of the apples were rotten and spoiled. When she did not hide her disappointment, my father's response was that the merchant must be able to make a living and dispose of bad apples as well as good ones. My father had taken whatever the merchant was giving him, even if some of the apples were rotten. My father's purchase was not made for the sake of a purchase, but as a way of helping the merchant. Another episode about him involved a very snowy day. As was his custom, he got up very early and left home to go to the church and lead a pre-dawn prayer service. Because of the heavy snow, it was doubtful that anybody would even show up that morning, but he was faithful. Later that morning, when he came home, my grandmother asked him, "Did anybody show up?" "Yes, a couple." Surprised, she asked him again, "Who showed up?" "Jesus was there to pray with me to the Father God." No other man was there, but my father was acting in earnest to serve his master. Appropriately on his tombstone, my mother inscribed a quote from II Timothy 4:7-8:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
My aunt (my mother's older sister) had a very special life. She was the second daughter of the 6 siblings. She was not sent to school, but managed to learn to read Korean, which came in handy for her, since she was such a vociferous reader of the Bible from the beginning to the end. When she was still a child, she died. Before burial, her body was placed in a large pot in the kitchen, while the rest of the family and some church members were engaged in a worship service prior to the burial. Then she crawled out of the pot and told the most amazing story to all who were gathered there. She rose and ascended to meet an old man, who asked her, "What did you eat down there?" She responded, "Corn bread." He then gave her a white bread and told her to go back down and come back later. That is how she came back to life. She was sent away in marriage at 16, had two children, and soon became widowed because her husband died of an allergic/anaphylactic reaction to a medication. She then lived a life, that I can only compare to that of Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36-37), praying and abiding by the word of God until her last day on earth at the age of 84. She was clean and pure and full of the word of God, probably memorizing more verses than anyone else I know.
I am grateful that I have exemplars of faith in my own family. God has clearly shown what a faith life can be. Just as my predecessors have trusted in the Lord, I too put my trust in Him. I know God is faithful. I pray that I will be as well.
they trusted and you delivered them.
They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed."
One of the reasons why I can put my trust in the Lord is the history I know that God has never disappointed my forefathers who put their trust in Him. God was trustworthy, still is, and will always be.
As I remember my parents and grandparents, I can only be thankful. My maternal grandmother was born to a relatively affluent family, but was married to a poor man, who was among the first Christians in Korea and traveled to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. She was given a new name by her husband. The name, Kyung Shin, meant Strong Faith. She also learned how to read the Bible and began a long life of devotion not only to her husband and family, but more to the Lord. She was early to rise and late to retire. She borrowed a plot of land from her sister and tilled it to grow crops to support her husband and family. She raised 6 children, not counting those who died in their infancy. She was busy and diligent with her hands till her last day, so that she can worship the Lord, by lending helping hands to others. I still remember her daily prayers in her room. She had her appointed hours with the Lord, when she would raise her voice in prayer. She is a model for me.
