Today we come in our readings to Psalm 107, which is another Psalm of several sections. In verses 1-9, we are called to “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good – His love endures forever” (verse 1). God desires that “we who are redeemed of the LORD" proclaim our redemption “from the hand of the foe” (verse 2). God has “gathered the redeemed from the lands – from east and west; from north and south” (verse 3). Romans 1:21 informs us that simply “forgetting to glorify God or foolishly failing to thank Him darkens our hearts, wastes our thoughts, and invites His wrath” (verse 21). So this Psalm reminds us to remember to declare our salvation and make our Redeemer known for it. We must never forget that. Moreover, this Psalm indicates from whence we came: “Some wandered in desert wastelands – finding no way to a city where they could settle … they were hungry and thirsty – lives ebbing away” (verses 4- 6). This was our state – before the LORD delivered us from our distress” (verse 6). If we were lost and dying in the desert, and Someone rescued us, would we not proclaim the wonder of it? Indeed, God has “led us to a city where we can settle” (verse 7). In Him, we find refuge. God’s love is “unfailing; His deeds are wonderful; and He satisfies us with good things,” (verses 8-9). Therefore, we – the redeemed – are to thank Him and herald our redemption. What could be plainer or easier than that?
In Isaiah 29-30, God’s Word goes out in judgment against the city of Jerusalem for its false honor, for its heartless, rules-based form of worship, and for its failure to consult God about its plans. “Ariel” is a term of endearment for Jerusalem, and “she will be besieged” (verse 2). Although God loves this dear city, He will still punish his beloved for her disobedience. “Suddenly, in an instant, her enemies – ruthless hordes of all nations … will become like dust” (verses 5-8). Jerusalem will “be stunned and amazed” (verse 9) by the effects of God’s judgment. Although they “honored God with their lips, their hearts were far from Him” (verse 13). They “turned things upside down, did their work in darkness, and thought, ‘Who sees us? Who will know?’” (verses 15-16). Nevertheless, because of His love and compassion for her, God will yet redeem those who turn to Him - “the deaf will hear and the blind will see” (verse 18). We are reminded that Jesus accomplished these prophecies. The theme of judgment continues in chapter 30 with a warning against making alliances with Egypt (verse 2). In spite of Israel’s wayward behavior, “the LORD longs to be gracious to us and show us His compassion” (verse 18). Israel’s example is such a lesson for us today!
In 2 Corinthians 12:11-21, Paul explains the depth of his love for the believers at Corinth: he loved them to the point of “foolishness” (verse 11). Like an unselfish, loving parent for his children, Paul would spend everything he had – including himself – for the benefit of the Corinthians. And his love for the Corinthians was not burdensome to or exploitative of them (verses 13 and 16). This is how Christ loved us – the redeemed – unselfishly giving Himself to the point of death to secure our redemption from the slave market of sin, death, and hell. Can we properly fathom that?
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