The character of Joseph

Having set the genealogy of Jesus, Matthew goes onto speak about his conception and birth. For the circumstances of the pregnancy and birth of this child were most unusual and miraculous:

Matthew 1:18–25 (ESV):

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 

 23  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 

and they shall call his name Immanuel” 

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. 

This passage of Scripture shows a humble and righteous man in Joseph. He had probably waited for quite some time before getting to officially marry Mary, the betrothal process taking up to 2 years. In Israel at this time betrothal was a long period to allow for negotiations about bride price and arrangements for the marriage to be made. It was not a private agreement between two people either, families and the wider community would be aware when a man and woman were joined together in this way. During betrothal the couple were considered legally bound to one another already, it is much more than what we may understand an engagement to be. Betrothal is an official agreement, already binding two people together that can only be broken through divorce. It is a serious commitment, and this is what Joseph and Mary had entered into. This makes the circumstances of Mary becoming pregnant so serious and devastating for them both.

During this process of betrothal Joseph finds that his promised wife is pregnant. Not only that, but she has a most unusual story as to how! No wonder he initially thought about divorcing her, she not only has been unfaithful, but is lying about it. However, Joseph did not act rashly, he considered what to do. He clearly loved Mary as he was ‘unwilling to put her to shame’, he knew what treatment would befall her as an unmarried mother. Joseph, simply referred to as a ‘just man’ acted in a respectful and honourable manner towards Mary when he did not need to. Society would likely have responded in a very different way. If she wasn’t stoned to death, Mary would at least have been ostracised. Joseph did not want that for her. Instead, he chose to love her even in the way he ‘resolved’ what action to take. He could have humiliated and shamed Mary in front of her family and the whole community, yet he honours her instead. Even though Joseph must have been heartbroken; the promise of a wife, the awaited union, the hope of family to come, all shattered as he finds out his betrothed is pregnant and he had nothing to do with it. Yet Joseph did not act out of anger or fear, or even in concern for his reputation. Instead he considered and determined his course of action. This shows he was an honourable and considerate man, sensible, not prone to anger, and he didn’t just go along with cultural norms. Joseph desired to do the right thing by himself, Mary, and his community. Even before the angel appeared to him, we can see Joseph is a kind, generous and considered man who is slow to anger. He would make a good husband and father with those qualities, no wonder God chose him.

Then, the angel comes. The circumstances of the pregnancy are revealed, and Joseph, despite his own reservations, concerns and the likely whisperings of society, is obedient to God. He did as the angel told him as soon as he woke up! He had considered and delayed his course of action before then, but as soon as he knew God had spoken, he acted. What faith and faithfulness! He did the unthinkable really, he married a pregnant young woman who was not carrying his child! Yet he did it because God said so. It would not have been easy for Joseph. He would have had awkward conversations as Mary’s pregnancy became more obvious, there would be rumours, his reputation would be called into question as well as Mary’s. It must have been difficult for them both. However, both Joseph and Mary knew what had happened and were obedient to God, even though it was scary and they didn’t know who would believe them. 

Not only was Joseph obedient in marrying Mary, but even after the official wedding ceremony is complete, Joseph chooses not to consummate their marriage until after Jesus is born. He respects God so much that he puts aside himself, his rights and desires, in order to honour both God and Mary. What a humble, sacrificial man. Joseph shows himself to be a man committed to God and doing the right thing, even at his own expense. Kind, generous and faith-filled, obedient, slow to anger, considered and considerate. It is not surprising that God chose him to be the earthly father to His son. Out of painful and difficult circumstances, Joseph got to help mould and develop the Son of God. We can see that as a great privilege, which i am sure it was, but it did not come without pain and difficulty. Joseph was willing to deny himself in order to honour God and others. If you want to make an impact in the World for God’s Kingdom, are you willing to do the same; to be obedient to God even when it is inconvenient, painful and cross-cultural? God can call you to do some amazing things, but do you have the right character for it? Joseph did.

Obedience in the Yes and the No

 Psalm 132:1–18 (ESV): 

1  Remember, O Lord, in David’s favour, 

all the hardships he endured, 

 2  how he swore to the Lord 

and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, 

 3  “I will not enter my house 

or get into my bed, 

 4  I will not give sleep to my eyes 

or slumber to my eyelids, 

 5  until I find a place for the Lord, 

a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 

 6  Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; 

we found it in the fields of Jaar. 

 7  “Let us go to his dwelling place; 

let us worship at his footstool!” 

 8  Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, 

you and the ark of your might. 

 9  Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, 

and let your saints shout for joy. 

 10  For the sake of your servant David, 

do not turn away the face of your anointed one. 

 11  The Lord swore to David a sure oath 

from which he will not turn back: 

  “One of the sons of your body 

I will set on your throne. 

 12  If your sons keep my covenant 

and my testimonies that I shall teach them, 

  their sons also forever 

shall sit on your throne.” 

 13  For the Lord has chosen Zion; 

he has desired it for his dwelling place: 

 14  “This is my resting place forever; 

here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 

 15  I will abundantly bless her provisions; 

I will satisfy her poor with bread. 

 16  Her priests I will clothe with salvation, 

and her saints will shout for joy. 

 17  There I will make a horn to sprout for David; 

I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. 

 18  His enemies I will clothe with shame, 

but on him his crown will shine.”

God remembers His faithful servants, whether they be paupers, kings or anything inbetween. God remembers and watches with favour those who keep their promises to Him, like David did. God loves that kind of dedication, obedience and faithfulness, and He rewards it. God does not forget what He has said, what you have done, or your quiet, steadfast dedication to Him. It is you that forgets. 

David’s passion for God caused him to feel unsettled even though he had a beautiful mansion for a home. For he knew that in some place, unknown, God’s holy presence rested in the Ark of the Covenant. David’s desire was to bring the nation to worship God, how could this happen if the presence of God that went with the nation into exile and back, is lost? This is the reason David made such a promise in the first place. Once the Ark was discovered, there had to be a permanent abode for it that was fitting for the King of Kings. David, and his team started searching, and eventually, they found the right place. David’s passion for God desired that he and the whole nation would discover what living in the presence of God was like.  So, he made his oath not to sleep until The Lord had his dwelling place amongst the nation of Israel.

When you make a promise to God and are working to fulfill it, it isn't easy. There comes a point when you wonder why you began doing it, how long it will take, and if it will get any easier. I am sure David felt like that in his search for ‘a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob’. David was so dedicated to this task that he swore that he would have no sleep until he had achieved it (v4-5). That is a brave promise! When you make an oath to God, how can you fail to fulfill your word? How did David do it? It must have got difficult for him. He must have grown tired, disappointed and anxious about finding ‘a place for the Lord’. Yet he continued diligently to complete this mission. He didn't make do or give up, his love and dedication to God caused him ti succeed in his mission to serve God and the nation in this way. David would have become exhausted and despondent journeying and searching to provide the right place. Yet he did not give up, he continued his search diligently. He was faithful to his word to The Faithful One. Remember this dedication, and let it inspire you in how you follow God and keep your promises to Him. The passion can wane, the sense of calling wither away as the reality of the hardship sets in. I wonder how long David went without sleep before he achieved his aim. He kept going in his mission, he was dedicated and demonstrated how to put God first above personal comfort and desire. Do you do the same?