My father was born as the second of three sons. In his youth, he was drawn to a town church, because of the church bells and church music. He accepted Christ as a child. In his younger days, he became a very successful businessman, trading merchandise between the colonized Chosun (Korea) and Manchuria. I remember hearing that he was #1 tradesman in Pyongyang. When the Korean War broke out, he gave up all that and fled to the South. He responded to a calling to become a minister. Once he became a minister, he was indeed a totally different person. I remember a couple of anecdotes that exemplify how he was changed. One day, he brought home a bag of apples from the market. My mother was surprised to see him buy anything and bring home, but was then disappointed right away, seeing that many of the apples were rotten and spoiled. When she did not hide her disappointment, my father's response was that the merchant must be able to make a living and dispose of bad apples as well as good ones. My father had taken whatever the merchant was giving him, even if some of the apples were rotten. My father's purchase was not made for the sake of a purchase, but as a way of helping the merchant. Another episode about him involved a very snowy day. As was his custom, he got up very early and left home to go to the church and lead a pre-dawn prayer service. Because of the heavy snow, it was doubtful that anybody would even show up that morning, but he was faithful. Later that morning, when he came home, my grandmother asked him, "Did anybody show up?" "Yes, a couple." Surprised, she asked him again, "Who showed up?" "Jesus was there to pray with me to the Father God." No other man was there, but my father was acting in earnest to serve his master. Appropriately on his tombstone, my mother inscribed a quote from II Timothy 4:7-8:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
My aunt (my mother's older sister) had a very special life. She was the second daughter of the 6 siblings. She was not sent to school, but managed to learn to read Korean, which came in handy for her, since she was such a vociferous reader of the Bible from the beginning to the end. When she was still a child, she died. Before burial, her body was placed in a large pot in the kitchen, while the rest of the family and some church members were engaged in a worship service prior to the burial. Then she crawled out of the pot and told the most amazing story to all who were gathered there. She rose and ascended to meet an old man, who asked her, "What did you eat down there?" She responded, "Corn bread." He then gave her a white bread and told her to go back down and come back later. That is how she came back to life. She was sent away in marriage at 16, had two children, and soon became widowed because her husband died of an allergic/anaphylactic reaction to a medication. She then lived a life, that I can only compare to that of Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36-37), praying and abiding by the word of God until her last day on earth at the age of 84. She was clean and pure and full of the word of God, probably memorizing more verses than anyone else I know.
I am grateful that I have exemplars of faith in my own family. God has clearly shown what a faith life can be. Just as my predecessors have trusted in the Lord, I too put my trust in Him. I know God is faithful. I pray that I will be as well.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Psalm 19
Psalm 19 is one of my favorite psalms. The first verse (The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.) is part of the lyrics of Haydn's Creation, that I love to sing. A free music sheet of the song can be obtained from, for example, http://www.free-scores.com/download-sheet-music.php?pdf=7601#.
This psalm consists of three parts. The first part is about natural revelation of God. The heavens and the skies declare and proclaim the majesty and glory of God's handiworks. God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made (Romans 1:20). Looking at the nature that God created, the natural response one has is to sing the beauty of creation and marvel at God who created it. It is not just the majesty of the universe. It is also the details that went into each little flower of the field. It is also the intricate relationships that exist among different components of creation. It is also how He has created me and inspired life into me. My daily living is a proof of God's greatness.
The second part of this psalm is about special revelation of God -- about the word of God. The psalmist has various descriptions of the word of God. He talks about the law of the Lord, the statutes of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the commands of the Lord, the fear of the Lord, and the ordinances of the Lord. The word of the Lord revives the soul, makes wise the simple, gives joy to the heart, gives light to the eyes, endures forever, and is sure and altogether righteous. Above all, it tells us who the Lord is and is the foundation of the relationship between the Lord and us. That is why it is so precious, more precious than gold, even pure gold and sweeter than honey.
The third part of this psalm is about how a man, to whom the Lord has revealed Himself through the general and special revelations, responds. David's response is the realization that he is a sinner with errors and faults. He begs for forgiveness and prays that his words and his meditation may be pleasing to the Lord. This is not just David's response. The same type of response was shown by Isaiah, when he saw a vision of the Lord's glory. Isaiah said, "Woe to me. I am ruined. For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5). So was the reaction of Peter. After letting down the nets as Jesus commanded and catching a large number of fish, Peter confessed, "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man." (Luke 5:8) So was the reaction of the tax collector in one of Jesus' parables: "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Most importantly, after realizing that he is a sinner, David goes on to also realize that his redemption comes from the Lord, who is the Redeemer. David can sing that there is a solution to his sin.
With these three parts, Psalm 19 is singing of the Lord's majesty, His revelation, man's shortcomings and sin, and redemption by the Lord.
Lord, I am a sinner. But you have forgiven me and redeemed me. You paid the price of my sin with the blood of Your Holy One, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord. Having been redeemed, may my words and my heart be devoted to you and be pleasing to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
This psalm consists of three parts. The first part is about natural revelation of God. The heavens and the skies declare and proclaim the majesty and glory of God's handiworks. God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made (Romans 1:20). Looking at the nature that God created, the natural response one has is to sing the beauty of creation and marvel at God who created it. It is not just the majesty of the universe. It is also the details that went into each little flower of the field. It is also the intricate relationships that exist among different components of creation. It is also how He has created me and inspired life into me. My daily living is a proof of God's greatness.
