Psalm 140 Deuteronomy 1-3 Mark 7
Once again, we find ourselves, like
David, thinking of those that surround us that would do all they can to destroy
us and cause others to question our word. The more we reflect the perfect image
of God, Jesus, to the world the more we will find ourselves in conflict with
many. In what we call the beatitudes in the sermon on the mount in the beginning
of Matthew 5, Jesus tells us that the more we grieve our failure to reflect
him, allow ourselves to be shaped into his image, the more we will be rejected
and become a target.
This song reminds us that each of
us that because of the strength of our salvation we are covered in the battle
with evil. There is a call from David for those that slander and mislead others
to turn them from him will have what they have done come back to them.
The end is that those that seek God’s
ways and uphold his justice will maintain us in affliction and will bring justice
for the poor. Continuing to do that allows us to dwell in the presence of the
Lord.
As the people of Israel prepare
to enter the promised land Moses reminds them of all that has happened to them
since they left Egypt. He reminds them of the blessing they received when they
followed God’s commands and directions and the terrible cost their parents have
paid for their lack of trust in God and their lack of faith. He points out to
them that 40 years ago they were at this place and instead of entering the land
believing God would give it into their possession they wanted to check it out.
Those they sent mislead them and the cost was that their parents have all died
in the wilderness except for Caleb and Joshua who wanted to trust God.
Moses challenges them to enter
the land this time with faith that God will fulfill his promise and they will
possess it. He also puts Joshua in charge and tells the people to encourage and
strengthen him during the journey ahead.
In Mark 7 there is a series of
short stories where Jesus is challenged by those that know the most about God
and faith yet have lost their focus. They have decided that their rules are
more important that what God has laid out and Jesus calls them out. He also
reminds then and the disciples it is not what we put in our mouths that is important,
but what comes out of our mouth. When we allow evil into our lives, that is
what comes out of our mouths and out of our heart. All of this defiles’ people
and creates havoc in their lives.
While Jesus makes it clear he
came to first proclaim the good news to the Jews, his people, those the seek him
out with faith have their needs met as well. He brings healing to people and
they can’t help but tell their stories because their lives have been changed by
him. That is a powerful witness.
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