"Where is their God?"

Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” - Psalm 79:10a

It's No Surprise

When disaster struck Jerusalem during their defeat with Babylon, their need for God has become more apparent and visible to them. Their sufferings have grown and their enemies shamed them without limit. Some of them are killed relentlessly with their corpses exposed to be devoured by birds and wild beasts. 

It is not supposed to surprise the Israelites. They know that this plague of misery shall come upon them. They know that God is sovereign overall and that He is the only one who could lift up this burden from them; for they asked, “How long, O Lord?”

They know... because they have caused this to happen.

God’s jealousy had conceived this effect to them. He submitted them to these unruly nations because of their provocation from their idol worship. They knew from the start the price of their sin. But their stubborn hearts insisted and have led them to this dreadful condition.

Effect in Actions

Now as they become the derision of their enemies, they taunt them saying, “Where is their God?” People then and now, only refer to the present when judging. The actions of God’s people does not invalidate God’s righteousness and power; but His people and their situation become the mirror of His image. Nations look at the Israelites and remember — this is the people that God saved from their slavery in Egypt - “Where is their God now? Let Him save them now!” -- totally unaware that this happen in the sphere of God's will to teach His people that sin is of grave matter.

Your actions affect how people see God - your claim to be His child, your talk about being God’s servant, your show about being His disciple - all these must agree to who God is. Though not fully for we will never know His fullness, but His way is revealed so that His people can walk through it. We praise the God of heavens that despite our ungodliness and its effects, the eternal curse of sin is reversed in the blood of Christ through faith and repentance. 

Reading: Psalm 79

They did not remember.

“They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe,” Psalm 76:42

From last Friday’s preaching and last night's exhortation in the prayer meeting, we learned that disobedience leads to forgetfulness. As I devote a time to study Psalm 78, the Holy Spirit taught me about the grittiness of disobedience -- on how did God’s people suffer from it and how God demonstrated his forbearance among His people.

Why does God want us NOT to forget? 

It is true that when His people remember His goodness, power, and love for them, they are reminded that being on God’s side is the best and only option they have in life and death. But there’s another reason why God wants His people to remember all He has done. That is- for His people to tell His works to the coming generations so that they may also glorify Him.

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Despite God’s continuous reminder to them through His goodness, His people did not remember. Their actions had insisted to forget God and voluntarily covered their eyes to unsee the greatness of God. They rebelliously walked blindly, convincing themselves that they can make it without God. They disobeyed and disobeyed and disobeyed. 

With sorrow, I realized how similar I am to them. Psalm 76 enumerated on how did they put to show their disobedience— repeatedly. 

1. They refused to walk with God. (verse 10) 

Despite God’s promise to them (God’s covenant v. 10), the Ephraimites turned back on the day of battle which the Lord commanded them to win. There’s no detailed reference given to this particular battle, but the psalmist clearly pointed out that there is a refusal to obey among God’s people to do what He instructs them. Verse 11 follows that they forgot His wonders. The obvious answer whether they will be victorious or not became uncertain because of their forgetfulness on the power of God.

When I’m faced with trials and temptations that seemed too difficult for me, I sometimes get wired on my own ways and desires. I forget that God is able to save me from it, and His ways always proved to be good for me. 

2. They tested God. (verse 18)

To test God is to ask Him to prove Himself, which He has already done so many times in His own timing and ways. His miracles and revelations are always conspicuous and in the purpose of ushering His people to Him. However because of the Israelites' self-conceit, after God showed His power parting the Red Sea, they questioned Him as if He cannot provide food and water for them (verse 19). 

When push comes to shove, do I forget the things He has done for me, and demand Him to do what I want?

3. They sinned. (verse 32) 

Sin is an overall term used to any kind of act against God. But this verse in Psalm mentions sinning after God had filled them in the most extraordinary ways (manna and meat raining down from heaven). 

Just like that one point in the preaching, “Fulness often leads to Forgetfulness,” - I have to be careful to remember that everything came from God. God supplies both needs and wants - with this, I must be watchful to remember this after getting these from God. My desire must always be for God and to glorify Him.

4. They were not faithful. (verse 37)

The Israelites knew that without God, they are nothing. God was their rock and their redeemer. They understood that they needed Him. But they flattered Him with their mouths and lied to Him (verse 36) thinking that they can only do that to have His favor. But God knew their hearts.

