Dr H Reflections

Grace and the Bug ∙

Grace and the Bug ∙

Everything God created is good. – 1 Timothy 4:4

Genesis 1:27, 31

27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female, he created them.

31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

On September 9, 1947, a team at Harvard University, composed of engineers and computer scientists, encountered an issue with the Mark II computer, which was persistently malfunctioning and producing incorrect results. Upon investigation, what did they discover? They uncovered a literal “bug” – a moth had infiltrated the computer’s physical structure and lodged itself between the relay contacts, disrupting the machine’s electronics. This incident is noted as the discovery of the first computer bug. At 3:45 p.m., Grace Murray Hopper documented this occurrence in the computer’s logbook, attaching the moth with a note that read, “First actual case of bug being found.”

The term “bug,” referring to a defect or glitch in a system, dates back to the 1800s, with Thomas Edison reporting “bugs” in his inventions. Edison played a crucial role in popularizing this term in the context of technological faults.

In the field of Information Technology, a “bug” is defined as an error or flaw in a computer program or hardware system, as noted by Techopedia. Bugs can cause unexpected results or make a system act unpredictably, representing any deviation from the intended design. Programmers must debug their code to ensure it functions as expected, as most bugs stem from human error.

Adam and Eve were pure, innocent, holy, and righteous, devoid of any sin. There were no flaws in the original design. As the Father examined His creation work, He continuously affirmed its goodness (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, and 25). After the creation of Adam, He declared that everything He had created was very good (Genesis 1:31). “A verdict on the totality of Creation, now completed” (Sarna). The Father does not make mistakes. All of His creation was perfect.

If this indeed was the case, what changed? Was something added unexpectedly? Not at all; instead, something was removed.

The situation can be likened to light and darkness. The Creator didn’t create darkness; He created light. Darkness is simply the absence of light (Genesis 1:2-4).

Similarly, the Father didn’t create sin. Human sin represents the absence of innocence, purity, and holiness. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey the Father by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, their autonomous choice was an act of sin. It was then that the first “bug” was introduced into the human race. This bug wasn’t a moth; it was sin.

REFLECT & PRAY

Contemplate the grandeur and complexity of the cosmos while simultaneously recognizing the meticulous detail and delicateness of His fingerwork. Marvel at the beauty of the night sky while acknowledging the profound care with which it was designed. How awesome is our Father God!

Father, thank You for debugging me and welcoming me into Your Forever Family.

INSIGHT

Everything the Father created was inherently good. Each phase of creation was affirmed as good, and upon completion, He declared it all to be very good, with no imperfections in the human race.

Genesis 1:31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

How good was it? What does this goodness entail, and what does good mean?

The Hebrew word for “good” is tov. In the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis, tov has a broad meaning, encompassing what is happy, beneficial, aesthetically pleasing, morally right, preferable, of superior quality, or utmost value. The Hebrew word tov suggests something desirable, enjoyable, beautiful, correct, delightful, or positive.

In Genesis, “good” denotes anything that enhances, supports, or promotes life. The Father’s creation is deemed good because He Himself is good, and His goodness is evident in all His works (NET, notes). Genesis 1:31 “affirms the consummate perfection of God’s creation” (Sarna).

For the infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing, eternal Father God, the act of creation was merely a display of His craftsmanship. It was effortless for Him; He spoke, saying, “Let there be,” and so it was.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Job 40:15-19

15 Take a look at Behemoth, which I made just as I made you. It eats grass like an ox.

16 See its powerful loins and the muscles of its belly.

17 Its tail is as strong as a cedar. The sinews of its thighs are knit tightly together.

18 Its bones are tubes of bronze. Its limbs are bars of iron.

19 It is a prime example of God’s handiwork, and only its Creator can threaten it.

Indeed, He used His fingers! Such intricate fingerwork requires precision and care, not raw power. Consider the precision needed by an eye surgeon performing cataract surgery or the delicate tasks neonatologists perform.

Psalms 8:3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place.

The starry expanse is described as the fingerwork of God, suggesting that creating the heavens was as effortless for Him as making something with one’s fingers is for a person, rather than using their entire body. It took minimal effort (Constable).

Once the bug of sin infiltrated humanity, each person needed to be individually “debugged.” This crucial task became the responsibility of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

The necessary action was not easy, but it was straightforward. The eradication of sin from human hearts, minds, and spirits was accomplished through the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This operation was exceedingly expensive, more than any mere mortal could ever pay. What was the price? It cost the Lord Jesus Christ His life.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Whoever accepts His sacrifice is debugged and becomes part of the Father’s Forever Family. Consequently, they become as though they had never sinned.

