Dr H Reflections

Who is the greatest? ∙

Who is the greatest? ∙

A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. – Luke 22:24

Luke 22:21-30

21 But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.

22 For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.

23 The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.

24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

25 Jesus told them, In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called “friends of the people.”

26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right

30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

On February 25, 1964, the world of heavyweight boxing witnessed the rise of a loud and self-assured young pugilist. He was not the tallest nor the bulkiest among the boxers of the time. Nor were his punches the strongest. But he was still the best fighter of his time. His agility set him apart, and his unwavering confidence was unparalleled. This fighter was Muhammad Ali, who boldly declared in his 1963 poem for all to hear, “I am the Greatest. I said that even before I knew I was.” Here are some excerpts.

This brash, young boxer is something to see. And the heavyweight championship is his destiny.

This kid fights great. He’s got speed and endurance. But if you sign to fight him, increase your insurance.

This kid’s got a left. This kid’s got a right. If he hits you once, you’re asleep for the night.

And as you lie on the floor while the ref counts 10, you pray that you won’t have to fight me again.

For I am the man this poem is about, the next champ of the world, there isn’t a doubt.

He is the greatest. When I say two, there’s never a third. Betting against me is completely absurd.

“I am the greatest.”

“I’ve wrestled with alligators. I’ve tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning and throw thunder in jail. You know I’m bad. Just last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick. I’m so mean; I make medicine sick.”

“To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

In stark contrast, the spring of 33 AD marked a moment of introspection and humility on the night of the Last Supper. It was the week when the Savior went to die on a tree. As the Lord Jesus Christ prepared for His ultimate sacrifice, His disciples struggled with shortsightedness, missing the profound truth before them.

Engrossed in self-absorption and pride, they failed to grasp the significance of the moment. They miss the big idea and focus on irrelevant matters. They are driven by self-centeredness and hubris.

Picture this: the Lord Jesus Christ has just wrapped up explaining the profound meaning of Passover, highlighting His impending sacrifice and death for humanity’s sins. In no uncertain terms, He openly reveals to the disciples that His death is near and even drops the bombshell that one of them will betray Him.

Instead of processing this astonishing, incredulous revelation, the disciples get caught up in their own ambitions. Focused on their own potential importance and future opportunities, they debate who among them ranks as the greatest. They are fixated on status and glory, eager to determine who will be “Numero Uno” in the forthcoming kingdom.

“It is a terrible indictment of the human heart that immediately after the Lord’s Supper, the disciples should argue among themselves as to which of them was the greatest!” (MacDonald)

Barclay is even more direct, “It is one of the most poignantly tragic things in the gospel story that the disciples could quarrel about precedence in the very shadow of the cross.”

Yet, this event turns into a critical discipleship moment. In an odd, unexpected twist, the Lord Jesus Christ flips the script, teaching that true greatness isn’t about being served but about serving others (Luke 22:27-30). The real leaders in God’s kingdom are not those wielding power and enjoying the fruits of others’ labor. True greatness comes through service.

Instead, the greatest are those who serve. The kingdom of God turns everything on its head. “It is a law of life that service leads to greatness; and the higher a man rises the greater the servant he must be” (Barclay).

Jesus is Exhibit A. He exemplifies this principle perfectly. He who was the greatest was indeed the servant of all. As the ultimate example of greatness, He chose the path of a servant, demonstrating that the way up is indeed down.

Matthew 20:25-28

25 But Jesus called them together and said, You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.

26 But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,

27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.

28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

REFLECT & PRAY

In the Father’s kingdom, illusions of grandeur give way to the strength of true character.

Father, if our failures made us unfit to serve, who could ever serve You? Even when we stumble, we are not abandoned, for You lift us and hold us steadfastly, never letting us go (Psalms 37:24).

INSIGHT

Discipleship Moment Two: Everyone, even the most confident, harbors the potential for betrayal and failure (Luke 22:31-38).

True greatness emerges when we face and conquer life’s toughest challenges. The Lord Jesus Christ had high hopes for Peter, yet the path to his greatness was fraught with epic failures, crushing disappointments, and overwhelming shame. Peter’s self-assurance about his loyalty and character was about to be shattered completely.

