Psalm 113 - 2009.09.26

“The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth." —Psalm 113:4-6

We devote far too little time to reflecting on the glory of God, and as a result our “God is too small.” Our prayer life suffers and our faith suffers as a result. The psalmist did not make that mistake. In his reflection he said, “The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens.”

Lately I have had opportunity, as no doubt you have, to see photographs of earth from space. Not very far in space, of course, but far enough to see earth, the nations and man from a different perspective. To us on a day to day basis, man looms large, the nations are important and earth is everything. But just a few hundred miles aloft, earth is about as significant as a tennis ball, the nations are indistinguishable and man disappears into oblivion. “The Lord is high above all nations”—and high above the orbit of our space junk.

Most recently I viewed a striking presentation on the theory of “black holes.” The graphics were stunning, the dimensions awesome and the thoughtful viewer had an impressive look at the glory of the heavens. In terms of immensity, complexity and baffling beauty, it was quite overwhelming, whether real or imagined. But the Psalmist reflected, “His glory (is) above the heavens.”

The glory of God is beyond the inspection of our feeble spacecraft or the vaunted Hubble telescope. The only “telescope” that will give us the faintest glimpse of His glory is the written word of God opened under the illumination of the Holy Spirit. When the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord “high and lifted up” (Isa 6:1), he was moved to humility crying, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips…for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts [Isa 6:5].”

When Jeremiah was introduced to God through His word he said, “Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot speak: for I am a child (Cf. Jer. 1:4-6).” When Ezekiel beheld “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord,” he said, “When I saw it, I fell upon my face,… [Ezek. 1:28b].” And when Daniel got just a glimpse of that glory, he said, “I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comliness was turned into corruption, and I retained no strength [Dan. 10:8].”

Then there is Saul, in the New Testament. “Breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,” he was making his way toward Damascus to arrest Christians when he saw “a light from heaven (and) fell to the earth…trembling and astonished” and was blinded by the light of that glory, emerging from the experience a new creature. (See Acts 9:1-22). And finally, John the great New Testament prophet, while exiled on the Isle of Patmos, having a splendid vision of the exalted Christ, “fell at His feet as dead (See Rev. 1:10-17a).”

What all of this illustrates is the paradox that the closer we are to God the more difficult it becomes to pray! Prayer, in fact, comes to most of us all too easily. If we catch but a glimpse of His glory, we will be overwhelmed by His majesty, ashamed by His holiness, broken and speechless before Him. The only proper posture is on our faces, and the only proper exercise is worship. Oh, how sorely that humility and awe is wanting in the church today!!

The psalmist continues, noting that God’s position is so lofty that He has to “(humble) Himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in earth.” Nowhere was that more vividly illustrated than at the tower of Babel in the post-flood world when man, still defiant of God, set out to “build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and …make us a name…” When the project was well under way, the next verse declares, “The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded [Gen. 11:4-5].” Man’s proudest accomplishments, individually or collectively, are insignificant in the sight of his Creator and Lord, of whom it is said, “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity [Isa.40:15].”

Recently I heard again a gospel chorus which contains the line, if not the title, “Without Him I would be nothing.” It is a solemn truth when reflected against the background of this “nugget.” Indeed, less than nothing. Meditate upon this great text. It could change your prayer life. It might change you!

For His glory and our good,

"Pastor" Frasier

Psalm 112 - 2009.09.19

“Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments…He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.” — Psalm 112:1, 7-8

The subject of this psalm is, as one has expressed it, “the blessedness of the righteous man.” It is to such a man that our text applies. But, it behooves us to ask, ‘How does one qualify as a righteous man?’ For after all, the prevailing position of the New Testament is that “There is none righteous, not not one [Rom. 3:11].” By nature, then, there are none who qualify for the blessings here and elsewhere assigned to “the righteous man.”

There is a clue, however, in the first verse of the psalm: “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord…” Elsewhere is that familiar text, “”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding [Prov. 9:10].” When a man recognizes himself as lacking the righteousness demanded by God, and turns to the Lord in reverence and repentance, he discovers another kind of righteousness available to him:

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [Rom. 3:21-24].”