The second part of this psalm is about special revelation of God -- about the word of God. The psalmist has various descriptions of the word of God. He talks about the law of the Lord, the statutes of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the commands of the Lord, the fear of the Lord, and the ordinances of the Lord. The word of the Lord revives the soul, makes wise the simple, gives joy to the heart, gives light to the eyes, endures forever, and is sure and altogether righteous. Above all, it tells us who the Lord is and is the foundation of the relationship between the Lord and us. That is why it is so precious, more precious than gold, even pure gold and sweeter than honey.
The third part of this psalm is about how a man, to whom the Lord has revealed Himself through the general and special revelations, responds. David's response is the realization that he is a sinner with errors and faults. He begs for forgiveness and prays that his words and his meditation may be pleasing to the Lord. This is not just David's response. The same type of response was shown by Isaiah, when he saw a vision of the Lord's glory. Isaiah said, "Woe to me. I am ruined. For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5). So was the reaction of Peter. After letting down the nets as Jesus commanded and catching a large number of fish, Peter confessed, "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man." (Luke 5:8) So was the reaction of the tax collector in one of Jesus' parables: "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Most importantly, after realizing that he is a sinner, David goes on to also realize that his redemption comes from the Lord, who is the Redeemer. David can sing that there is a solution to his sin.
With these three parts, Psalm 19 is singing of the Lord's majesty, His revelation, man's shortcomings and sin, and redemption by the Lord.
Lord, I am a sinner. But you have forgiven me and redeemed me. You paid the price of my sin with the blood of Your Holy One, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord. Having been redeemed, may my words and my heart be devoted to you and be pleasing to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Psalm 18:43
"You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me." (Psalm 18:43)
In the book of Esther, there is a story that tells how the feasting of Purim came to be. During the reign of Xerxes who ruled over a vast territory from India to Cush, the enemy of Israel, named Haman, an Agagite, a descendant of the Amalekite royal house, plotted to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in Xerxes' kingdom. Through the efforts of Esther and Mordecai, however, Haman ended up hanging on a high post he had set up for Mordecai. Instead of the Jews getting murdered, their enemies were destroyed in Susa, the capital, as well as throughout the rest of the kingdom. Commemorating this occasion, the Jews vowed to observe it in perpetuity with the feast of Purim. Purim was a time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, their sorrow was turned into joy, and their mourning into celebration. Seeing this, "many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews seized them" (Esther 8:17).
I think that is the type of situation that is described in Psalm 18:43. Psalm 18 was sung by David, when the Lord delivered him from his enemies and from Saul. With victory assured, people David did not even know were bowing down to him and made subject to him. It was not only deliverance that David received from the Lord, but a resounding victory.
I do believe that authority, dominion and glory -- all these things come from the Lord at a time of His choosing. It is not a time of my choosing or my determination. Rather what is required of me by the Lord is what was required of David and what was required of the Jews, Esther and Mordecai.
First, the Lord wants me to cry out to him for His deliverance. I myself am unable to defend myself from the enemies. I need the Lord, who is my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress, my Stronghold, my Deliverer, my Salvation. David cried out to the Lord. Esther and the Jews fasted with one heart and one purpose and cried out to the Lord. I must do the same.
Second, the Lord demands that I put my trust in Him. In crying out, David believed that the Lord will hear his voice and lend His ears to his cries. The Lord does not heed the cries of the wicked, but hears the prayers of the righteous. I trust that the Lord hears my prayers, because He has forgiven my sins and accredited righteousness to me.
Third, the Lord wants me to know that He will come in power and might that is absolute. Nothing is comparable to him. He has no peer. His incomparably great power works for us who believe (Ephesians 1:19). The psalmist's description of the shaking of the earth's foundation, the consuming fire, parting and darkening of the skies, rain storm and lightening is but a meagre attempt to convey the absoluteness of the Lord's might. That the mighty Lord of the hosts is on my side is what He wants me to know. How wonderful this is!