How many times did I tell God I surrender my life to Him, but in reality I did not? Or declare I glorify Him but my life does not reflect His goodness? Or spell out my love for Him but never acted upon it?

5. They provoked Him to anger. (verse 41)

God is provoked of idols. Despite his rescues and providence to His people, they betrayed Him and turned to worship false gods. 

As for me, despite my knowledge of my need of God and all His goodness, my earthly mindedness overcomes me at times. My time, energy and resources are mostly spent 

to temporal things and benefits of this life. I know that God should matter most in my life, but I act otherwise. My idols and myself could be worse than that of the Israelites and their high places.

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Still just like the Israelites, God is my only hope. The redemption through His Son, Christ Jesus, will shepherd me towards my eternal inheritance in Him. His righteousness will see me through my weakness. (verses 65-72)

And it’s the same for you, chosen child of God!

 

Pharaohs in Pandemic: Are You One of Them?

“I have sinned... Go, serve the Lord your God… forgive my sin… and plead with the Lord… to remove this death from me.. be gone and bless me also!”

-Exodus 9:27, 10:16, 10: 24, 12:31

 

“When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this that we have done, that we have the Israelites go from serving us?  … And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel…"

-Exodus 14:5, 8

The ten plagues that God had sent in Egypt is one of the most familiar Bible stories. Through Moses, God displayed His power in plagues to convince Pharaoh to let His people go. We can imagine the ancient world of Egypt as they were both amazed and terrified to see these things happening. Despite this, we know in the ending that Pharaoh chose to rebel against God.  

Going back to some details of the story, I realized that Pharaoh actually considered surrendering to God a few times during the plagues -- that is even before the final plague. He knew in his heart that he is overpowered by God.  That once God gets to act, he loses all his control and no effort he can do to prevent anything to happen that God wills. 

However, as soon as the Lord stops the plague, he goes back to his haughty self, and convinces himself that he is above God. He has seen the power of God but still decides to defy him instead of obeying Him. He refused to let go of God's people and disobeyed Him - that which brought punishment to him and his people.

During the height of COVID 19, many people realized that without God, they have no hope. It was inevitable to wake up to the reality that this life and everything in it will soon perish. Influence, power and wealth have nothing to do with a person’s safety.  Only a fool can deny that it is solely by the hand of God that this virus can be controlled, and by His will alone that lives can be saved. 

People cried out to God for help, thirst for His Word of hope, and “chase” after His salvation. Despite holding online worship services, our attendance spiked up.  Friends whom I haven’t seen for a long time in church attended without fail, even in Bible studies. Truly, God has shown His power through this pandemic, just like through the plagues in Egypt. People feared for their lives and saw no hope but to surrender to God.

But just like Pharaoh, as soon as things go back to normal — with vaccines and cases decreased —most of those who came with fervent hearts, vanished one by one. When things get back to what it’s used to be, they forgot the One who holds all things together.  The One who protected, comforted, healed and saved them. They changed their hearts as swiftly as Pharaoh changed his.  

Are you like Pharaoh? —that even after witnessing God’s power in this pandemic, you still choose to harden your heart, go your own way, and rebel against Him? Do you forcefully put God at the back seat of your heart and restrain your conscience on feeling the need for Him?

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3:7

Whom Have I in Heaven?

 

Reading upon chapter 73 of Psalms, David expressed his disappointment of the successes and triumphs of the wicked; doubting if his godly ways would even benefit him. And though he was well aware of God’s goodness to His people (v. 1), the worldly system filled with corruption and violence, had him thinking if his faith is in vain.

Worse but true, at the back of our heads we also say, “How can God know?” (Verse 11) — when it seems that God’s people are taken advantage of and evil men prevail. But understanding came to David when he went to the sanctuary of God; then he discerned their end (verse 17). 

Prosperity without God only results to pride and arrogance, making the wicked fall into ruin (verse 18). Days go by so swiftly, like a dream when one awakes ( verse 20) only to see that destruction and punishment are left for them.

David in his shame uttered at the last verses of this Psalm:

“I was brutish and ignorant;

I was like a beast toward you.”

Then in praises, He realized

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you;

You hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

And afterward you will receive me to your glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Earthly days are corrupted yet numbered. The night is here but the morning is surely coming. God does not wait for us in heaven but He takes us there. As the Spirit revealed this to David, he knew now that his portion, who is the Lord, will not and cannot be substituted by any pleasure that the wicked enjoy on the earth.