Despite his confidence, Peter crumbled when it mattered most. He found himself in a whirlwind of discouragement and confusion, wrestling with a kind of post-traumatic stress. Though he was once ready to lay down his life for his beloved friend, in the critical moment, he couldn’t even admit he knew Him. The Lord Jesus Christ had foreseen and predicted this unraveling of Peter’s resolve.

Luke 22:31-32

31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;

32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Jesus had prayed for Peter, knowing that despite an impending downfall marked by failure and humiliation, Peter’s journey was far from over; it was just beginning. After experiencing profound embarrassment and dishonor, Peter would pull himself together. His initial failure became a catalyst for refining his character. His previously untested soul would be purged and his insecurities removed. Unwavering character and dependability would become the characteristic of the remainder of his life.

Through this fiery trial, Peter emerged not only ready for service but stronger and more faithful than ever. This once-broken man, now profoundly aware of human frailty, was uniquely equipped to support and uplift others. The crushed and mortified Peter could easily identify with the frailty of others. His past weaknesses were transformed into a source of empathy and strength.

Psalms 37:24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.

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Good deeds – harsh reactions ∙

Good deeds – harsh reactions ∙

The oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. – 1 Chronicles 13:9-10

Romans 7:5-25

5 When our old nature controlled us, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.

6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now, we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.

15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

21 I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.

22 I love God’s law with all my heart.

23 But another power within me is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

“The Gift of the Magi,” penned by O. Henry in 1905, beautifully captures the essence of sacrifice and love through the story of Jim and Della Young. Each cherished a prized possession: for Jim, it was the gold watch handed down from his grandfather and father, while Della treasured her long, flowing hair that reached down to her knees.

As Christmas approached, both yearned to delight the other with a special gift, yet their financial struggles posed a challenge. Della aspired to buy a gold chain for Jim’s watch, and Jim hoped to purchase a luxurious hairbrush for Della’s exquisite hair. In a profound act of love, Jim sold his watch to buy the brush, and Della sacrificed her hair to buy the chain. Their exchange of gifts revealed the depth of their love and the sacrifices they were willing to make, moving them to tears as they embraced. True love often means selflessly prioritizing another’s joy and delight sacrificing whatever it takes to make it happen.

However, human relationships can be complex, with good intentions sometimes leading to unexpected outcomes for ostensibly good deeds. Ironically, doing good is often fraught with unforeseen and unintended consequences.

Bible-based counselors suggest that unresolved childhood wounds can shape adult responses. Painful past experiences can trigger disproportionate reactions to seemingly minor provocations in relationships, leading to fight, flight or emotional shutdown responses.

We tend to get most angry at the people that we are closest to because they are least likely to abandon us. Sometimes, one partner reacts very harshly to what seemed to the other to be a good deed. The doer of the deed is often wounded and responds, “But I did not do anything wrong.” And from there, things go downhill. Until these old wounds are addressed, they can continue to influence behavior and communication.

There is an invisible, unstated principle working itself out. Until the lingering, old wounds are genuinely healed, we act out of our hurt. What we say flows from what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45).

Scriptures offer wisdom on managing anger and fostering peace. Proverbs advises gentle answers to deflect anger and highlights the folly of quarreling, while James reminds us that human anger does not yield God’s righteousness. Responding with anger achieves little; instead, we have the power to choose understanding and forgiveness.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 29:22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

James 1:20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Being angry and lashing out accomplishes nothing of any value.

Recognizing the root of our reactions is crucial. By embracing forgiveness and consciously opting for positive, moderated responses, we can diminish lingering anger over time, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

REFLECT & PRAY

We know that the law is good when applied appropriately. It was not crafted for those who walk in righteousness, but rather for the lawless, the rebellious, the ungodly, and the sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy (1 Timothy 1:8-9).

Father, I find it challenging to fully grasp the vastness of Your holiness and the sanctity of all You declare as sacred. It is equally difficult for me to uncover the profound wounds within myself and to embrace Your healing and release. Yet, this remains the deepest longing of my heart – an earnest desire for spiritual growth and restoration.

INSIGHT

Why did the Father strike Uzzah dead for merely touching the Ark? Though it seems his intentions were good, it’s essential to understand the specific laws that governed this situation. The Father established rules through the Law of Moses to guide Israel towards a successful and righteous path, many of which impart vital life lessons.