When the right location of the Ark was discovered, and the right spot for the temple to be built found, God spoke to David. He made a promise for the generations of his family to come, if they were to give their hearts to God as David had. David had proved his allegiance and devotion to God, and God chose to pronounce a blessing over him and his family. Isn't that a beautiful thing! Yet God also made clear to David, that although he had searched for the Ark of the Covenant, found it, and brought i to it's dwelling place, he would not be the one to build a permanent home for it. His son, Solomon would. After all of that effort, that dedication and discomfort that David went through, how do you imagine he felt hearing that? Disappointed, relieved, angry? However, despite his own personal emotional response, David honoured this instruction from God. He did not rush off and do it himself anyway although he was the one with the passion for the project. Instead, David humbly obeyed the instruction of The Lord. 

David understood that God ideas are better than his own, and that God should have a say in who, where and when the temple, his earthly dwelling place should be constructed. So, although David had sacrificed sleep and rest in his search for the location, it did not mean that he was the man to fulfill the rest of the mission. David had to lay aside his desire to see a house of God being built. David had the vision, the plans and collected the materials, but he stopped there because God said so. How obedient are you to God when He tells you to hand over responsibility or to stop doing something?

David shows beautiful obedience and submission to God. He was powerful and rich, he cold command armies, and builders, but God said no, so David obeyed. That takes a lot of strength and trust. David did not get to see the fulfilment of his work and investment into people or the kingdom of God. Yet he came to terms with it because He knew God is faithful and trustworthy, so he obeyed. David’s passion and humility led to a glorious temple being built in Jerusalem, where the nation of Israel could come to worship. David’s dedication permitted and invited others into God’s presence. Yet he never saw a stone be laid. Do you have that level of obedience to God? To live beyond yourself and your generation to build and prepare for the kingdom of God to come, for the people to come?

You can impact nations and places through the simple obedience to seeing through the things God has given you passion and permission for, and stopping there. What are you passionate about doing for The Lord? Submit your ideas and passions to Him, and trust Him even if His plans are different to yours. Then you will be blessed, and so will others for generations ot come. 

God's promises are secure whether you like it or not!

 Psalm 89 is a long one and seems to have 4 parts, so we will look at each of them;

1  I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; 

with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. 

 2  For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; 

in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” 

 3  You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; 

I have sworn to David my servant: 

 4  ‘I will establish your offspring forever, 

and build your throne for all generations.’ ” Selah 

 5  Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, 

your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! 

 6  For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? 

Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, 

 7  a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, 

and awesome above all who are around him? 

 8  O Lord God of hosts, 

who is mighty as you are, O Lord, 

with your faithfulness all around you? 

 9  You rule the raging of the sea; 

when its waves rise, you still them. 

 10  You crushed Rahab like a carcass; 

you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. 

 11  The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; 

the world and all that is in it, you have founded them. 

 12  The north and the south, you have created them; 

Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name. 

 13  You have a mighty arm; 

strong is your hand, high your right hand. 

 14  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; 

steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. 

 15  Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, 

who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, 

 16  who exult in your name all the day 

and in your righteousness are exalted. 

 17  For you are the glory of their strength; 

by your favour our horn is exalted. 

 18  For our shield belongs to the Lord, 

our king to the Holy One of Israel. 

• God is worth worshipping forever for His steadfast love, righteousness, justice, faithfulness and strength. He is always worthy to be praised and made much of for He is the source of love and joy and He displays His glorious might through guiding, loving and protecting those who love Him. Those who follow God can see how God has demonstrated His power, justice and righteousness not just in their own lives, but before and beyond their existence. What characteristics of God are you seeing today?

20  I have found David, my servant; 

with my holy oil I have anointed him, 

 21  so that my hand shall be established with him; 

my arm also shall strengthen him. 

 22  The enemy shall not outwit him; 

the wicked shall not humble him. 

 23  I will crush his foes before him 

and strike down those who hate him. 

 24  My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, 

and in my name shall his horn be exalted. 

 25  I will set his hand on the sea 

and his right hand on the rivers. 

 26  He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, 

my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ 

 27  And I will make him the firstborn, 

the highest of the kings of the earth. 

 28  My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, 

and my covenant will stand firm for him. 

 29  I will establish his offspring forever 

and his throne as the days of the heavens. 

 30  If his children forsake my law 

and do not walk according to my rules, 

 31  if they violate my statutes 

and do not keep my commandments, 

 32  then I will punish their transgression with the rod 

and their iniquity with stripes, 

 33  but I will not remove from him my steadfast love 

or be false to my faithfulness. 

 34  I will not violate my covenant 

or alter the word that went forth from my lips. 

 35  Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; 

I will not lie to David. 

 36  His offspring shall endure forever, 

his throne as long as the sun before me. 

 37  Like the moon it shall be established forever, 

a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah 

• Here the psalmists proves how God has delivered on His promise over David. God has; anointed him king and strengthened him, protected and fought for the nation of Israel, extended the nations boundaries, developed an intimate relationship with David (v26), been honest and revealed what will happen if David’s descendants turn their backs to Him. Isn’t it incredible the promises given to one man and his family?! Due to David’s trust and faith in God, God gave him incredible promises not just for his life, but for generations to come. Promises of steadfast love, peace, and a legacy. I wonder what promises God has given you. For He will surely be faithful to every single word He has spoken. God wants to bless you and your family for generations to come - are you getting close enough to Him to hear His voice and His promises?

38  But now you have cast off and rejected; 

you are full of wrath against your anointed. 

 39  You have renounced the covenant with your servant; 

you have defiled his crown in the dust. 

 40  You have breached all his walls; 

you have laid his strongholds in ruins. 

 41  All who pass by plunder him; 

he has become the scorn of his neighbours. 

 42  You have exalted the right hand of his foes; 

you have made all his enemies rejoice. 

 43  You have also turned back the edge of his sword, 

and you have not made him stand in battle. 

 44  You have made his splendour to cease 

and cast his throne to the ground. 