Yes, Lord, though I may have enemies, I know and trust that when I cry out to you, you will hear me. I trust that you will deliver me. Your incomparably great power will vanquish all enemies and bring victory. "People I did not know will be subject to me." Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.
you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me." (Psalm 18:43)
In the book of Esther, there is a story that tells how the feasting of Purim came to be. During the reign of Xerxes who ruled over a vast territory from India to Cush, the enemy of Israel, named Haman, an Agagite, a descendant of the Amalekite royal house, plotted to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in Xerxes' kingdom. Through the efforts of Esther and Mordecai, however, Haman ended up hanging on a high post he had set up for Mordecai. Instead of the Jews getting murdered, their enemies were destroyed in Susa, the capital, as well as throughout the rest of the kingdom. Commemorating this occasion, the Jews vowed to observe it in perpetuity with the feast of Purim. Purim was a time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, their sorrow was turned into joy, and their mourning into celebration. Seeing this, "many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews seized them" (Esther 8:17).
I think that is the type of situation that is described in Psalm 18:43. Psalm 18 was sung by David, when the Lord delivered him from his enemies and from Saul. With victory assured, people David did not even know were bowing down to him and made subject to him. It was not only deliverance that David received from the Lord, but a resounding victory.
I do believe that authority, dominion and glory -- all these things come from the Lord at a time of His choosing. It is not a time of my choosing or my determination. Rather what is required of me by the Lord is what was required of David and what was required of the Jews, Esther and Mordecai.
First, the Lord wants me to cry out to him for His deliverance. I myself am unable to defend myself from the enemies. I need the Lord, who is my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress, my Stronghold, my Deliverer, my Salvation. David cried out to the Lord. Esther and the Jews fasted with one heart and one purpose and cried out to the Lord. I must do the same.
Second, the Lord demands that I put my trust in Him. In crying out, David believed that the Lord will hear his voice and lend His ears to his cries. The Lord does not heed the cries of the wicked, but hears the prayers of the righteous. I trust that the Lord hears my prayers, because He has forgiven my sins and accredited righteousness to me.
Third, the Lord wants me to know that He will come in power and might that is absolute. Nothing is comparable to him. He has no peer. His incomparably great power works for us who believe (Ephesians 1:19). The psalmist's description of the shaking of the earth's foundation, the consuming fire, parting and darkening of the skies, rain storm and lightening is but a meagre attempt to convey the absoluteness of the Lord's might. That the mighty Lord of the hosts is on my side is what He wants me to know. How wonderful this is!
Yes, Lord, though I may have enemies, I know and trust that when I cry out to you, you will hear me. I trust that you will deliver me. Your incomparably great power will vanquish all enemies and bring victory. "People I did not know will be subject to me." Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Psalm 17:1-5
Psalm 17 is the psalmist's plea, his cry, and his prayer, seeking the Lord's vindication. He is seeking the Lord's vindication that he is righteous and has no evil in him.
In seeking the Lord's vindication, the psalmist talks about three ways he may be tested. First, the psalmist says that the Lord "probe my heart and examine me at night." (Psalm 17:3) Unlike men who are deceived by outward appearances, the Lord searches and examines the hearts of men, because the heart is the source of all evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander (Matthew 15:19). Men sin within their hearts. I sin within my heart. I need the Lord's help to cleanse my heart and keep it from all manners of evil thoughts and deeds. All my heart, all my soul, all my spirit must be devoted to the Lord.
Second, to be vindicated by the Lord, my mouth and my lips must be kept in check. James says that if anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man (James 3:2). To keep the tongue in check is compared to putting bits in a horse's mouth, steering a ship with a rudder, and quenching a small spark of a fire that can consume a whole forest. Though all manners of animals and birds have been tamed, no one has been able to tame the tongue. How then can I tame my own tongue or keep my lips from sinning? As with my heart, I conclude that I cannot tame my tongue or lips on my own. I need the Lord's help.
