Let God Arise–An Exposition on Psalm 68

“Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those also who hate Him flee before Him.” (Psalm 68:1 NKJV)

When hated by others how do I respond as a Christian? Do I hate them back?

“I am misunderstood! I cannot bear with this person anymore!” What should a believer do in such a situation?

“I am not able to love him or her who pecks me and picks on me all the time.” What should I do?

Psalm 68 is a Psalm of comfort to the wearied soul, to the person who goes through tough times especially because of being hated by people who want to see his or her fall. At such a time and situation, the reading of this Psalm provides the reader with ample matters to thank God for -

1. The wicked will perish (68:2c), but the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God (68:3)

2. God “sets the lonely in families” (68:6). He brings loving and caring people in our life, because we belong to the family of God.

3. He goes before and along us when we go through wilderness like experiences (68:7)

4. He refreshes (68:9 NIV) and restores (68:9 NRSV) the weary

5. He provides (68:10b)

6. He “daily” bears us up and our burdens (68:19)

7. God will make the least lead (68:27)

It’s time that we stop thinking that we are in a very worse situation and to start focusing on and thanking God for all the goodness that He has shown in our life thus far and especially at this time.

Though these are very encouraging to us when we go through oppositions and misunderstandings, there is always a possibility of hating those who misunderstand us and to break the unity as a result of it. Let’s look further into the Scriptures, as to find what God’s Word says to us.

Paul on Psalm 68

Paul takes Psalm 68:18 and uses it to address the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 4:8-13.

“You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.” Psalm 68:18 (ESV)

“Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)” Ephesians 4:8-10 (ESV)

An understanding of the context of this Scripture portion would help us to know what God is expecting of us.

1. To live a life worthy of our calling (4:1)

2. To be – (4:2)

Humble (because we were lonely & He set us in families)

Gentle (because He refreshed our weariness)

Patient (because He went before us & through the wilderness)

Bearing with one another in love (because He daily bears us up)

3. To live in unity (Ephesians 4:3-7)

“eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.” Ephesians 4:3-7 (ESV)

4. He expects each one of us to do our part (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Penning to the church at Ephesus

We see in the Book of Revelation where Jesus Christ sends a letter to the Ephesus church through Apostle John. A further reading of the message to the church at Ephesus would help us to understand our present condition and our need, at such a juncture.

““To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” Revelation 2:1 (ESV)

1. God knows our works (2:2)

2. He also knows that – (2:3)

- We are enduring patiently [because He wanted us to be patient (Eph 4:2) as He went before us & through the wilderness (Ps 68:7)]

- We are bearing up for the sake of His name [because He wants us to bear with one another in love (Eph 4:2) as He bears us up daily (Ps 68:19)]

- We have not grown weary [because He expects us to be gentle (Eph 4:2) as He refreshed our weariness (Ps 68:9)]

But what’s the lack, the need?

We need to become humble and to live in unity and to do our part joyfully.

And for these to happen we need to restore the first love.

“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Revelation 2:4 (ESV)

What’s the character of the First Love?

- It bears any burden, any difference and any disgrace

- Our hearts will be so filled with God’s love that we could love anyone

Without love we cannot live in unity and without unity God’s purpose cannot be fulfilled.

Let’s humble ourselves and allow God’s love to fill our hearts because “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NKJV)

“If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.” (1 John 4:20, 21 MSG)

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Technorati Tags: Hate,Misunderstanding,Unity,Love,Psalm 68,Let God Arise,First Love

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Who is my Neighbour? Addressing Ethnic Enmity

We are living at a time when nations around the world are falling apart due to ethnic wars. At such a time as this we see political parties making use of these pitiable positions to further their own political agendas. In the pretext of promising justice we only get to see personal and political vendettas, where peace seems like a long forgotten thing. In this post we will look at this issue of “Ethnic Enmity” as and how Jesus Christ addressed it. The Scripture is taken from Luke 10:29-37, the passage well known as the “Parable of the Good Samaritan”.

A lawyer comes to Jesus with an intention to “justify himself”. There has always been a long history of hatredness between the Jews  and the Samaritans. Here we see Jesus addressing this ethnic enmity boldly, yet divinely. This presents us a way forward to address such prevailing tensions around the world.

Breaking Prejudices

While addressing this issue of ethnic enmities one important aspect is to break the existing notions and prejudices in both the parties. Unless those prejudices are broken peace is not possible. When down the history Samaritans were portrayed as enemies of the Jews, Jesus breaks that prejudice by showing a Samaritan as one who helps a wounded Jew.

“But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them.” (Luke 10:33,34a NRSV)

Reconciliation is the Focus

Here we see Jesus clearly addressing the issue with the focus of brining reconciliation and not further divisiveness. Most of the times talks aimed at addressing such issues do not end in reconciliation but in further divisions. The methodology that Jesus uses is to not talk about the past but to show the “goodness” in the other party.

The reason for ethnic enmities is that both the groups have committed crime and evil against each other. If we would dig deep into it both the parties will be found wanting. Because past crimes committed against each other is factual, cannot be denied and both parties will be involved. So we see Jesus addressing the whole issue in a different light. He shows that -

• People committing crimes against someone or a group need not always be from the other side. Even one’s own people commit so much crime against their own people.
• Even in our homeland our own people commit crime by not helping people who are victimized and suffering.

“Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” (Luke 10:31,32 NRSV)

• Like the Samaritan there are people of the other group helping people of the opposite parties.

It’s not about Justifying

The underlying principle in this process that Jesus is pointing towards is Love, Forgiveness and Mercy. Only when these three elements are allowed to operate, reconciliation is possible.

“But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.” (Luke 10:33 NRSV)

“He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.” (Luke 10:27 NRSV)

It is not at all about “justifying” oneself or one group over the other!

Taking Personal Responsibility

The process of or way to reconciliation is possible only by taking personal responsibility. It is not about blaming the other person for what has happened, but to take the responsibility to rectify and restore.

The Samaritan could also have passed by like the Priest and the Levite, but he took it as his personal responsibility to help the wounded man.

Call to silence is not a call to unhelp

Some remain silent not wanting to attract attention. Some make unnecessary noise and fuss that may not be helpful. The Priest and the Levite remained silent. But the Samaritan went ahead to help the Jew. Only by involving proactively in helping the sufferers, reconciliation is possible. Being piety should be seen in showing pity.

When we look at the way the Samaritan helped, we see that he attended immediately, helped the wounded with his own transport, arranged for medical treatment, took care of all the financial needs and promised to come back and take note of the progress and healing. Such practical measures need to be done to quicken reconciliation.

Who can and who will do this? People who love God!

“He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.” (Luke 10:27 NRSV)

And if we love God we will help others even if the world and our own people say that “they are our enemies”.

Shown by Example

Jesus Christ not only proposed the way to reconciliation but lived and showed it in and through His life. He gave Himself to be crucified at the hands of the Romans, the ones from whose oppression was He expected by His people to deliver them from! He also handed Him over to be betrayed and hated by His own people, the Jews. Thus He showed that reconciliation is possible only through love, forgiveness and mercy and not by hate and war.

Let’s pledge ourselves to not bring partitions, but peace

Let’s work toward to not wage war, but warmth

Let’s pursue to not build prejudices, but paying attention

Let’s rivet on not developing resistance, but reconciliation

Let’s jump not to justify ourselves and judge others, but to join with others

Let’s partake in not picking on others, but take personal responsibility to patch up

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Technorati Tags: Ethnic Enmity,Enmity,Prejudices,Good Samaritan

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The Results of the Latter Rain–The Revival Signs

A great revival took place in Wales in the year 1904 which is widely known as the Welsh Revival. This revival did not stop in Wales but it spread to India in 1905. A group of praying people in Los Angeles in the USA when heard about this revival that spread to India from Wales, thirsted for it and revival broke out there in 1906. This revival saw thousands and thousands of people coming to the Lord, committing their life to serve the Lord and many missionaries rose up as a result of this revival who went to different parts of the world to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Such a revival is prophesied in the book of Zechariah and the Lord exhorts us to ask for this “latter rain”.

“Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain.” [Zechariah 10:2 NKJV]

This latter rain brings revival. What’s the pre-requisite for this latter rain? People need to seek the Lord earnestly with fasting and prayer; but not selfish fasting as this book exhorts,

5 “Say to all the people of the land and the priests, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted? 6 And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves? [Zechariah 7:5-6 (ESV)]

When we fast for the Lord, our fasting becomes one of joy and gladness because it brings the latter rain – the revival,

19 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace. [Zechariah 8:19 (ESV)]

I am going to show 11 results of this latter rain; that is the signs of revival from the Book of Zechariah; in three categories – in the nation, in our individual lives and in our ministries.

1. Purging of the land of false prophets & religious godmen

“For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams
and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd.” [Zechariah 10:2 (ESV)]

Why do we need the latter rain? Because godmen and false prophets give “empty consolation” to people. But when revival comes,

““And on that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, so that they shall be remembered no more. And also I will remove from the land the prophets and the spirit of uncleanness. And if anyone again prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not live, for you speak lies in the name of the Lord.’ And his father and mother who bore him shall pierce him through when he prophesies. “On that day every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies. He will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive, but he will say, ‘I am no prophet, I am a worker of the soil, for a man sold me in my youth.’” [Zechariah 13:2-5 (ESV)]

Such people will declare that they are no prophets and no godmen! The result of the latter rain does not stop with this,

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” [Zechariah 8:23 (ESV)]

People will leave the godmen and will be after every true believer. That is, there will no more thronging after godmen and false prophets but every believer will be witnessing for God.

2. Purging of wickedness found in the country

“Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me, “Lift your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.” So I asked, “What is it?” And he said, “It is a basket that is going forth.” He also said, “This is their resemblance throughout the earth: Here is a lead disc lifted up, and this is a woman sitting inside the basket”; then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth.” [Zechariah 5:5-8]

In this verse a woman is portrayed as “wickedness”. This talks about the perverse portrayal of women in all of media; which portrays women as sex symbols, item numbers and commoditisation of women in commercials.

The latter rain will remove this wickedness. But who will remove it? Women!

“Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, two women coming forward! The wind was in their wings. They had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.” [Zechariah 5:9 (ESV)]

But not the woman activists who Protest and tear Posters and go back and dress and make-up like those actresses! The change in the country where women will be portrayed as honourable people; as made in God’s image; This change and purging of wickedness will happen not through PROTESTING women but through PRAYING women.

“आंदोलन से नहीं आँसू बहाने से होगा”

3. Protection of God during the times of Persecution

As the latter rain brings revival, there will be persecution. But the Lord promises His protection upon His children,

8 For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye: [Zechariah 2:8 (ESV)]

So we need not be afraid of opposition. For He will save us and we will be a blessing.

13 And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” Zechariah 8:13 (ESV)

4. Purification of God

1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. 4 And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by. [Zechariah 3:1-5 (ESV)]

The latter rain will bring in such a purification in our lives, that we will be steadfast in holiness and Satan will have no chance to accuse us. The Lord puts a clean turban on our head. If we read Exodus 28:36 and 39:30 we understand what this turban signifies. It will be written on the turban, “Holy to the Lord”. That is, Satan will have no dominion over us and we will be holy to the Lord; the mind where evil conceives would become the seat of holiness.

We will be like a brand plucked from the fire! (v.2)

How will this happen?

9 And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” [Zechariah 13:9 (ESV)]

God will refine us and test us to make us holy! This latter rain will make us live in constant self-introspection and to seek of the Lord to search our hearts. So much so that, “the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David” [Zechariah 12:8 (ESV)]

5. Power of God to break all barriers

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. 7 Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” [Zechariah 4:6-7 (ESV)]

All barriers that are like mountains in our ministry will be broken. We would have tried to remove those barriers with all our efforts and strength and would have failed. But when the latter rain comes it brings the Power of the Spirit to break those barriers.

Peak ---> Power of God ---> Plain

What would be the result of this?

9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it… [Zechariah 4:9 (ESV)]

You will complete the unfinished task by the power of God!

6. Participation of people in ministry

As a result of the latter rain, people will come and participate in ministry to help and be part of it.

15 “And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.” [Zechariah 6:15 (ESV)]

- People from far off places will come to help the ministry

4 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. 5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. [Zechariah 8:4-5 (ESV)]

- People of all age groups will become part of the ministry

22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord. [Zechariah 8:22 (ESV)]

- People from various places and different backgrounds (those who are strong and were resistant) will come to the Lord

7. Peaceful understanding between co-workers and leaders in ministry

13 It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’ [Zechariah 6:13 (ESV)]

There shall be peace between the leaders and ministers of the gospel. There would also be sharing of power and authority; where leaders will not be selfish and power-crazy, but willingly will share responsibilities and authority for the work of God’s Kingdom.

“The crown will be given to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen son of Zephaniah as a memorial in the temple of the Lord.” [Zechariah 6:14 NIV]

8. Proper produce in ministry

12 For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. [Zechariah 8:12 (ESV)]

All the efforts in ministry will bear fruits and there will be a growth in the ministry as the Lord blessed every work.

 

 

The latter rain does not only bring prosperity, but also punishment.

 

9. Purging of God in ministry

 

3 Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. 4 I will send it out, declares the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.” [Zechariah 5:3-4 (ESV)]

God will purge the ministry of those who “steal” and “swear falsely”. People who rob God’s money, God’s glory and give false reports and swear falsely against others, shall be removed by God.

10. Punishment of God upon leaders & shepherds who are careless in ministry & care only about their pockets

3 “My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle. [Zechariah 10:3 (ESV)]

This punishment is upon those ministers who do not care for the sheep and turn ministries into making themselves rich.

5 Those who buy them slaughter them and go unpunished, and those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the Lord, I have become rich,’ and their own shepherds have no pity on them. [Zechariah 11:5 (ESV)]

15 Then the Lord said to me, “Take once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd. 16 For behold, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for those being destroyed, or seek the young or heal the maimed or nourish the healthy, but devours the flesh of the fat ones, tearing off even their hoofs. 17 “Woe to my worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock… [Zechariah 11:15-17 (ESV)]

The Lord will also punish the “worthless shepherds” because they,

- do not care for the perishing souls

- do not seek the wandering

- do not heal the maimed

- do not nourish the healthy

But the good news is this latter rain also pours in a spirit of repentance.

11. Pouring out of a spirit of compassion & supplication

“And I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication…” [Zechariah 12:10 NRSV]

For what would they cry and supplicate?

“Listen, the wail of the shepherds, for their glory is despoiled!” [Zechariah 11:3 NRSV]

They cry unto the Lord for their “glory is lost”. As this latter rain would come upon us, we will seek the Lord for His glory in our life and ministry as Zechariah says,

God’s glory within [Zechariah 2:5]

Sent by God’s glory [Zechariah 2:8]

Let us seek the Lord to send the latter rain in our life and ministry so that we may glorify God and become the reason and part of a great revival.

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Technorati Tags: Latter Rain,Revival,Purging of God,Purging of Wickedness,Purification of God,Breaking Barriers,Punishment of God

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