 45  You have cut short the days of his youth; 

you have covered him with shame. Selah 

• The tone radically changes in these verses. The psalm abruptly veers from one of joy, worship, praise and acknowledging God’s power and steadfastness, to the reality of disobedience. For God keeps His promises when we are faithful and when we are not. The anointed king, still a descendent of David, has become an object of wrath as they did not follow the ways of God. So, God fulfilled His promise that, ‘if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments,  32  then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes’. God keeps ALL the promises He makes even the ones we don’t want Him to. If you ignore God, break His commandments and are disobedient, then although His steadfast love will last, you will be; cast off, experience God’s anger, become ‘breached’, lose the strength you once had, see enemies elevated, and be ‘covered with shame’. This is as much a promise of God as the fact that when you delight in God, bless Him, worship and follow Him, you will enjoy the benefits of living in His favour.It is like a child that leaves home; they no longer have access to all the household has to offer for they have distanced themself from it. It is not God being cruel, it is a choice you make in how close you choose to live to Him - in His household following His ways, or outside of it. There are promises for what life will look like in both circumstances. Take some warning from this psalm. We see that the tone abruptly changes from joy, peace and contentment of godly leadership, to one of defeat and descent as the kings desert God. So, today, which promises of God are you living in? The promise of favour due to obedience or the promise of disobedience - being cast off and rejected?

46  How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? 

How long will your wrath burn like fire? 

 47  Remember how short my time is! 

For what vanity you have created all the children of man! 

 48  What man can live and never see death? 

Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah 

 49  Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, 

which by your faithfulness you swore to David? 

 50  Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, 

and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, 

 51  with which your enemies mock, O Lord, 

with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed. 

 52  Blessed be the Lord forever! 

Amen and Amen. 

• How long will the wrath of God not only be poured out on the king, but also the nation? This is the question the psalmist now asks. The whole nation of Israel was suffering due to the lack of godliness within the king. The psalmist is a faithful follower of God, as are many others, but they are still oppressed and distressed because of the consequences of the king not following God. Innocent people suffer when there is ungodliness. The king’s decisions, values and actions affect the whole nation, not just himself. Do you know that the same is true for you? You are probably not a king, but whether you choose to follow God or not, this decision has consequences for not only yourself but those around you too. The disobedience of the king led to the suffering of the whole nation - the godly and ungodly people. In the same way your obedience or disobedience affects your family, friends and community - you have wider impact than you realise. There are wide reaching consequences in your decision to live a faithful or unfaithful life. 
• It is clear that the psalmist clearly does not like the situation they are in, and he is not afraid to say so to God. Although he acknowledges that this suffering is due to disobedience of leadership, he does not like the fact that the steadfast love of God and faithfulness seem to be missing in his lifetime as he sees fellow believers mocked and downtrodden. So, he asks God to remember this suffering and to remember, ‘how short my time is!’ I like this, it is like the writer is trying to hurry God up into bringing about a change so that he can know some relief and joy in his life. Although the writer acknowledges the reason for this hardship, he does not accept that nothing will change because he knows the power, might and love of God. So why should he and the fellow faithful ones put up with this suffering?! Yes, the king has walked away from God’s ways, but there are still faithful people within the kingdom, so what is God going to do for them? It is good and right to seek God’s intervention, grace, love and favour for your life and those around you. Even if you are not someone with much power or authority like a king, you do know the One who holds it all. So do not be afraid of seeking His favour for yourself and those around you. Ultimately it is God is who reigns and is faithful. So even if there are things happening around you that you know are due to someone else’s disobedience, you can still ask God to demonstrate His steadfast love to those faithful to Him. Why not ask Him to remember how short your life is and seek Him to show you joy, peace and love?! ‘Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.’

I am poor and needy

 Psalm 86:1–17 (ESV):  

1  Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, 

for I am poor and needy. 

 2  Preserve my life, for I am godly; 

save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 

 3  Be gracious to me, O Lord, 

for to you do I cry all the day. 

 4  Gladden the soul of your servant, 

for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 

 5  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, 

abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 

 6  Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; 

listen to my plea for grace. 

 7  In the day of my trouble I call upon you, 

for you answer me. 

 8  There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, 

nor are there any works like yours. 

 9  All the nations you have made shall come 

and worship before you, O Lord, 

and shall glorify your name. 

 10  For you are great and do wondrous things; 

you alone are God. 

 11  Teach me your way, O Lord, 

that I may walk in your truth; 

unite my heart to fear your name. 

 12  I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, 

and I will glorify your name forever. 

 13  For great is your steadfast love toward me; 

you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 

 14  O God, insolent men have risen up against me; 

a band of ruthless men seeks my life, 

and they do not set you before them. 

 15  But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, 

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 

 16  Turn to me and be gracious to me; 

give your strength to your servant, 

and save the son of your maidservant. 

 17  Show me a sign of your favour, 

that those who hate me may see and be put to shame 

because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. 

This psalm written by David shows his humility. Even though he is a strong, powerful, blessed king, he describes himself as, ‘poor and needy….your servant’. As a young man in his father’s house we can see how this would relate to David, but when he wrote this psalm as the anointed king of the nation of God, it can seem odd to try to comprehend. Yet, ‘poor and needy’ is how David describes himself in several of the psalms. As David considers and praises God, i think he recognises how poor and needy he is in comparison with Him. No matter the earthly riches, authority and reputation he has on Earth, what is it when you compare it to God? It is ‘poor’ and insignificant in comparison, and the level of capacity and capability is ‘needy’ indeed. David acknowledged this in a way many of us miss. 

It is not encouraged or desired by society to be known as ‘poor and needy’. In fact, those who are can be looked down upon and pitied so David does not go to people in his poverty or neediness. The only one David wishes to show his lack to is God, for what could man do? God can get to the heart of the deprivation that David feels. It must have been hard for him to relate to being king. From the lowly, overlooked position of a shepherd to a throne, it is not surprising that David felt like he didn't belong, that he wasn't prepared and that he didn't have enough within himself to perform his duties. Yet he was king because he went to the place we all need to when we feel insufficient for the task ahead of us - he went to God. The only one who can give life, salvation, grace, forgiveness, love, courage, hope and joy. These are the things you really need when you feel ‘poor and needy'.

As well as acknowledging the poverty and need in his own life, this psalm also glorifies God. In fact, most of it is a psalm of recognition of how wonderful God is. David recalls how God is good and forgiving, and always loves him - you can see the genuine relationship and delight David has with God. Yet he does not, even as king, consider himself at all powerful or in control in comparison to God, when he thinks about God, he realises how poor and needy he is! As much authority as David has, or as much influence, as many people or wealth he has at his fingers, when you match it up to the wealth, authority, power and capacity God has it truly is ‘poor and needy'. David honours God as the Almighty King. The One who can change any circumstance, the only truly God because no-one and nothing else can compare with what God can do (v8-10). 

In his humility, David asks God to show him what His ‘way’ is. Sometimes we can be so confused and distressed that we do not know what way to go, or what God wants from us in a particular situation. So even in this time where David is in need, he seeks God to show him how to live right to, ‘unite my heart to fear your name’. David knew that his emotions were all over the place, but even so he wanted to honour and serve God well in this season. So he asked God to help unite his heart with obedience to God. What is your response when you are in distress? To you accept your feelings and allow yourself to be mastered by them or do you, even then, in the midst of overwhelming disappointment and sadness decide to subject your emotions to God? This is what David did, and this is powerful. In an age when people do what they feel and follow their emotions, the people of God are not to do that but instead to seek God first. Above thoughts, desires and feelings, they are to invite God to restructure their hearts so that they can live their lives in truth. Is your heart's cry to God in times of difficulty;  'Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name'?

