Psalm 125 proclaims that we “who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion” (verse 1). By the very same, absolute certainty that “the mountains surround Jerusalem” (verse 2), by that same certainty, “the LORD surrounds His people” (verse 2). This truth is “both now and forevermore” (verse 2), meaning that it is eternally enduring, it is irrevocable, and it “cannot be shaken” (verse 1). Nothing can revoke it. This truth is not based on our human capacity to extend or maintain our trust, but [1] on the divine, eternal promises that God has made to us, and [2] on His power to fulfill them. His promises are as sure and as reliable as the existence of Mt. Zion, and His power is unassailable. Thus, as His people, Israel can enjoy with Him a relationship that is as solid, enduring, and reliable as Jerusalem’s situation is to Mt. Zion, “both now and forevermore” (verses 1-2). Because we have been “grafted in” (cf., Romans 11:17-24), we, too, can enjoy the same security He promises to all His children. Conversely, the Psalmist tells us that “the wicked will not remain – the LORD will banish them” (verses 3-5). What an encouraging assurance it is to know that God surrounds us with His presence and His protection!
Yesterday, in Ezekiel 25, we saw God’s judgment on the enemy nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia, and today, in Ezekiel 26-27, we see God’s further judgment on Tyre, a Phoenician city that pictures man’s raw pride. God would judge Tyre for its arrogant attitude against Jerusalem: “Now that she lies in ruins, I will prosper” (verse 3). We reiterate today what we said yesterday: we must never take joy in the hardships and sufferings of others – especially the sufferings of Israel. Chapter 26 details how God would bring it down; “I will bring against Tyre Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots … and a great army. He will ravage your settlements … and throw your stones, timber, and rubble into the sea. You will never be rebuilt” (verses 7-14). Years ago, when we visited Israel, I remember sitting there on Alexander the Great’s causeway that led to the ancient city, which he utterly destroyed. Chapter 27 describes the commerce of Tyre and shows its geographic and economic impact which was significant and influential. God laments over Tyre – He does not take pleasure in punishing anyone (cf., 2 Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11). We serve an awesome, loving, and just God.
Hebrews 12:1-13 tells us that we are also “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” (verse 1). For this reason, the writer encourages us to persevere in our faith. Here, we see three more “Let us statements: [9] “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (verse 1); [10] “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (verse 1); and [11] “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (verse 2). Five times in the book of Hebrews, the author tells us what he says here – that Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (verse 2; cf., Hebrews 1:3; 1:13; 8:1; and 10:12). This action indicates the completion of His redemptive work. The writer also admonishes us to endure our training and discipline just as Christ endured the pain of the cross (verses 5-6); and to remember that God’s purposes for us in this race are “good” because He is making us “holy” (verse 10). These purposes are based on the truth, the encouragement, and the love with which our Father surrounds us, His children.
Comments