This is not inherent righteousness, but imputed righteousness; the righteousness of Christ, credited to our account by faith in His Name and in His atoning work in our behalf on the cross. The man who,in the New Testament context, trusts in Christ as his personal Savior from sin, qualifies by God’s grace as the “man that fears the Lord” in the Old Testament,” and will be motivated to practical righteousness in his daily walk, “delight[ing] greatly in [God’s] commandments.”

All of that by way of introduction to our “nugget” for today, which affords the blessed man freedom from “fear of evil tidings.” While this has broad significance, and more so for many in other parts of the world who do not enjoy many of the temporal blessings and social freedoms that we do here in our country, let me try to make this practical. We live in an age of “information overload,” and much of the information (or misinformation) is alarming and depressing. As a result, many are living in a state of anxiety and continual distress. That is not God’s will for those who numbered among “the blessed” of the Lord.

The prescription for deliverance from fear is suggested here, and is remarkable simple. The first and obvious thing, reflecting on our introductory remarks, is the establishment of faith in Christ. Apart from Him, we are left to our own resources, here and hereafter. But let it be noted that there is a great difference between faith and ‘a profession of faith.’ Many have made a profession of faith in Christ who have never entered into a practical, day-to-day walk of faith in the assurance that there are no problems, real or imagined, that He cannot handle. It is oxymoronic to say we trust Him for our eternal destiny, and not to trust Him unreservedly for our present concerns.

Two significant things distinguish the beneficiary of this freedom from anxiety and fear. First, what he feeds on: he “delights greatly in [God’s] commandments.” The word of God is his first source of information and motivation. Second is his focus. “His heart is fixed trusting in the Lord.” I have a good friend who is a very talented photographer. When she she fixes her camera’s focus on a raindrop, for example, everything else within range of the lens is thrust into a soft focused background, and the glory of the raindrop captures the attention. So when the heart is “fixed” on the Lord (v.7) and “established,” (v.8) fear fades into insignificance, and His glory is radiant in our hearts and lives.

Too many believers are “fixed” on circumstances, real or imagined, present or possible, rather than on God. If we were as focused on God and His word as we are on the “media,” so called, anxiety could give way to assurance and the journey could be made a lot lighter. Try it; you might like it!

“Jesus is the only perfect resting place; He giveth perfect peace.”

(Cf. John 14:27)

For His glory and our good,

"Pastor" Frasier

Psalm 111 - 2009.09.12

“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation..” —Psalm 111:1

Given the nature of the Psalms, even using the fragmented approach of these “Nuggets,” it is difficult to avoid being redundant. Nevertheless, if you are inclined to say, “He’s said that before,” remember the words of the apostle Paul to the Philippians: “…To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe [Phil. 3:1].” Repetition is one of the laws of learning. My own observation over the years has been, ‘If the Lord says a thing once, we had better remember it. If He says it twice, we had better never forget it!’

Apply that, then, to the frequent exhortation to praise that occurs in this “hymn book” of the scriptures. It is important to God, and that surely not only for His glory, but for our good. We have that instruction elsewhere in the book; “Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright [Ps. 33:1];” Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely [Ps. 147:1].” “Comely,” used in this way, is defined as “fitting, suitable, proper.”

There is an interesting verse we may have referred to before, which touches significantly on the subject. In a Messianic passage God pledges to give mourning Zion “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” (Isaiah 61:3). Years ago a friend of mine in the Lord’s work testified of a day when she was struggling with depression and the Lord called her attention to this verse. “Convicted,” she said, “I began to praise Him for everything I could think of. As I looked about the room, I even praised him for doorknobs, because without them we could not get out of the room!” And the Lord lifted her depression and set her free. Now that is not related to the strict interpretation of the text, but at that moment was a profitable application.

The point is that, among other things, praise—true praise—is therapeutic. It has potential in both the spiritual and the emotional realm. It keeps the mind “stayed upon Jehovah,” of Whom it is said, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee [Isa. 26:3],” Commanding us to praise Him, God’s motive is not self-centered, but has our welfare in view.