You are poor and needy. You will encounter disappointment and heartache, but you are not to be led by those experiences or emotions. For in your need you have an Almighty God, and Everlasting Father and a Faithful Friend you can call upon to uphold, strengthen, love and guide you. Will you call upon God in your times of need? At the end of this outpouring of love, praise and recognition of the greatness of God David declares, 'Lord, have helped me and comforted me'. Just through spending quality time with God, David has felt comforted, listened to and helped. The situation has not radically changed in the moments of this prayer, but offloading to God and showing that you are willing to do things God's way, not your own, allows God to minister to you. Relying on God gives strength, purpose and unites your heart. I wonder what His way is for you. Are you prepared to ask God to show you, and trust God to unite your heart?

Living as a community

Psalm 74:1–23 (ESV):  

1  O God, why do you cast us off forever? 

Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture? 

2  Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, 

which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage! 

Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt. 

3  Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins; 

the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary! 

4  Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place; 

they set up their own signs for signs. 

5  They were like those who swing axes 

in a forest of trees. 

6  And all its carved wood 

they broke down with hatchets and hammers. 

7  They set your sanctuary on fire; 

they profaned the dwelling place of your name, 

bringing it down to the ground. 

8  They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”; 

they burned all the meeting places of God in the land. 

9  We do not see our signs; 

there is no longer any prophet, 

and there is none among us who knows how long. 

10  How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? 

Is the enemy to revile your name forever? 

11  Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? 

Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them! 

12  Yet God my King is from of old, 

working salvation in the midst of the earth. 

13  You divided the sea by your might; 

you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters. 

14  You crushed the heads of Leviathan; 

you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness. 

15  You split open springs and brooks; 

you dried up ever-flowing streams. 

16  Yours is the day, yours also the night; 

you have established the heavenly lights and the sun. 

17  You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; 

you have made summer and winter. 

18  Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, 

and a foolish people reviles your name. 

19  Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; 

do not forget the life of your poor forever. 

20  Have regard for the covenant, 

for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. 

21  Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; 

let the poor and needy praise your name. 

22  Arise, O God, defend your cause; 

remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day! 

23  Do not forget the clamour of your foes, 

the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually! 

Sometimes, God’s people are focusses for anger, deprivation and persecution. We can see that in the amount of times they were exiled in the Old Testament, plus the spread of the gospel in the New Testament was largely due to the persecution of God’s people. The same is true today. It can seem like God forgets, abandons and ignores His people. The people of God experience unfair treatment at times, they are hurt, ignored and harassed. Asaph saw what was going on in his time and felt that it was unfair how Israel were struggling. He felt God had forgotten or abandoned them, although he knew it wasn’t really true. He refers to Israel as ‘your heritage’, ‘your congregation’, ‘the sheep of your pasture’ clearly showing that Asaph is confident that Israel belongs to God and that they are His special, chosen ones. Yet sometimes it is hard to see that when the people of God are experiencing the longevity of suffering. Have you ever seen or heard the church being under attack or unfair restriction? I am sure in every collective of God’s people there are difficulties as the enemies of God are trying to put an end to holiness and faithfulness (v3). 

Asaph recalls how the dwelling place of God, the temple was desecrated (v3-8). The enemy enjoyed doing it and seeing the Israelites in pain, and it seemed that God was doing nothing. Even as His abode on Earth was attacked, burnt and chopped to pieces. Can you imagine being one of His people at that time having to live through this? Seeing the dwelling place of your God brought to ruins - how can you see God in moments like those? It would have been devastating, heartbreaking. It may have felt as if God had left. As we read accounts like this we know that these events happened because the people of God were unfaithful, so God was allowing them to suffer in order to bring them to repentance and salvation. Yet, can you imagine what it must have been like to go through it? There were always some faithful people around who were loyal to Him and tried to direct the Israelites to God and they suffered just as the unfaithful ones did. All of the Israelites suffered the judgement and punishment of God because the people of God are a collective; a flock, congregation, church. God’s people are not a bunch of individuals or a common interest group, but a family, a close knit tribe, a community. 

In Western culture this can be hard to fathom as the emphasis is on personal, independent, individual identity, not communal responsibility. When something goes wrong or well, the individual celebrates or commiserates, others may congratulate or comfort them but they are not so intimately acquainted with the individual’s situation that they take it on as their own experience. So this psalm shows us something different - that those who are set apart as God’s people are one; one flock, one congregation, one tribe (v1-2). The experiences they have are shared - communally celebrated and commiserated. There is togetherness and unity. When one family member is hurting, the whole family feels the pain. This is how it is with the people of God. They all undergo the joy and pain of being set apart as the people of God. 

This means that each individual has a responsibility for the welfare of the community of believers that they are a part of. Every believer is a part of the church and holds collective responsibility for the wellbeing of that community. You have a responsibility to live your life right not just for you, but because it also affects the community of believers that God has put you in. Your obedience or disobedience is not an independent decision as it affects everyone around you, you are part of the flock. The way you live and your faithfulness or sin affects the people in your life. You are part of something bigger than yourself, and you have responsibility to others in how you live. Your decisions matter, and you should consider the church when you make them as you are part of God's family and so what you do has consequences for them. 

Asaph is experiencing suffering because of the sin and disobedience of others, yet he doesn't cry out to God that it is unfair, that he hasn't done anything wrong so why should he be punished, instead he asks how long it will last, because the community of believers are hurting and getting a bad reputation, and he knows God cares, because they are His. The Israelites understood that they were part of a family, household, tribe and a nation. They understood they had personal responsibility to ensure they played their part. This is why Asaph calls for the deliverance of God’s people as a whole, not as individuals. For they are His flock (v1), congregation and tribe (v2) (all collective nouns). Asaph is calling for for communal redemption, not individual salvation. The redemption of all of the people of God is necessary, otherwise the community is incomplete and hurting. 

Your life is important to the community of God that you are a part of. You are important to your brothers and sisters, and you have a duty to honour and pray for them. Asaph takes on this mantle through this psalm as he petitions God for the nation’s salvation. He asks for the people of God, who are already set apart for Him, to be redeemed. For although God has saved us already, we still need redeeming! Even though we are connected and part of the family, the people of God still need to be brought back into God’s possession. How often do we forget who we are and make our own choices and just get on with life instead of considering that we are part of something bigger and more important? God still needs to redeem us. 

Do you pray, like Asaph, for the redemption of the tribe you are a part of? Do you live in consideration to your community when you make decisions for your own life? 

My feet had almost stumbled....

 Psalm 73:1–28 (ESV): 

1  Truly God is good to Israel, 

to those who are pure in heart. 

2  But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, 

my steps had nearly slipped. 

3  For I was envious of the arrogant 

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 

4  For they have no pangs until death; 

their bodies are fat and sleek. 

