Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Lynn Smith <lynn824@cebridge.net>
Sent: Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:58:04 -0500
To: Recipient list suppressed:;
Subject: Morning Manna June 27: BP: Ps. 40; RBTTY: Acts 8:26-40; Job
June 27
“Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, ‘Aha, aha’.”
During our times of desperation and exasperation, we must remember that the Lord knows and will handle things.
No one needs to tell us that life is not fair; neither is it seemingly “just” at times. We watch how the “rich and famous” are treated in the sight of the law in comparison to the “down-and-out” and we inwardly sigh over such inequalities in application.
Likewise, if we’re serious about serving the Lord, it won’t be long before we understand why Jesus called our pathway “the strait and narrow” (Mt. 7:13-14). We could also call it “rocky and steep” or “always against the tide”for the walk of faith will always find opposition from “the world, the flesh and the devil.”
Today’s Manna shows that David’s agony of soul wasn’t just over his own sinful wretchedness (v.12). Although we don’t know who’s “seeking after his soul to destroy it and mocking him with words of ‘Aha, aha’,” it’s clear he’s being berated and beset on every hand.
Now, it’s just normal to get riled up and want to lash out at those who treat us in unkind and unloving ways. Our blood boils. Our blood pressure shoots out the top. Our jaw, neck and back muscles tighten up. Our fists clench. We want to get even or show them a thing or two. We want to give them a piece of our mind or a knuckle sandwich.
But, then we hear His “still, small Voice” (I Kings 19:12):
“Vengeance is mine, says the Lord; I will repay” (Rom. 12:19). “Turn the other cheek and walk the second mile. Love your enemies and pray for those that despitefully use you and persecute you. In so doing you reveal that you are children of the Heavenly Father” (Mt. 5:39-45a).
Thus, David’s words here are rooted more in the First Adam than they are the Second Adam (Christ). That’s why we must daily “be crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20) and continually “be transformed by the renewing of our mind as we bring every thought, word and deed under His Lordship” (Rom. 12:2; II Cor. 10:5).
This doesn’t mean we should become some passive piece of milk-toast and a doormat for the world. A thousand times no! There are times we must speak out against injustice and stand firmly on God’s Word regardless of the cost; otherwise, the darkness of evil will escalate, clouding our view of the Son and hindering His Kingdom work.
For now we must “groan in grace,” agonizing over why our Lord doesn’t say “Enough!” and put an end to such evil. But, be patient, weary Pilgrim: In “due season we shall reap if we grow not weary or faint in well-doing” (Gal. 6:9). Hallelujah! What a Savior! What a Blessed Assurance!!
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