John 1:12-13

12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

13 They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

He died upon a cross of wood Yet made the hill on which it stood!

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A Tale of Two Kings ∙

A Tale of Two Kings ∙

Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. – Proverbs 20:28

Proverbs 30:7-9

7 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die.

8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

In a piece published in 1883, years after Lincoln’s death, author Robert Ingersoll wrote, “Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never used it, except upon the side of mercy.”

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power” (attributed to Abraham Lincoln).

Key attributes that define an excellent king include effective leadership, which involves motivating and steering their subjects toward a shared objective; ensuring fairness and impartiality in their judgments and decisions, while upholding the law to guarantee justice for everyone; demonstrating kindness and empathy by being attentive to the needs and concerns of their people; possessing wisdom with a thorough understanding of history, politics, and economics; and exhibiting humility, by being open to feedback and willing to admit errors.

Ultimately, a good king prioritizes the welfare of their people over personal interests and governs with wisdom, fairness, and compassion.

An exemplary figure in history is King Louis IX of France, who reigned from 1226-1270. He was truly extraordinary. His reign was marked by remarkable charity, as he personally tended to the poor and the sick. He was renowned for his justice, piety, diplomatic skill, and military leadership.

How did the kings of the Jewish people fair? Between the era of Solomon and their captivity, there were a total of 39 kings. In Judah, out of 20 kings, only eight were considered good, while 12 were not. In contrast, the northern kingdom of Israel endured a succession of 19 kings, all of whom were deemed evil. They led the people away from the worship of Yahweh, often engaging in idolatry and other practices that were condemned by the prophets.

REFLECT & PRAY

Saul’s downfall began with his reckless and unwise decisions, where he tried to cover up his disobedience with lies. This led to his tragic end, where he ultimately sought guidance from a witch and ended his life on the battlefield.

Father, thank You for bestowing wisdom upon all who seek it with humility and devotion to You. Help me to approach the tasks before me with complete reliance on Your guidance.

INSIGHT

A Tale of Two Kings: Saul

On paper, King Saul seemed ideal. If his resume were available, he would seem like a standout leader, chosen by the people without any scrutiny of his true character or intentions. The darkness of his heart was unknown. A detailed evaluation of his background was necessary but overlooked. Saul’s primary concern was himself, living solely to satisfy his desires.

Saul started as a humble and reluctant leader, but eventually, jealousy and paranoia took hold, leading to his demise. His impatience and disobedience caused him to fall out of favor with the Father and his people. Saul’s life serves as a warning about the perils of power and arrogance, highlighting the need for humility and obedience.

1 Samuel 10:23-25

21 Saul, son of Kish, was chosen from among them . . ..

23 He stood head and shoulders above anyone else.

24 Then Samuel said to all the people, “This is the man the LORD has chosen as your king. No one in all Israel is like him!” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

1 Samuel 13:13-14

13 “How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you. Had you kept it, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.”

14 “But now your kingdom must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already appointed him to be the leader of his people because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”

The man after his own heart is David, “a man who truly has God’s interests at heart” (EBC). According to Hebrew thought, the heart is where a person’s will, desire, and choice are put into action. This may be expressed as “a person whose desire is to serve the LORD” or “the kind of man he wants” (NCV) (UBS).

A Tale of Two Kings: Solomon

On the other hand, Solomon began his reign with humility and dependence upon the Father. He put the people of Israel before himself.

1 Kings 3:5 The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Pause for a moment and imagine what that was like. The Father came to him in his dreams. The Father was ready to write checks in any amount. He asked Solomon, tell me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.

Solomon’s humility, character, and heart of faith were revealed for all to see.

1 Kings 3:6-9

6 Solomon replied, “You showed faithful love to your servant, my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.”

7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around.”

8 “And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted!”

9 “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The wisest man who ever lived chose to humble himself and become as a child who relies on their father for support. In his time of need, Solomon’s Father showed up and had his back. What could be better than that?

Solomon desperately needed wisdom, knowledge, discernment, insight, and a solid moral compass. He had to discern good from evil, truth from error, and right from wrong. He asked for a discerning heart.

What is a discerning heart?

The phrase a discerning heart is literally a hearing heart. The Hebrew word, which is translated as understanding or discerning, is shama. Shama comes from the Hebrew verb shamah, which is typically translated to hear. It may also mean to understand. The Hebrew phrase could also be translated as an attentive heart or an intelligent heart (UBS).

1 Kings 3:10-14

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.

11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for long life or wealth or the death of your enemies –”

12 “I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!”