Third, to be vindicated by the Lord, my feet and my steps have to be on the right path. The blessed man does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (Psalm 1:1). As a person seeking the Lord's vindication, I should not let my feet take me to a place of temptation, a place where I am more likely to falter, a gathering of mockery and debauchery. I should rather seek out a company of the righteous, the godly, and the God-fearing people. For this, I need the word of the Lord: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105). I need to let the word of the Lord guide me.
Lord, as the psalmist sought, I want to be vindicated by you. Yet, I confess that I depend on you totally to cleanse my heart, to tame my tongue, and to provide light to my way and guide my feet to the path of the righteous. Lord, help me, for, when left alone, I am but a sinner. With your grace, however, I can be made righteous on account of Jesus Christ, who died for me on the cross. I praise your holy name and exalt you with gratitude. Thank you, Lord. I pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
In seeking the Lord's vindication, the psalmist talks about three ways he may be tested. First, the psalmist says that the Lord "probe my heart and examine me at night." (Psalm 17:3) Unlike men who are deceived by outward appearances, the Lord searches and examines the hearts of men, because the heart is the source of all evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander (Matthew 15:19). Men sin within their hearts. I sin within my heart. I need the Lord's help to cleanse my heart and keep it from all manners of evil thoughts and deeds. All my heart, all my soul, all my spirit must be devoted to the Lord.
Second, to be vindicated by the Lord, my mouth and my lips must be kept in check. James says that if anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man (James 3:2). To keep the tongue in check is compared to putting bits in a horse's mouth, steering a ship with a rudder, and quenching a small spark of a fire that can consume a whole forest. Though all manners of animals and birds have been tamed, no one has been able to tame the tongue. How then can I tame my own tongue or keep my lips from sinning? As with my heart, I conclude that I cannot tame my tongue or lips on my own. I need the Lord's help.
Third, to be vindicated by the Lord, my feet and my steps have to be on the right path. The blessed man does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (Psalm 1:1). As a person seeking the Lord's vindication, I should not let my feet take me to a place of temptation, a place where I am more likely to falter, a gathering of mockery and debauchery. I should rather seek out a company of the righteous, the godly, and the God-fearing people. For this, I need the word of the Lord: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105). I need to let the word of the Lord guide me.
Lord, as the psalmist sought, I want to be vindicated by you. Yet, I confess that I depend on you totally to cleanse my heart, to tame my tongue, and to provide light to my way and guide my feet to the path of the righteous. Lord, help me, for, when left alone, I am but a sinner. With your grace, however, I can be made righteous on account of Jesus Christ, who died for me on the cross. I praise your holy name and exalt you with gratitude. Thank you, Lord. I pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Psalm 11:7 - Seeing God
In both the East and the West, there are proverbs that emphasize the importance of seeing or visual evidence. People say, "Seeing is believing." "A picture is worth a thousand words." "A hundreds words are not the same as one view." (백문이 불여 일견이라).
Throughout the ages, people have wanted to see God and sought to see God. Moses asked the Lord to show him His glory (Exodus 33:18-20). Philip also asked Jesus to show him the Father, to which Jesus replied, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:8-9).
To see God is possible and we are told to seek to see his face. Here in Psalm 11:7, it says that upright men will see the Lord's face. Likewise, Jesus said in his Beatitudes that the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). One step further, we are told to "look to the Lord and his strength and seek his face always" (Psalm 105:4; I Chronicles 16:11).
What does it mean to see the Lord's face?
First, seeing the Lord's face will not happen as long as we harbor our sins and iniquities. Our sins hide his face from us (Isaiah 59:2) and he hides his face from us because of our sins (Isaiah 64:7). Our sins make us turn away from God and, even if we did seek him (which we would not), God hides his face from us because of our sins. We must completely repent of our sins, before we see the Lord. Indeed the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8).