Wise, then, is the psalmist’s commitment; “I will praise the Lord with my whole heart.” I have another friend who has so developed the spirit of praise that you cannot speak with him for more than a few minutes before he will say, e.g., “The Lord is good; praise Him!” “Thank the Lord. Thank Him for everything!” And he will do the same thing on a difficult day as well as on a delightful one. Praise has become a habit of life with this man, and so should it be with every believer.

“With my whole heart!” Do I purpose to praise Him with my whole heart? I fear much of our praise, even when engaged in, is but half-hearted, and fails to convince the world, or even ourselves of the greatness, glory and goodness of God. This to our detriment and His dismay.

The Psalmist’s concern is not limited to his private devotion. He declares his commitment to whole hearted praise “in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” He is going to go public with his affirmation of praise to God, and so should we. In so doing we may encourage one another in this most vital spiritual exercise, strengthening faith and imparting spiritual health to the whole assembly.

A grand illustration of this is found in the strategy of king Jehoshaphat when under the assurance of the word of the Lord he sent the choir in the forefront of his army to face his enemies. “And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. [II Chron, 20:20-22 my italics].”

Praise was the key to victory! May we learn to do likewise!

For His glory and our good,

"Pastor" Frasier

Psalm 110 - 2009.09.05

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. — Psalm 110:1

This Psalm is another Psalm of Christ, closely related to the previous psalm. The former is descriptive of the conflict of the Savior; this one of the consequences of His conquest as He returned to glory, welcomed as both Priest and King. Greeting His returning Son the Father said, “Sit Thou at my right hand…” It is reflective of the administrative order of the Godhead. Though equal in glory and power, the Son is subject to the order of the Father. As He himself said before, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which sent Me [John 5:30].” He carried that spirit of subordination back to glory, and it conveys a great lesson for believers.

Seated, He represents the success of His mission. In John 5:36 the Savior speaks of “the works which the Father hath given me to finish.” From the cross He had cried, “It is finished!” The work assigned to Him is done, and He is seated. The writer to the Hebrews notes it another way: “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified [Heb. 10:11-14].” His ministry as our great High Priest was finished. No further sacrifice is necessary, nothing needs or can be added to effect the sinner’s deliverance. He had accomplished the Father’s will, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all [Heb. 10:10].”

Nothing remains for us to do but to “shine as lights in a dark place,” announce the good news that Jesus saves, and extend His invitation, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

But this posture represents as well His serenity. There is no panic, no anxiety, no apprehension. Everything is under the Father’s control, and He and we can rest quietly “until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”

Two important things are suggested by this remarkable word, “until.” The first is anticipation; the second is assurance. “Until” suggests that the promised eventuality will not be immediate. An interval of unspecified duration is implied. This relates to the question of the critics of the gospel which Peter addresses in his second epistle, “Where is the promise of His coming…?” Assuring that God is in control, the apostle declares, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:3-9).” “Until” covers the interval of Christ’s absence. It powerfully represents neither indolence nor indifference, but God’s mercy toward a fallen world. The King of kings and Great High Priest is seated because his work is done. All that remains is for the last of the sheep to be gathered into the fold of the Great Shepherd, and then the evidence of His victory will be made manifest from pole to pole and around this tottering globe for all to see and wonder at. “The Lord hath sworn and will not repent (Ps. 109:4).”

When the “until” arrives, then shall all His enemies be made His footstool. That the reference is, indeed, to Christ, the Holy Spirit makes unmistakably evident in the New Testament, as noted above,“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.“ That day will surely come, and when it does the redeemed will be revealed clothed in the splendor of the righteousness of Christ, and the Redeemer will “…rule…in the midst of [His] enemies (cf. Ps. 110:2).” That is the prospect that awaits Him as He sits in the position of honor at “the right hand of the Majesty on High [Heb. 1:3].”

Let me close, then, with this quotation from the “prince of preachers,” Charles Spurgeon:

“While we see our Lord and representative sitting in quiet expectancy, we, too, may sit in the attitude of peaceful assurance, and with confidence await the grand outcome of all events.…there is no cause for alarm whatever may happen in this lower world; the sight of Jesus enthroned in divine glory is the sure guarantee that all things are moving onward towards ultimate victory.”

For rest in a restless age,

"Pastor" Frasier