13 “And I will also give you what you did not ask for – riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!”

14 “And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

Every child of the King has the privilege of requesting a discerning heart from the Father. If one asks with faith and proper intentions, the Father promises to grant their request. (James 4:2-3).

James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

The Father answered Solomon’s prayer and provided godly wisdom, which only comes from above (James 3:15,17). The Father delights in giving wisdom to all children of the King.

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The Terminator is coming ∙∙

The Terminator is coming ∙∙

“I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.” – Revelation 1:8

Revelation 22:12-13

12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

In 1791, President George Washington identified a 100-square-mile area on the Potomac River for the national capital. To mark the coordinates of the ten-mile square, rough surveys were conducted, and boundary stones were placed. These stones are recognized as the oldest federal monuments.

The ancient Romans used boundary stones called termini to demarcate land borders and safeguard personal property. According to Roman belief, the stones were quasi-sacred and under the watchful eye of a god, Terminus, typically depicted by a sculpted head or bust atop the stone. Interestingly, the god Terminus was frequently represented with no hands or feet, conveying the idea of the immovability and permanence of the boundary. Ovid wrote a hymn: “O Terminus, whether you are a stone or a stump buried in the field, … You set bounds to people and cities and vast kingdoms.”

For eons, people fought over land. Now, Terminus has settled all boundary disputes. There would no longer be any arguments about where one’s property ended, and another’s began. Terminus was the new sheriff in town and, thus, the peacekeeper. Moving the stones was now a capital offense.

What about disputes between nations, tribes, and peoples? Who settles them? Who controls the outcome of history and the human timeline? Who began time itself, and will one day end it?

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.”

The coming one is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is eternal and is not limited by the space-time continuum. He is at the beginning of all things, and He is at the end of all things.

But there is more. Time is a created thing. The Lord Jesus Christ is the creator of time itself. He created time so that people could experience sequence. Adam and Eve were placed into time.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has chosen you; He wants you. You only have to come alongside.

Father, thank You for allowing the end of all things to be in the capable, powerful, and authoritative hands of Your appointed Terminator, the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The Romans were mistaken. They believed in an imaginary god whom they called Terminus. The Lord Jesus Christ is the real, authentic Terminator. He is the one whom the Father appointed as the Sheriff to settle all disputes and bring peace to the earth. He is the ultimate authority. The buck stops with Him.

Life in the 21st century is discomforting, if not frightening. In so many ways, our world is topsy-turvy and full of utter disorder and confusion. How will it all end? The task of completing all things has been entrusted to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Father Himself.

Isaiah 46:9-10

9 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.

10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times, things are not yet done. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.

Revelation 1:8a “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end.”

Alpha and Omega refer to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, respectively symbolizing the beginning and end. The anchor points of time. He was there at the beginning and will be there at the end. When polar opposites are used in Scripture, they often highlight everything between them. Thus the complete human timeline is on the table. This signifies more than just His presence; it highlights His ultimate authority and control over history.

Revelation 1:8b “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come.”

The Lord Jesus Christ has eternally existed. He will always exist. He has no beginning or end, and nothing can outlast Him. He is without beginning or end. He is eternal and transcendent. Nothing remains hidden from Him. He harmonizes past, present, and future under His authority and dominion. He is supreme and has all-encompassing control over all things, even time itself.

Revelation 1:8c the Almighty One.

The Greek word translated Almighty One is pantokrator. The term pantokrator literally means “the one who has his hand on everything,” hence, omnipotent ruler over everything. It comes from the Greek pas – all and krateo – to hold or to have strength. The Septuagint used pantokrator to translate the Hebrew phrase Yahweh Sabaoth, The LORD of Hosts, The LORD of Heaven’s Armies (Psalm 24:10). The Lord Jesus Christ has authority and sovereignty over all things.

This passage contains two distinct wordplays. The first pertains to the supreme leader of Rome, while the second relates to the enemy of our souls.

The Roman Emperor was known as the autocrator, or self-ruler, commanding over his conquered territories. In contrast, as the pantokrator, Jesus Christ reigns over all, including the Roman Empire itself.

The adversary of our souls is referred to as the kosmokrator, meaning world ruler or ruler of this world. This enemy holds limited, temporary control over the world. However, the Lord Jesus Christ governs everything, including the enemy and his limited realm, the earth.

The Father sovereignly directs all history to its final, inevitable, predicted outcome.

As described in Matthew 24:30, the ultimate sign of the Son of Man’s arrival will manifest in the sky, causing profound mourning among the people of the earth. They will witness the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with immense power and glory.