Second, seeing the Lord's face is seeing him face to face as friends. There are a few in the Bible who are described to have seen the Lord or the Lord's angel. Each time, the description of the encounter is that the person saw the Lord face to face. Jacob saw God face to face at Peniel, where he struggled with the angel of the Lord before his meeting with his brother Esau (Genesis 32:30). The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11)! The manner of speech was clear and not in riddles and Moses saw the form of God (Numbers 12:8). Later on, Gideon saw the angel of the Lord face to face (Judges 6:22). Seeing the Lord's face is to see him face to face, in close proximity, as when two friends are talking. Seeing the Lord's face is not seeing him from a distance, awe-struck and in fear, as when one would see someone in authority (Genesis 43:3,5; Exodus 10:28; II Samuel 14:28). Seeing the Lord face to face means that I am looking up to him and at the same time He is looking down on me and shining his face, his grace, his blessings upon me (Numbers 6:25,26; Psalm 80:7; Psalm 119:135). Seeing the Lord face to face is to have a mutually intimate relationship with him.
Third, seeing the Lord face to face is to really get to know him. Now, we see and know him through a mirror. The word of God has been compared to a mirror (James 1:23). Though the word of God is sufficient for his grace and salvation, yet we know only in part. When we meet God face to face, then we will know him fully, as we are known fully (I Corinthians 13:12).
Lord, I pour out all my iniquities and lay down all my burden at your feet. Cleanse your servant with the Lamb's blood and forget all my shortcomings. I seek to see you face to face. Let my sight be fixed on you and let me look to you in all matters of my life. Let your face shine on me, teach me your decrees, and restore me. Let me really get to know you each day. I pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Throughout the ages, people have wanted to see God and sought to see God. Moses asked the Lord to show him His glory (Exodus 33:18-20). Philip also asked Jesus to show him the Father, to which Jesus replied, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:8-9).
To see God is possible and we are told to seek to see his face. Here in Psalm 11:7, it says that upright men will see the Lord's face. Likewise, Jesus said in his Beatitudes that the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). One step further, we are told to "look to the Lord and his strength and seek his face always" (Psalm 105:4; I Chronicles 16:11).
What does it mean to see the Lord's face?
First, seeing the Lord's face will not happen as long as we harbor our sins and iniquities. Our sins hide his face from us (Isaiah 59:2) and he hides his face from us because of our sins (Isaiah 64:7). Our sins make us turn away from God and, even if we did seek him (which we would not), God hides his face from us because of our sins. We must completely repent of our sins, before we see the Lord. Indeed the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8).
Second, seeing the Lord's face is seeing him face to face as friends. There are a few in the Bible who are described to have seen the Lord or the Lord's angel. Each time, the description of the encounter is that the person saw the Lord face to face. Jacob saw God face to face at Peniel, where he struggled with the angel of the Lord before his meeting with his brother Esau (Genesis 32:30). The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11)! The manner of speech was clear and not in riddles and Moses saw the form of God (Numbers 12:8). Later on, Gideon saw the angel of the Lord face to face (Judges 6:22). Seeing the Lord's face is to see him face to face, in close proximity, as when two friends are talking. Seeing the Lord's face is not seeing him from a distance, awe-struck and in fear, as when one would see someone in authority (Genesis 43:3,5; Exodus 10:28; II Samuel 14:28). Seeing the Lord face to face means that I am looking up to him and at the same time He is looking down on me and shining his face, his grace, his blessings upon me (Numbers 6:25,26; Psalm 80:7; Psalm 119:135). Seeing the Lord face to face is to have a mutually intimate relationship with him.
Third, seeing the Lord face to face is to really get to know him. Now, we see and know him through a mirror. The word of God has been compared to a mirror (James 1:23). Though the word of God is sufficient for his grace and salvation, yet we know only in part. When we meet God face to face, then we will know him fully, as we are known fully (I Corinthians 13:12).
Lord, I pour out all my iniquities and lay down all my burden at your feet. Cleanse your servant with the Lamb's blood and forget all my shortcomings. I seek to see you face to face. Let my sight be fixed on you and let me look to you in all matters of my life. Let your face shine on me, teach me your decrees, and restore me. Let me really get to know you each day. I pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Psalm 10:16
The psalmist devotes more than half of Psalm 10 to talk about how the wicked, haughty man seems to have his way. The wicked is arrogant and greedy; oppressive towards the weak; full of curses, lies, and threats; lodging trouble and evil under his tongue; lying in wait to attack and kill the helpless; and worst of all, far from God's laws and with no room for God. Yet, it appears as if God just doesn't care and will let the wicked man have his way with deceit, thievery, and murder...