5  They are not in trouble as others are; 

they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 

6  Therefore pride is their necklace; 

violence covers them as a garment. 

7  Their eyes swell out through fatness; 

their hearts overflow with follies. 

8  They scoff and speak with malice; 

loftily they threaten oppression. 

9  They set their mouths against the heavens, 

and their tongue struts through the earth. 

10  Therefore his people turn back to them, 

and find no fault in them. 

11  And they say, “How can God know? 

Is there knowledge in the Most High?” 

12  Behold, these are the wicked; 

always at ease, they increase in riches. 

13  All in vain have I kept my heart clean 

and washed my hands in innocence. 

14  For all the day long I have been stricken 

and rebuked every morning. 

15  If I had said, “I will speak thus,” 

I would have betrayed the generation of your children. 

16  But when I thought how to understand this, 

it seemed to me a wearisome task, 

17  until I went into the sanctuary of God; 

then I discerned their end. 

18  Truly you set them in slippery places; 

you make them fall to ruin. 

19  How they are destroyed in a moment, 

swept away utterly by terrors! 

20  Like a dream when one awakes, 

O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms. 

21  When my soul was embittered, 

when I was pricked in heart, 

22  I was brutish and ignorant; 

I was like a beast toward you. 

23  Nevertheless, I am continually with you; 

you hold my right hand. 

24  You guide me with your counsel, 

and afterward you will receive me to glory. 

25  Whom have I in heaven but you? 

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

26  My flesh and my heart may fail, 

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

27  For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; 

you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 

28  But for me it is good to be near God; 

I have made the Lord God my refuge, 

that I may tell of all your works. 

Ever felt jealous and envious of those who do not follow God? Maybe because they ‘are not stricken like the rest of mankind’ and do not live to good moral standards yet seem to prosper. They seem to do better, have more stuff, and they enjoy life in a way you do not. Asaph clearly felt like this, he was jealous of the worldly gains of the wicked when he compared his life to theirs he saw that his is hard, and theirs easy. When you live your life following God it can feel like there are restrictions upon you, rules that stop you having the same type of fun and entering into certain relationships. If you have noticed this and it has bothered you, don’t worry, Asaph the chief musician of Israel from the tribe of Levi - a key worship leader, felt the same! 

If you compare your God-following life with those who do not, you can feel like you can’t do certain things, have less, give more, don’t seem to be as ‘lucky’ and life is a struggle most of the time. You talk different, dress different and act different because you faithfully follow what God has to say about these things instead of following the culture. However you undergo internal and external pressure, difficulty and stress as a result. Asaph saw this and admits, ‘my feet had almost stumbled’. He felt really pressured and enticed by the life of those who were living disregarding God, as he saw that the ‘wicked’ people ‘are not stricken like the rest of mankind’. They can do what they like and not care about it, their lot seems easy and enjoyable. So he was intrigued and found their lifestyle inviting. Asaph, one who has written many worship songs and prayers through the book of Psalms, and was responsible for leading others to honour, love and worship God felt like this. This shows me that none of us are exempt from temptation, we all want to have a fun and easy life, don't you?

Have you ever been tempted to join the ranks of the wicked? We probably all are, and some do. They look at the contrast between the people who follow God and those who do not, and the christian life looks restrictive, boring and responsible, so leading life without God seems simpler, freer and exciting. It is no wonder that Asaph observes that, ‘his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. And they say, “How can God know?”’ Have you noticed the same? Some people get fed up, and so when an attractive temptation comes along they convince themselves that it is not too bad, that “everyone is doing it” so it doesn’t really matter and, ‘How can God know?’ These people initially convince themselves that it is not so bad, and surely God wants them to have a good and easy life, maybe God won't even notice. Asaph admits that he, 'almost stumbled'.  He had begun to persuade himself that maybe there was a better life waiting for him outside of God's domain. Leading an ungodly life intrigued and enticed him as he saw that those who do not follow God are, ‘always at ease, they increase in riches.’ Asaph wondered, could he live his life like those others who do not follow God? For he has kept himself pure of heart and lived obeying God, leading worship, faithfully following and serving God’s people, but he does not have what these others do. Is that fair? (V13-14). His life is dutiful and God-honouring, but it is not always rewarding. In fact it can be boring and hard work at times.

Before Asaph gave up his faithful, obedient, God-honouring life, he spent some time considering this comparison he saw between the faithful and the wicked. He tried to get his head around it but he couldn’t, he says it wore him out (v16). It didn’t make sense to him and he got tired of trying to understand. So, what he did next was key. He didn’t just abandon the life he had been living following God to explore the alternative straight away, but he went to God (v17). 

The psalm does not say that he spoke to God about what was going on, but that he simply, ‘went into the sanctuary of God’. He met with God, placing himself in His presence. Even though at this time Asaph was feeling resentful, annoyed and hard done by, he still chose to be with God. Sometimes, just being in God’s presence, getting close to Him, spending time with him, with or without words or music, can cause things to make sense or to seem not that important any more. This is what Asaph found. Whilst in the presence of God, he had a revelation; ‘then I discerned their end’. Whilst in the presence of the Almighty, connecting with the creator and protector of life, Asaph has a realisation. He recognises that those who do not follow God, ‘are destroyed in a moment’. They may seemingly enjoy life and have much, but one day the life they have lived will end. The luxuries, fun, relationships and investment in earthly things will be; destroyed, broken apart, ruined. ‘For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you’ (V27). Is that the end you want to your life story? Asaph didn't!

So, no matter how enticing and enjoyable the present life of others looks, do not be tempted or distracted - they are heading for ruin. Instead, do as Asaph did and get into God’s presence. Spend time with Him. Then you will see the reality of a life lived away from Him. Do you want to take the risk of having a lifestyle that is seemingly good now, at the expense of the eternal peace, comfort and steadfast love that God gives? Is anything worth sacrificing that for? When you are tempted to live a different kind of life, to sin, to turn your back on faith, what is your response? Asaph, ‘went into the sanctuary of God’. He approached God, chose to get near to Him. He didn’t hide, run away or follow the wicked, but he went into the sanctuary - into God’s presence. Why not try that for yourself next time temptation comes - chose to get close to God and see what will be revealed to you. Asaph declares, ‘for me it is good to be near God’ and, 'there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you', what do you think?

Are you living to receive the salvation of God?

 Psalm 50:1–23 (ESV):  

1  The Mighty One, God the Lord, 

speaks and summons the earth 

from the rising of the sun to its setting. 

2  Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, 

God shines forth. 

3  Our God comes; he does not keep silence; 

before him is a devouring fire, 

around him a mighty tempest. 

4  He calls to the heavens above 

and to the earth, that he may judge his people: 

5  “Gather to me my faithful ones, 

who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” 

6  The heavens declare his righteousness, 

for God himself is judge! Selah 

7  “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; 

O Israel, I will testify against you. 

I am God, your God. 