Jesus Christ is not only the Terminator of the old; He is the Creator of the new. In the present age, only the children of the King recognize His true identity. However, at His return, He will reveal Himself to all. At that moment, He will be acknowledged and revered by all those who believe in Him as the eternal King and ruler of the Father’s kingdom, taking command of the earth and all its inhabitants.

Revelation 21:4-6

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”

6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 22:12-13

12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

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A letter of recommendation ∙∙

A letter of recommendation ∙∙

But who do you say that I am? This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples, is a pivotal moment in the Gospels. It challenges us to consider our own understanding of Jesus’ identity and the implications of our belief in Him. – Mark 8:29

Mark 8:27-29

27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

A letter of recommendation assesses and highlights the individual’s character traits, skills, and attributes, aiming to determine their suitability for a particular job or duty.

At some stage in your life, you will most likely be required to compose a reference letter for someone. Now, imagine being asked to draft a reference letter for the Lord Jesus Christ; what would you write? In a way, the four Gospels serve as letters of recommendation., testifying to His character, skills, and attributes.

Early in the Gospels, readers embark on a journey of discovery about Jesus Christ’s identity. His apostles, at first uncertain, must uncover it themselves. They listen, observe, and often find themselves astonished, pondering, “Who is this man?” as they witness His command over nature, such as calming the storm, “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27).

The Lord Jesus Christ revealed His true identity through His compelling, profound teachings and miraculous acts, demonstrating control over nature, illness, and even death.

John 6:68-69

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Every child of the King has conducted a comparable evaluation and concluded that He is the Son of God and has consequently placed their faith in Him.

The Lord Jesus Christ conducts a reality check, seeking to ascertain the current, common beliefs about His identity. Moreover, Jesus desired to understand His disciples’ personal beliefs about Him.

He questioned, “Who do people say I am?” seeking to gather the opinions of others. Responses varied widely, from acceptance and sympathy to outright rejection and hostility. The profound and enduring passage serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial moment when the disciples were summoned to express their unshakable faith in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As they stood in the presence of the Lord, they were asked to affirm and proclaim their convictions regarding His identity.

In a moment of profound introspection, Jesus sought to discern the nuanced nature of His disciples’ faith and comprehension. His question, “Who do people say I am?” served as a catalyst for a deeply introspective dialogue, prompting the apostles to navigate the myriad perceptions and distill their own unwavering faith in the Son of God.

The Lord Jesus Christ was not seeking popularity or running for office. He was not concerned about his standing in polls or public opinion. Instead, he wanted his apostles to clearly state their beliefs about him by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” This question calls for personal understanding and unyielding commitment.

How did the apostles’ convictions about Jesus develop? Their beliefs about Jesus weren’t mere products of chance but were formed over time through shared experiences. Over three years, they witnessed His profound teachings, saw miraculous healings, and navigated their interactions with religious authorities.

In a defining moment of unwavering faith, Peter ascended as the vanguard, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, monumentalizing a resounding declaration that would reverberate through the annals of time.

Jesus guided His apostles down a path of personal awareness, urging them to form their own understanding of His identity instead of merely echoing others’ views. Ultimately, they had to make a fundamental choice: to accept Him or not.

REFLECT & PRAY

Biblical belief is not a matter of opinion; it is the response of the heart to the revealed Truth in the Word of God. Biblical belief recognizes and affirms the truthfulness of the Scriptures.

Father, thank You for creating in me a desire to know the Truth, for guiding me to the Truth in Your Word, for enabling me to understand and believe in You and Your Son, and for giving me eternal life.

INSIGHT

The Gospels, written by either eyewitnesses or individuals who had direct contact with them during the first century, serve as historical records and biographical depictions of Jesus Christ’s life. They provide valuable insights into His teachings and actions during His time on earth. Rather than being mere compilations, the Gospels are intricate narratives with well-developed storylines, characters, and settings, focusing on the historical events of His life, death, and resurrection.

Despite their significance, the Gospels do not aim to be exhaustive accounts of His life. Instead, they are selective, offering glimpses into His personality and presenting only a fraction of what He said and did.

John 20:30-31

30 Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book,

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

In the Gospel of John, the author’s primary aim was to present a comprehensive and persuasive account of the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Through this Gospel, John sought to provide substantial evidence to enable readers to understand and evaluate the true nature of Jesus in depth. By offering a wealth of compelling information, John’s Gospel serves as a powerful endorsement, encouraging individuals to engage with the material and form their own convictions about the identity of Jesus.