I'm Only Human

“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.  And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh.  For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in human way?” -1 Corinthians 3: 2-3 

There was this popular song that goes, “I’m only human, born to make mistakes.”  As a Christian in my younger years, I felt that I am but a helpless victim of being a human whenever I sin. Though I will not admit it before, it was but a perfect excuse to say that my sin is not fully my fault, but a default of my humanity. 

As I grow in faith, I realized that my sinful nature must no longer be my claim.  I have been alive again in Christ, and so even I am still in the flesh, God has given me everything I need spiritually to live in righteousness.

Paul reminded me of this fact when he spoke to the Corinthians about their infancy in Christ. He told them that he cannot address them as ‘spiritual people’ but as people of the flesh.  How did Paul classify these Christians in Corinth as people still living in the flesh? 

1.  "For you were not ready for it" v. 2

Paul had been patiently teaching them the elementary truths of Christ but is also longing and willing to give them more revelations so they can grow in faith. However, it seemed that these Christians are not yet ready for the ‘meat,’ for what is seen in the way they live. They have received the Spirit, yet their behavior dictates otherwise. 

Refusing to grow from the stage of Christian infancy is one way to reflect and question the proof of one’s salvation. If I am really called by God, why then am I aloof of the things of God? Why am I blocking the light brought into my soul?  Why am I not contemplative on the sentiments of the truths told?

Spiritual hunger is one measurement of maturity in faith - knowing that the Word of God will benefit one's life more than anything else. This hunger is a desire to know more of God not just in knowledge, but in readiness to be counseled, to be convicted of sin, and to an expectation to be changed by the Spirit.  

"Spiritual hunger is one measurement of maturity in faith - knowing that the Word of God will benefit one's life more than anything else."

2.  "Jealousy and strife" v. 3

When we have success in our doings, to whom do we give credit it? When everything else do not go our way, what do we do about it? How do we take it? 

Paul pointed out that to behave in jealousy and strife is ‘of the flesh’ and ‘behaving only in a human way’. He must be meaning to say that human nature (sinful nature) is in no way an escape to respond or act in a manner that displeases God. 

Believing that God ordains everything and knowing that He is aware of the situation of all, there is no reason for me to feel uneasy, insecure, and upset if things do not go my way. If I really trust God’s providence, I must battle with my anxiety and know that God is with me. If my brother lacks anything, then I must be more than willing to fill the void, for I myself have been filled willingly and graciously by God and others. If I am suffering, I will remember that God is my strength. Jealousy must be overcome with trust in the Lord that the state I am is where He wants me to be.  Strife must be overcome with love knowing that God has shown love to me even in my most difficult and loathsome self.

"If I really trust God’s providence, I must battle with my anxiety and know that God is with me."

Paul did not deny the spiritual gifts that the Corinthians received, however he reminded them that If success comes, it is not because they are wise with their dealings, but it's because of God’s mighty hand. Even if they have labored, the growth was not because of their work but ultimately because God brought growth -be it materially or spiritually. 

So then let it be a reminder for me, that through God's sufficient grace, I will continue to work out for my salvation on the foundation that the Lord Himself had laid upon for me. I may struggle in my humanity but His power is made perfect for my weakness.

Turning the World Upside Down

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“And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,” Acts 17:6

To “change the world” - is the ultimate goal of a revolutionized mind. History tells us that many people brought in ideas that had uplifted things from the way they were. Some strived to change cultural views, others discovered new technologies, while a number of them pioneered genres in music, sports, and fashion. Change might have come, but it didn’t really come throughout the world. Influences might have been great but not too great to affect the whole world, in all its areas and all people.

Except for a time in history, when two men from Israel, namely Paul and Silas, came to Thessalonica for a purpose that would change the world, not just in their time, but through all time.  They were marked as “men who have turned the world upside down,” (Acts 17:6) which proved to be true at a later time, despite having the statement’s initial intentions to mean in a dissentient way. Both Paul and Silas were early converts of Christianity, who with other disciples, traveled around the world for a divine purpose. 

Christians are called to make a difference in this dying world, which is to become salt and light in it. Corporately, as His church, we must take part in this calling. It would be hard, wearisome, and could be lingering, too. Take the case of Paul and Silas, they were driven out, threatened, and mocked when they took a step of faith.  But God has come before any persecutions they would ever encounter. He promised that He “will be with them always.”  Certainly, He had prospered their mission despite opposition.  Soon enough, people in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria have come to know the faith.  And as these Christians live and die for their faith, the gospel was preached and believed to the ends of the earth. 