8  Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; 

your burnt offerings are continually before me. 

9  I will not accept a bull from your house 

or goats from your folds. 

10  For every beast of the forest is mine, 

the cattle on a thousand hills. 

11  I know all the birds of the hills, 

and all that moves in the field is mine. 

12  “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, 

for the world and its fullness are mine. 

13  Do I eat the flesh of bulls 

or drink the blood of goats? 

14  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, 

and perform your vows to the Most High, 

15  and call upon me in the day of trouble; 

I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” 

16  But to the wicked God says: 

“What right have you to recite my statutes 

or take my covenant on your lips? 

17  For you hate discipline, 

and you cast my words behind you. 

18  If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, 

and you keep company with adulterers. 

19  “You give your mouth free rein for evil, 

and your tongue frames deceit. 

20  You sit and speak against your brother; 

you slander your own mother’s son. 

21  These things you have done, and I have been silent; 

you thought that I was one like yourself. 

But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. 

22  “Mark this, then, you who forget God, 

lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! 

23  The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; 

to one who orders his way rightly 

I will show the salvation of God!” 

One day everyone on the whole Earth will be judged. There will be no escape and no valid excuses when you are face-to-face with the Almighty God. He knows what your life has been like, and He will judge you on how you have chosen to live it. He will not be bothered by how much money or material goods you have presented Him with - He does not care about the content of your wallet - but He will judge you for the level of sacrificial obedience you have shown, for He cares about the content of your heart.

God’s expectations of how you live your life might be different to yours. You see, He sees beyond your outward actions and He sees the motives and desires within. God requires that you live a genuine life that demonstrates faith in Him that is not just an internal belief, but outworked. This psalm tells tells us that His 'faithful ones';

• live with God in mind, 
• listen to Him and practice obedience,  
• give to Him (not for show but as a devoted response), 
• keep their promises, 
• express gratitude even when it is difficult, 
• do not just recite the rules but keep them, 
• accept discipline, 
• reject and revile evil, not support it, 
• consider who they spend time with, 
• watch what they say, 
• do not lie,
• honour others and do not speak ill of them, 
• do not forget or reject God.

It is easy to just skip through that list, but it is worth reflective consideration. Are you falling down on any of these points? How is your life of obedience looking in comparison to God’s expectations? Maybe there are some things you need to change in order to be considered a 'faithful one'. If so, that's ok, you can start work on that today. One day, and no-one knows when, you will be face to face with God. Then it will be too late to start work on being a faithful follower of God. For God will, 'judge his people', are you living in such a way that prepares you well for that time?

God cares about your decisions and your behaviour. The list of attitudes and actions in this psalm reflect how much you really believe in, trust and follow Him. Interestingly, it seems that your faithful obedience to God actually reveals itself through your attitude and behaviour towards other people. How you treat others matters because it shows if you are really obedient God or not. If you mistreat someone, no matter their behaviour to you, you are not demonstrating that you understand how to live a life loving God as you are disregarding the fact that each individual has been created in the image of God. How can you honour God if you dishonour His creation? 

‘Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High’ (v14). Living a sacrificial life sometimes means not behaving in the way you naturally want to, and it often means not going along with the crowd. So ensure that you are not; swearing, lying, taking part in coarse jokes, complaining, stealing even by taking things from the workplace, talking against others. I am sure you come across people that take part in these types of behaviours often, they are quite universally common. Yet you, if you are someone who desires to be acceptable to God, you need to stop behaving like this. These actions do not honour God or anyone else. God requires that you live sacrificially, gratefully and keep your promises, do not be like everyone else. Instead be genuine and sacrificial in your dealings with others, be kind, gentle, respectful, and speak up for those no-one else will for this is what Jesus would do. Live above reproach and ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you do the things that you know are right but are difficult. God wants you to succeed, that is why you have scripture to help inform and guide you! Are you taking note of how God is instructing you to live? Making the hard changes that will develop your character and show others that you are living for something beyond yourself?

One day you will be called to come face-to-face with God. It is important you prepare for that day. The Bible tells us what God is like, has examples of how His people should and should not live - are you taking these things onboard to influence your behaviours and decisions? Just reading the Bible, attending church, praying and financially contributing to the church will not provide you salvation. This psalm makes that clear as does the rest of scripture, these actions will not necessarily make you acceptable or righteous before God. You need to implement the Word of God to your life, not just go through the motions. God requires ‘faithful ones’ who ‘orders his way rightly’ and offer ‘thanksgiving as his sacrifice’. God does not want people who; can recall His words but not do them, give money abundantly but do not give Him their heart, say one thing and do another, are different in different situations, are uncontrolled in their speech or who disregard His teachings and do their own thing. If you know that is how you have been living, today is a chance for you to repent. To recognise where you have gone wrong and turn your life around. It is important how you live now and how you treat others because it shows how much you really believe and trust in God. How you manage your mouth, your mind and your body reflect your obedience and love of God and is demonstrated in your interactions with others. What do these things show about the faith you have?

The day of judgement is coming. If you live your life dependent upon and obedient to God, then God promises that you will shown His salvation (v23)! What a marvellous promise! If your life is dedicated to God it will be seen by others and by Him. Not only will you have the joy of acceptance on that day, but God also promises that when you, ‘call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will glorify me’. Even in the here and now God assures you that He will be present and help. He will hear the cries and please of His faithful ones. He will rescue you when you are in trouble. What a great reassurance and hope you can have when you live as a dedicated follower of God! You can know God's presence now, and you can be assured of His acceptance when the day of judgement comes. Are you living in such a way to receive it? 

Is God's reputation on the line?

 Psalm 31:1–24 (ESV): 

1  In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; 

let me never be put to shame; 

in your righteousness deliver me! 

2  Incline your ear to me; 

rescue me speedily! 

Be a rock of refuge for me, 

a strong fortress to save me! 

3  For you are my rock and my fortress; 

and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; 

4  you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, 

for you are my refuge. 

5  Into your hand I commit my spirit; 

you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. 

6  I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, 

but I trust in the Lord. 

7  I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, 

because you have seen my affliction; 

you have known the distress of my soul, 

8  and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; 

you have set my feet in a broad place. 

9  Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; 

my eye is wasted from grief; 

my soul and my body also. 

10  For my life is spent with sorrow, 

and my years with sighing; 

my strength fails because of my iniquity, 

and my bones waste away. 

11  Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, 

especially to my neighbours, 

and an object of dread to my acquaintances; 

those who see me in the street flee from me. 

12  I have been forgotten like one who is dead; 

I have become like a broken vessel. 

13  For I hear the whispering of many— 

terror on every side!— 

as they scheme together against me, 

as they plot to take my life. 

14  But I trust in you, O Lord; 

I say, “You are my God.” 

15  My times are in your hand; 

rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 

16  Make your face shine on your servant; 

save me in your steadfast love! 

17  O Lord, let me not be put to shame, 

for I call upon you; 

let the wicked be put to shame; 

let them go silently to Sheol. 