Living in this world, I cannot help feeling the same way at times. When I see people with contriving, scheming hearts and seemingly evil intentions seem to have their ways, the natural question is "Why, Lord?" I still accept the Lord's sovereignty and wait for His time, but sometimes the wait is difficult.
But surely the Lord is in control. He is King and controls history. He controls how nations will fare and how people will be held accountable. Evil doers and haughty people will be held accountable even in this world and on the Lord's day of judgment.
King Nebuchadnezzar was a proud king that built the Babylonian empire. One night as he was walking on the roof of his royal palace, he marvelled at all that he had accomplished with his mighty power and for the glory of his majesty. He had been warned about his wickedness and oppression, but did not repent. At the height of his arrogance, the king's royal authority was taken away from him and he was driven from people to live among the wild ... until he looked up to Heaven and acknowledged the sovereignty of God the Most High. (Daniel 4).
Yes, the Lord is in control. He is sovereign. He is in command of history of nations and history of people. He will hold the wicked people accountable and punish them. He will hear the desire of the afflicted and hear their cry. He will defend the fatherless and the oppressed. Yes, Lord, you are my Shield and I put my trust in you to do justice and extend your mercy to me.
Living in this world, I cannot help feeling the same way at times. When I see people with contriving, scheming hearts and seemingly evil intentions seem to have their ways, the natural question is "Why, Lord?" I still accept the Lord's sovereignty and wait for His time, but sometimes the wait is difficult.
But surely the Lord is in control. He is King and controls history. He controls how nations will fare and how people will be held accountable. Evil doers and haughty people will be held accountable even in this world and on the Lord's day of judgment.
King Nebuchadnezzar was a proud king that built the Babylonian empire. One night as he was walking on the roof of his royal palace, he marvelled at all that he had accomplished with his mighty power and for the glory of his majesty. He had been warned about his wickedness and oppression, but did not repent. At the height of his arrogance, the king's royal authority was taken away from him and he was driven from people to live among the wild ... until he looked up to Heaven and acknowledged the sovereignty of God the Most High. (Daniel 4).
Yes, the Lord is in control. He is sovereign. He is in command of history of nations and history of people. He will hold the wicked people accountable and punish them. He will hear the desire of the afflicted and hear their cry. He will defend the fatherless and the oppressed. Yes, Lord, you are my Shield and I put my trust in you to do justice and extend your mercy to me.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Psalm 8 & 9
In Psalm 8 and Psalm 9, we can see 2 different perspectives that people may have on God and men.
One perspective (Psalm 8:3 ff) is that of a man who considers the heavens and sees the works of God's fingers -- the sun, the moon, and the stars. In contrast, how meager is a man? Man is but a minuscule being that does not really amount to anything. Yet, the Almighty Lord God the Creator is mindful of man and cares for him! God even made man a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. How amazing this is! How wonderful this is! Knowing God as the Creator gives man a proper perspective on his own place in the universe. Knowing God makes man grateful for all the things that he has received without deserving any of them.
The opposite perspective is shown by the wicked (Psalm 9:17). These are peoples and nations that forget God. Having forgotten God, they have also become unaware of the fact that they are but mere men (Psalm 9:20). Knowing God is the basis of knowing oneself. Without knowing God, man cannot know who or what he really is, either.
Paradoxic as it may sound, the message of the Bible is always that man's pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). On the other hand, when one is humble and knows his place before God, then God elevates and honors him (Proverbs 15:33, 18:12).
Jesus himself has given us an example of humility that we should strive to follow. Being the very essence of God, he humbled himself down to becoming a servant man and obeyed the Father God to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him a name that is above every other name (Philippians 2:9).