But how did they do it? The whole book of Acts narrated it all. However, chapter 17 pieced it into two initial but major tasks:

1. Proclaiming Jesus is Christ.  The Scriptures say that for three Sabbath days, Paul reasoned with both Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica, "explaining and proving to them that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead,” and that this Messiah was Jesus. People were expecting a Messiah, but a very different one from what God has prepared. They were expecting a great and glorious king, but not someone who will have to suffer and die. But as Paul establishes through the Scriptures that this suffering and triumphant Messiah is Jesus (RSB commentary), many were persuaded and believed. From that moment on, Jews and Gentile God-fearers, including "leading women”, became those earliest Christians who joined Paul in this gospel quest. 
   
   
2. Standing against all ungodliness. Paul’s zealousness in proclaiming the gospel was not restricted to that task alone.  But it was also tied with admonishing wrong beliefs and practices of religion. Paul even went as far as feeling provoked (Acts 17:16) on the idolatry of Athens.  Sadly, getting “provoked” to unbiblical practices nowadays is negatively received even in evangelical circles.  Most Christians dispose of tolerance even to those absolute, obvious disobedience, which then they interpret as the more “Christian way” than laying down reproof and correction. Paul expressed an unambiguous point when he brought up Athen’s idolatry.  His tone is straightforward.  He has but one clear objective, and that is to turn their eyes to Jesus. His provocation was turned into an instant gospel-preaching session.  He did not delay and withhold anything.  He toppled their objects of worship brazenly and proved their “wise quotes” (v. 28) untrue unless it is directed to the Lord of heaven and earth. He did not play safe— never ever.  Instead, he was always discerning and deliberate. He delivered God’s message for what it is. 

Are we called to change the world? No. But just like Paul and Silas, we were called to proclaim the gospel that brings salvation to mankind. The world may be subject to vanity (Romans 8:20) but the message that we have brings hope for future, eternal glory to a spiritually dead damned soul— there’s no other change in the world ever more needed than that!  This is the mission and purpose of every Christian. It is not simply a challenge but a command to obey. Our Lord has given us the power to perform this task (Acts 1:8). So it is not whether you can do it, but will you do it? Will you join us in turning this world upside down?

A Year of Tribulations

Now that a new year has come, our hopes are renewed for a better life. We think of prosperity, for smooth relationship paths, promotions, and pleasant ministering experiences. We humbly ask God to favor us this year and to bring good things in our way. As Christians, we know no other means more fitting than depend on God and faithfully hope that He would look upon us with mercy. 

When we look to the future, all is but vague hues of expectations and aspirations. The details of our lives are so uncertain. It is only but natural to hope for beautiful things, but these hopes become wrong when it eventually translates to entitlement. It seems as though, when problems, sufferings, and persecutions come, God is against us. And instead of looking to God more eagerly, we look the other way. We dissolve in sorrow and waste away in our anxieties. 

Acts 14:22 reads, 

“…strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” 

Christians are called to go through tribulations as we enter the kingdom of God. It was not an unsettled and ambiguous statement of Paul, but rather an incontestable reminder for us to be prepared. However terrifying this may be, this passage is afloat of two encouragements for us.

1. A Determined Path. 

When tribulation comes to us, we are instinctively distressed about it. But when we look into this passage, we know that tribulations were already set upon Christians to walk into as we live our faith in Christ. If we suffer in this life and approach it in the attitude of Christ, it is almost as if we see ourselves walking with Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress through that "straight path" to Celestial City. So in one way, we may be distressed but we also rejoice in suffering and persecutions knowing that we are in the path where God wants us to be. Only true Christians would understand this state of emotions.

2. A Determined Destination. 

This is the greatest comfort and joy we must hold onto. Our journey might be hard and full of defiance, but the Lord had already gone before us - not only that but He had set our destination. 2 Corinthians 4: 17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Our future dwelling is in heavenly realms with our Lord God. And "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). We will behold God’s glory and enjoy our fellowship with Him and His saints forever.

Today’s future must prepare us for tribulations. But let us not shrink back for we are also assured of God's grace. Paul charges us to “continue in the faith” for he knew that God is the One who will sustain us throughout our journey. May it be our encouragement that every step we take brings us nearer to our ultimate future- our future glory with Christ our Lord.