18  Let the lying lips be mute, 

which speak insolently against the righteous 

in pride and contempt. 

19  Oh, how abundant is your goodness, 

which you have stored up for those who fear you 

and worked for those who take refuge in you, 

in the sight of the children of mankind! 

20  In the cover of your presence you hide them 

from the plots of men; 

you store them in your shelter 

from the strife of tongues. 

21  Blessed be the Lord, 

for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me 

when I was in a besieged city. 

22  I had said in my alarm, 

“I am cut off from your sight.” 

But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy 

when I cried to you for help. 

23  Love the Lord, all you his saints! 

The Lord preserves the faithful 

but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. 

24  Be strong, and let your heart take courage, 

all you who wait for the Lord! 

This psalm seems to be a prayer of a disordered, troubled mind. One who is in imminent danger and is trying to figure out what to do and desperate for help. Urgently seeking God in the midst of the ‘terror on every side’. It appears that outside circumstances and internal thoughts are producing a time of great disturbance for the writer. For example at the start of the psalm it says, ‘Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! 3 For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me’. Asking God for refuge and protection, yet also knowing that God provides it shows the distress and disordered nature of his mind. David needs to know security and protection and so is asking God for it, yet he also knows that God IS those things already. What a natural, heart-felt response to a time of desperation and attack. David knows who God is and asking for Him to be who he knows He is, because at the present moment he is threatened and hounded and struggling to see God’s protection, guidance, security, and strength. This whole psalm demonstrates clearly the disordered, rushed prayer of desperation. Don't you find it comforting to have this written to know that it is ok when we pray the same way?! When you find circumstances overwhelming and distressing, it’s ok to speak out even if it seems jumbled. God can make sense of it and hears your heart. 

David flits from; calling for rescue to knowing God rescues, trusting in God, talking about how terrified he is, requesting God’s grace and acknowledging His goodness. This shows the devoted love of God that David has. Even when he is surrounded by enemies, is terrified and weak, he still acknowledges the presence of God and seeks Him for his rescue. David does not accuse God of having caused the situation or say that God has run off and left him. He still knows God is his refuge and rock. it is just David is aware that he is struggling to see that right now because of the turmoil and danger he is in. 

Yet, even in his terror and desperation David acknowledges that, ‘for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me’. David still trusts and looks to God for the way to go, the way to respond and live. He knows that God does and will guide him because David trusts in Him and God will help because God’s reputation is on the line if He doesn’t! As a known, committed follower of God, David recognises that God will be glorified through this situation. Are you aware of that in the midst of chaos and distress? That whatever is happening now is not the end of the story, but restoration and the glorification of God is waiting to be revealed?! What an expectation and assurance David has of God’s intervention, and of his standing with God. David has shown his commitment to following God in many different circumstances. He does so when things are going well and when things aren’t because even when situations change God doesn’t. God is still good, loving, strong, secure and helpful no matter what you are facing. Accepting this truth and trusting in Him as David does is the reality of living life as a follower of God. Being a committed christian means accepting the nature of God through every circumstance of life, leaning into Him, trusting and obeying Him even when it looks like life as you have known it is over. Then you too can build the same level of trust and dependence on God that David has. You can still be assured that even in the most terrible of situations that God will do you good for His name’s sake. 

So, consider the faith you have. Are you committed and assured of God's relevance and presence in all circumstances?  Are you living knowing that God’s reputation could be on the line if He does not rescue you from a time of trouble and distress? Will God restore you for his 'names sake'? Clearly God did rescue David. Later in the psalm he says, ‘The Lord preserves the faithful’. David’s dedication to following God paid off - he survived, was rescued and strengthened because he remained faithful. Do you remain faithful to God when the going gets tough? 

God rewards the committed, faithful follower, 'how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you' God will reward those who are loyalty and dedicated to Him. Not only will he rescue and protect you from trouble, but He will also share his goodness with you which he has even 'stored up'! How kind of God is that?! The question is, are you living in such a way to receive God's goodness and to expect His glorification in and through your life?

Tough Times

So, I have just begun to read and consider the book of Daniel, so far we have met; Daniel, Hanahaih, Mishael and Azariah; teenage lads who have been exiled from Israel and are now enrolled into an enforced leadership program in the Babylonian empire. They are specially selected Jewish boys of royal/noble birth, good looking and intelligent. They are also young lads that we discover have an unshakeable faith in God. Even though these young men have been snatched away from their country and thrown into a different context and culture, they still seek to honour God. They have kept the Law and lived their lives acknowledging, following and serving Him all whilst in captivity. For three years, these teenage boys, along with others, have been indoctrinated into Babylonian culture and affairs, and are likely about 17 years old as we read verse 17;

As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 

Clearly these 'youths' stand out from the others around them, other young teenage lads, also in exile, also in the same program. Yet Daniel, Hanahiah, Mishael and Azariah are beginning to be recognised as different, as those of 'learning and skill'. They are different and it is not for being extremely religious or as nerds, but they become known for the favour God has on them. They stand out for the understanding and knowledge they have that is not at the same level as the others. In fact, this is the summary of the end os their training when they are met and assessed by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar;

 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

Daniel 1:18-20

What a commendation!

They are assessed by the Babylonian king and his eunuchs and no-one matches up to these four, faithful Jewish boys. As a result they 'stood before the king', instead of being the captive interns, they became the kings servants! What a promotion, and they certainly deserved it, they were 10 times better than anyone else, above all the other advisers and those of insight - these lads were better than them all! 

Yet, who do they acknowledge for their abilities? 'God gave them....' these young men do not attribute their success or promotion to their own capabilites, hard work or loyalty, they attribute it all to God. They recognise that they would not be the best, have the skills they do or the understanding they are gifted with without God. God is what makes them stand out, and they know it. They acknowledge that their progress is because of God's favour upon them. 

Isn't that something?!

How many times have you or I commended ourselves, privately or in front of others, because we have achieved something? How often do you or i acknowledge that it is not in our own strength that we have what we do, that we are capable of what we are? 

Is it any wonder that God chose to favour these young men? They had faithfully followed Him when others hadn't, they had been obedient to God, and submissive to the authority in charge. For 3 long years they had been immersed in intense inculturation into the Babylonian culture and expectations, for 3 years they restricted their diet and committed themselves to continue to honour and serve God above all else. Can you imagine the ridicule they must have endured from their captors as well as their fellow captives? The hardship, the restrictions, the challenges would have been enough to make anyone feel fed up and potentially give up their faith, yet these Jewish boys kept going together. 

I hope that inspires you. Especially if you're having a hard time right now, or you have had a hard time to keep hold of faith over the past; weeks, months or years. During the tough times, have you got a tough faith? Do you remain faithful and loyal to God, or do you get lax or even give up? If so, get yourself some faith-filled friends, and trust them to uphold you in life and in prayer like these lads did. They had a ton of challenges and hardships as exiles. 