John provides information in his gospel that allows readers to critically assess and draw their own conclusions. By presenting compelling evidence, John invites individuals to learn and believe that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God. As a result of placing their faith in Him, individuals are promised the gift of eternal life.

Imagine if a friend or colleague were tasked with writing a letter of recommendation for you, highlighting your unique qualities, traits, and skills. How might they portray you, and what would their insights reveal about your character and abilities?

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Counsel of desperate despair ∙∙

Counsel of desperate despair ∙∙

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? – Psalms 11:3

Psalms 17:3-15

3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.

4 I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

5 My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.

6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power, you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.

8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Romulus became Rome’s first king. Later, in 27 B.C., Augustus took the reins as the first emperor, ushering in the Pax Romana, a period of two centuries marked by peace and prosperity, during which the Roman Empire thrived.

However, the empire eventually crumbled under the weight of its own excesses and corruption. As it grew bloated, Rome struggled to maintain control over its territories, which gradually slipped away. In September 476 A.D., a decisive defeat at the hands of a Germanic prince named Odovacar in Italy led to the end of the empire’s illustrious legacy.

Historians still debate the reasons behind Rome’s downfall. Key factors include barbarian invasions, economic woes, overexpansion, military overspending, government corruption, political instability, a loss of traditional values, the division of the empire into East and West, and a weakened Roman military. The foundations of Rome eroded, leading to its ultimate demise.

David, the king of Israel, faced similar chaos. The foundational principles of Mosaic law and justice were being eroded (Psalm 11:3). When societal foundations collapse, chaos and lawlessness often regrettably follow. The FRCL translation captures this breakdown: “The standards of the society are in ruins” (UBS).

The Hebrew term haras, translated as “destroyed” or “collapsed,” signifies destruction or irreversible damage, similar to the obliteration of the Egyptian forces at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:7). Such devastation is often described as horrific, appalling, or loathsome.

REFLECT & PRAY

During challenging times, David’s closest advisors and friends tempted him to doubt. He had to choose between flight or faith. He chose faith.

Father, You dwarf all adverse circumstances and provide each child of the King the opportunity to navigate these challenges with Him by their side, whether in spirit or even in a tangible presence (as seen in Matthew 28:20 and Daniel 3). With this promise, fear and retreat lose their power.

INSIGHT

David had known God intimately since he was a young boy. They weren’t just friends; they were buddies. God was with David during those solitary nights as he tended his sheep, listening and responding to his prayers with gentle, loving whispers. The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until the incident with Bathsheba.

The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until Bathsheba.

Psalms 11:1 I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!

The same was not true of his advisors. They were overwhelmed by the looming threat. They saw only the gathering storm, not the One who could calm it. Today, we rely on Doppler radar to warn us of severe weather, prompting evacuations in the face of hurricanes or coming tornadoes. As far as David’s fainthearted counselors were concerned, a man-made hurricane was coming. The situation was hopeless. The Nation of Israel was doomed. They strongly urged him to evacuate, flee, and save himself. “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!”

David found their panic perplexing. He was puzzled. Did they not know who he was, or more importantly, who the Father was? They should have known about David’s unwavering faith and trust in the Father’s protection. Confident that God could handle the situation, David saw no reason to fear or flee. He dismissed their well-intentioned yet misguided advice, resolute in his decision to stand firm no matter what.

David responded with what Kidner describes as “a spirited retort to some demoralizing advice,” essentially asking, “How can you say such a thing?” No doubt, he thought something like, “These challenges are tough but not insurmountable. I’ve faced worse before, and God has always seen me through. This, too, shall pass.”

Psalms 11:3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

Psalms 11:4-7

4 But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.

5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

7 For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.

David brushes them aside, confidently dismissing their concerns. His faith gave him assurance regarding things he could not see with his eyes. Reflecting inwardly, he poses a question: “Where is the Father right now?” He answers, affirming that the Father is enthroned in heaven, observing the unfolding events of history.

Psalms 2:4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.

The Father watches over both the righteous and the wicked, ready to intervene in the world and enter into the time-space continuum at any moment. The Scriptures are replete with examples of Him doing precisely that, such as parting the Red Sea, toppling Jericho, and protecting in the fiery furnace. With the Father eternally enthroned in heaven, there is little cause for worry. Amidst the seeming disorder of the world, David remains steadfast in his trust in the Father. Through his unwavering stance, David exemplifies the way of faith for all children of the King.

Psalms 11:2-3

2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.

3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.

This sounds eerily familiar to recurring events of the 21st century, serving as a wake-up call. Without a firm foundation, how can Western Civilization stand?

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