Yes, Lord, you are mighty and worthy of all honor, praise, glory, power, and dominion. To you alone, I lift up my hands to praise and glorify your name. Let me not forget what a trifle being I am, and yet you crowned me with honor and glory. What an amazing grace and how wonderful this news is! Hallelujah!
One perspective (Psalm 8:3 ff) is that of a man who considers the heavens and sees the works of God's fingers -- the sun, the moon, and the stars. In contrast, how meager is a man? Man is but a minuscule being that does not really amount to anything. Yet, the Almighty Lord God the Creator is mindful of man and cares for him! God even made man a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. How amazing this is! How wonderful this is! Knowing God as the Creator gives man a proper perspective on his own place in the universe. Knowing God makes man grateful for all the things that he has received without deserving any of them.
The opposite perspective is shown by the wicked (Psalm 9:17). These are peoples and nations that forget God. Having forgotten God, they have also become unaware of the fact that they are but mere men (Psalm 9:20). Knowing God is the basis of knowing oneself. Without knowing God, man cannot know who or what he really is, either.
Paradoxic as it may sound, the message of the Bible is always that man's pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). On the other hand, when one is humble and knows his place before God, then God elevates and honors him (Proverbs 15:33, 18:12).
Jesus himself has given us an example of humility that we should strive to follow. Being the very essence of God, he humbled himself down to becoming a servant man and obeyed the Father God to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him a name that is above every other name (Philippians 2:9).
Yes, Lord, you are mighty and worthy of all honor, praise, glory, power, and dominion. To you alone, I lift up my hands to praise and glorify your name. Let me not forget what a trifle being I am, and yet you crowned me with honor and glory. What an amazing grace and how wonderful this news is! Hallelujah!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Psalm 7:12, 13
Imagine for a moment that the Lord is loading his bow with a flaming arrow and aiming at you. You stand no chance that the Lord is going to miss his aim. If he lets go of the arrow, it will surely strike you right where it will cause the most lethal damage.
That is the imagery in Psalm 7:12-13. "If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows."
Surely God is just and is a righteous judge. He searches minds and hearts and knows exactly what is in our hearts. He knows fully well that out of a man's heart comes what makes him unclean -- evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander (Matthew 15:19-20). On the day of the Lord's judgment, who can stand it?
Yet, I am struck by how boldly the psalmist declares "... if there is guilt on my hands ... let my enemy .. trample my life to the ground." (Psalm 7:3-5). Is the psalmist self-deceiving or is he foolish? He should know that God does not tolerate sin and the psalmist himself is as much a sinner as anyone else. How can he be so bold?
He can be so bold because there is one shield that can block the flaming arrows from God's bow. The shield is "God Most High" Himself (Psalm 7:10). No other shield will do. Only God Himself can shield us from His wrath.
God wraps around us with Himself to protect us. He covers us. God the Son bled for us and died for us on the cross, to bear the price of our sin.
How amazing this is! Just like the psalmist, "I will give thanks to the Lord for his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." (Psalm 7:17) Hallelujah, Amen!
That is the imagery in Psalm 7:12-13. "If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows."
Surely God is just and is a righteous judge. He searches minds and hearts and knows exactly what is in our hearts. He knows fully well that out of a man's heart comes what makes him unclean -- evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander (Matthew 15:19-20). On the day of the Lord's judgment, who can stand it?
Yet, I am struck by how boldly the psalmist declares "... if there is guilt on my hands ... let my enemy .. trample my life to the ground." (Psalm 7:3-5). Is the psalmist self-deceiving or is he foolish? He should know that God does not tolerate sin and the psalmist himself is as much a sinner as anyone else. How can he be so bold?
He can be so bold because there is one shield that can block the flaming arrows from God's bow. The shield is "God Most High" Himself (Psalm 7:10). No other shield will do. Only God Himself can shield us from His wrath.
God wraps around us with Himself to protect us. He covers us. God the Son bled for us and died for us on the cross, to bear the price of our sin.
How amazing this is! Just like the psalmist, "I will give thanks to the Lord for his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." (Psalm 7:17) Hallelujah, Amen!
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