March 6, 2010

We could think God contradicted Himself if we read (out of context) "Truly, no ransom avails for one's life, there is no price one can give to God for it.  For the ransom of life is costly, and can never suffice that one should live on forever and never see the grave." Psalm 49: 1-20.  But if we read on, the same psalm states: "But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me." vs 15.  What a great prophesy of Christ's ransom for us!  It truly shows that there was no way of redemption except Him, but that God, indeed, had always promised a Way. 

Obviously, the first verse speaks of a person trying to redeem himself or another, and that there is no amount of riches capable of redeeming us.  Christ's life and sacrifice was SO valuable that it sufficed to redeem any and all who would receive Him-- forever!  As an aside, these verses really shows how valuable we are to God, and should increase our own concept of worth, and change how we value ourselves and others.

Unfortunately, (pun intended), there are many people who still trust in riches to save them, and many nations who do as well.  Is ours one of them, do you think?  Do you think that false messiahs who come along-- with schemes to deceive-- might try to wield worldly wealth and power as a means of solving the world's problems?  Have you ever seen this type of deception in the Church itself?  Does it seem logical to you that any amount of wealth could help with the types of trouble that Jesus prophesied for the end times, and that we see ourselves in the midst of now?  Mark 12: 7-8

Jesus was also clear that much of the end-time trouble would be between people, with rampant betrayal and hatred, even among relatives: "because of my name."  He directed us to trust the Holy Spirit to give us the words to say, and told us to "endure until the end."  vs 9-13 

I see a flip-side to the principle that no amount of wealth can redeem us.  It seems to me that no amount of wealth (which equates to worldly power) can "buy God off" either!  Who could pay God enough to "un-redeem" us?  Who could be wealthy enough to take us to court and condemn us when we have a Righteous Advocate on our side?  Christ!  If God is for us, who can be against us?  An entire nation?  The whole world system?  None of these powers could redeem us, and none of them can destroy us either.  We are truly safe IN the Lord!  It might be unpleasant or painful for a while, but all we need is endurance to see the salvation of God, and His promise of eternal life.

"Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?"  Psalm 49: 5-6

Jesus is not swayed, influenced or impressed by riches and worldly power.  This is clear in the beginning of the Mark passage.  He does not judge by outward appearance, but sees the heart.  He saw through the pomp of the religious leaders of the day, and He commended the poor widow for offering all she had because of her love for God.  He hasn't changed!

When we give ourselves totally to Him, this is a great treasure that He accepts.  In return, He gives Himself totally to us.  What, then, have we to fear?

January 14, 2010

I'm particularly blessed today as I take to heart a very pertinent message from the OYB, very relevant to my husband and I right now. Genesis 30:27 Laban said to Jacob "I have learned by divination." This tells me just about all I need to know about where some personal attacks against us are coming from in the business/financial realm. They're not getting their "information" or motivation from anything but the devil. Our warfare is not with flesh and blood, etc. Jacob's encounter with God is very relevant too: "I have seen all that Laban is doing to you." Gen.31:12.

God gave Jacob specific directions so as to bless him and deliver him. In Matthew 10:16-23, Jesus gives instructions for how to deal with persecution, because He knew we would get it. The Psalm gave me added comfort: "You, O Lord, will protect us; you will guard us from this generation forever." (the Shield theme again!). The Proverbs, as well, chimed in with it's exhortation about wisdom and understanding. Psalm 12:7, Proverbs 3: 13-15.  For Jacob, wisdom translated into physical wealth. If you take this spiritually though, the wealth that you gain from wisdom is better than that even, and no one can ever take it away from you.

January 11, 2010

I saw a difference between those whom the Lord prospers or makes wealthy, and those who try to make themselves that way by ungodly means. God blessed Isaac by giving him a hundred-fold return, and he became very wealthy. Genesis 26:12-13 The Philistines envied him and wanted him to go away. These same people had stopped up the wells his father had dug. They feared these men's power.

The Psalms portion describes the greedy wicked who oppress the poor and helpless in order to gain wealth for themselves. God is not ignoring this. "Indeed you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands; the helpless commit themselves to you; you have been the helper of the orphan." Ps 10:14  God responds to people's cries for help. He also responds to intercession. Ps. 10:12,15

Many people who are poor and who feel helpless, whether they have been oppressed or not, often want to take down the rich who they see as the oppressor, rather than turning to the Lord. They cannot discern the difference between oppressors and people blessed of the Lord. I believe the Lord will make the distinction clearer and clearer in these times. Helping the poor will certainly be one of the marks of God's Kingdom blessing.

Although your enemies may try to project on you the motivations and methods that they themselves walk in, and may try to "stop up your wells" of creativity and the flow of Spirit life and power because of jealousy or competition, don't give in to the pressure! Humility is agreeing with the Lord, not quitting because people misunderstand.

You might be interested in contemplating how today's passage about Jesus ties into this!