How do you respond when life gets difficult? Where do you turn? What can you learn from Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah?

Whose hero are you?

 I have always loved chapter 11 of Hebrews, these verses have always inspired me to consider the, ‘people of old’, to see the greatness of God, and the many feats of faith achieved. 

It lifts my vision of God, and of my own life. I love that here recorded are the steps of faith these people took, not their failings. It causes me to wonder, why then do I focus on my own failings rather than considering the steps forward I have made? Why do I focus on the times when I have messed up more than the times when I have stepped up? 

Are you the same?

Do you see yourself in a negative light? Do you think about the things you’ve done wrong more than what you’ve done right? If so, then you are not alone. Yet you can also gain inspiration and encouragement from this chapter. You too can see that God focuses on the positive attributes of His people not their mistakes. So, why don’t you give yourself a break and do the same? See what God has done in and through you, ask God to show you how He sees you - it may surprise you. 

Those commended in this chapter are esteemed for their faith in different ways, some of them are:

Acceptable sacrifices

Pleasing God

Walking faithfully

Reverent fear

Believing God’s word even when it seems impossible

Obedience

Looking forward to God’s fulfilment

Living in discomfort now knowing God’s reward is coming

Considering God faithful

Do you do any or some of these? 

Do you give generously and at a sacrifice to God and His people?

Do you please God by pursuing your faith?

Are you persevering in walking faithfully - being an upright citizen and living above reproach?

Do you fear Holy God?

Are you holding tight to His promises even when they seem far off? 

Are you doing the last thing God told you to do? 

Do you focus more on what is to come than your current experience? Is heaven a lived reality for you? 

Are you prepared to suffer now knowing there’s a greater reward that you’re not likely to experience on this Earth? 

Are you confident in God’s faithfulness?

If you can confidently say ‘Yes’ to any of the above questions, then you are in good company. This chapter shows us, ‘so great a cloud of witnesses’, people like us who have struggled, failed, let themselves down, yet also clung to faith. As a believer in God, and a truster of Jesus, you too can be considered as a person of faith alongside these heroes. You too have a story worth telling. You have a story of how you have overcome and held onto the faith. You are a witness to who God is, and you too can share your story and be an example of a faith hero to those around you. 

Who can you be a hero to? 

Who can you share the greatness of God in your life with? 

servant or son?

At the beginning of Hebrews 3 we see a great comparison of two great men of faith - Moses and Jesus.

The writer shows that both of these highly thought of religious figures were faithful in the house of God.
They were both obedient and faithful. Both are worthy of glory, they are honoured and revered by others. They both conversed with God and had a significant relationship with Him. They both have been essential in building up the household of God through their service and unending faith in God. They both knew who they were, their roles and responsibilities and they recognised the privilege they had in the household. Both Moses and Jesus were all in.

With so much similarity - what actually differentiates these two men?

One is a servant, the other a son. 

Moses knew who he was, he knew he was a servant, and he accepted the role and lived it well. He enjoyed the benefits of the household but realised the limits of his capacity. He served whole-heartedly and enjoyed a close confidential relationship with the master.
Moses was a great precursor to Jesus. He showed as best he could, how to be a part of the household of God. He was faithful and worthy, a honoured member of God’s house, but no matter how great and magnificent a servant he was, he could never own the house or gain the recognition a son does. Moses earned his position through faithful service, obedience and bravery. A servant earns their recognition and authority through acts of service whereas a son is born with it.

The son of God, Jesus, is not only born with authority, but he carries the very DNA of God and shares the same characteristics. The son carries the essence of the father inherently. As the son of the master, he is born to govern and serve and so carries a different authority and standing in the household than a servant.

However this in no way diminishes the role of the servant. A faithful servant is still a revered, loved and trusted servant. It is just that the role and responsibility of a servant and a son differ. Moses could in no way attain the glory of son-hood. Yet, those who trust and believe in Jesus can.

If you know Jesus is the son of God, and you place your life in his hands, as he placed his own life into the hands of the human race, and you know that he died as an innocent man with the weight of your sin on his shoulders, then rose again to prove that he truly is God, and he truly can absolve you of every nasty thing you’ve ever done - if you believe in all of that, then you have the blessed privilege of being in God’s household, not as a servant, but a son.

Are you living in the knowledge that you are no longer a servant but a son?
Do you take seriously the responsibility you have for God's household?
Are you accessing the privilege of access and relationship you are entitled to?

Change of circumstances

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. *2*He went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth. *3*And in every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.
Esther 4:1–3.

15*Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. *16*The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honour. *17*And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.
Esther 8:15–17.

Grief, lament, bitter cries, mourning, fasting, weeping, sackcloth and ashes transformed into; royal robes, golden crown, shouting, rejoicing, lightness, gladness, joy, honour, feasting, a holiday.

How does that happen?

In the matter of a few months, the lives of the Jewish people was radically transformed. They were awarded life when the previous sentence over them had been death. How did such a complete change of circumstances occur?

Well, let's consider the people concerned - the Jews. Despite the edict of death being pronounced over them, they continued to faithfully live their lives even though stricken by grief. They lived with the perpetual fear of annihilation, yet they lived nobly. They maintained their faith and their culture and they leaned on their God. Eventhough death had been pronounced over the whole people group, they continued to live responsibly and faithfully. They knew their fate was sealed, a kings edict - unrevokable. They knew the future looked like a complete wiping out of their nation. So, what was their response? They lived righteously and they fasted and prayed. They knew they had little power or influence to change the circumstances, so they did the little they could, and they handed their fate and faith over to their God. They poured out their hearts, they appealed to God for rescue, then they got on with life - what else could they do?

Even with a death sentence over their heads, the Jews; went to work, played with their kids, tidied their homes - normal everyday stuff. They got on with living eventhough their hearts were full of grief. They kept going. They did not know how this was going to all work out, they were probably were more certain of their death than deliverance, yet they continued their lives of obedience. They sought God and they carried on.

Do you do the same when you encounter a change of circumstance? when you are faced with paining suffering?

Even when your life is threatened, your situation hopeless, do you hold on to your faith? Do you realise that if all else is against you, there is One who isn’t?  Do you, as the Jews did turn to God, pray, weep and fast?

What is your first response in tragedy?

This year, I want to take a leaf out of the Jews book. Their immediate response to devastating news was to pray and fast. They dint tell all their friends about it, they didn't hide, they faced the situation with the only one who cold have any influence. They had to live in the uncertainty, in the tragedy for a while, but God delivered in a mighty way - look at the celebration, how their mourning was turned into dancing. Times of fasting turned to feasting, mourning turned into shouts of joy. The Jews did not hide from their chase in circumstances, they took into account their emotions, they got on with life and they fell on God, and God provided a greater day of celebration than if the change of circumstances had never occurred. God gave life where there was death pronounced. The Jews had to live through it first though, they demonstrated faith and obedience and trust in God. Do you do the same when your circumstances change?