Just as parents warn children against touching hot surfaces or playing with fire for their own safety, the Father’s commandments serve to protect and instruct. David and his men, despite their zeal for the Father, failed to honor the Ark’s sanctity by transporting it on an ox-driven cart, akin to a modern U-Haul. Such negligence equates to disrespect towards the Father. Nothing good could come from it: “Treatment of the ark is tantamount to treatment of God himself” (ESV notes).

According to Mosaic law (Numbers 4:15), the Ark was never to be touched by Israelites. Only the Kohathites, a Levite clan, were permitted to carry it, using specially designed poles inserted into rings on the Ark (Exodus 25:12-15). Touching it, regardless of intent, was a direct violation warranting death. This is harsh! But how is it different from getting burned by playing with fire? Yet, it parallels the consequences of ignoring the natural laws that the Father established.

God is holy, righteous, and just, but also gracious and compassionate. While He upholds His laws, He yearns to extend mercy to those who genuinely seek it. This balance of justice and mercy reflects the divine character, teaching us the importance of reverence and obedience to His will.

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

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Old-time religion ∙∙∙

Old-time religion ∙∙∙

You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! – John 5:39

Luke 24:44-47

44 He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

46 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,”

47 “and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

That old time religion

Give me that old time religion, Give me that old time religion,

Give me that old time religion, It’s good enough for me.

It was good for Paul and Silas, It was good for Paul and Silas,

It was good for Paul and Silas, It’s good enough for me.

It was good for the Hebrew children, It was good for the Hebrew children,

It was good for the Hebrew children, It’s good enough for me.

Makes me love ev’ry body, Makes me love ev’ry body,

Makes me love ev’ry body, It’s good enough for me.

Great works of literature share common elements: a central theme, a structured narrative, and a topic or subject. What is the theme of the Bible? The answer is concise and summarized by one word: redemption. What is the subject of the Old Testament Scriptures? Again, the answer is straightforward. The subject of the Old Testament Scriptures is a person: The Lord Jesus Christ. This sacred book, crafted by the Father, centers on His beloved Son, who provides redemption from sin.

Often, when we approach the Scriptures, they seem more like an enigmatic novel rather than a straightforward guide. The Bible can appear as a closed book, its profound truths elusive and hidden. It often seems inscrutable.

This was the experience of the disciples despite spending over three years with the most outstanding teacher that has ever lived. They frequently struggled to grasp His teachings fully. They simply did not get it. It wasn’t that the Scriptures were inaccessible; instead, the disciples’ hearts were closed. They were unresponsive, their ears dulled, and their minds clouded and muddled. They failed to comprehend fully the teaching and wisdom they received.

Their understanding was heavily influenced by the cultural norms and religious beliefs of their time. They were caught in a web of futile speculations and conflicting ideas, missing both the grand narrative and the finer details. In their intellectual stubbornness, they resembled the Gentiles, the pagans of their era. Yet, the transformative power of truly understanding the Scriptures lies in breaking through these barriers and embracing the clarity and redemption that the Lord Jesus Christ offers.

Ephesians 4:17-18

17 The Gentiles . . . are hopelessly confused.

18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.

The disciples were not outsiders to the faith; they were Jews, deeply rooted in their rich spiritual heritage. This irony added a profound layer of tragedy to their situation. Despite their intimate knowledge of the Mosaic law and their cultural identity, their hearts and minds remained closed off. This stark contrast between their identity and their resistance to true understanding highlighted a profound and unsettling disconnect.

2 Corinthians 3:14-16

14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day, whenever the Old Testament is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.

15 Yes, even today, when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

The disciples found themselves turning to the Lord Jesus Christ with anticipation as something truly extraordinary was on the horizon. The marvel of their transformation was about to unfold, offering a beacon of hope and change. What’s most remarkable is that this profound transformation is not exclusive to the disciples; it is a possibility for anyone who follows Him, inviting all children of the King on a thrilling and inclusive spiritual journey.

Luke 24:45 He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

REFLECT & PRAY

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. – John 16:13

Father, thank You for giving us the precious gift of Your word. We are truly grateful for the Holy Spirit, who illuminates our understanding of its truth so that we might comprehend it. Open the eyes of our hearts and minds so that we may receive what You have already provided for us.

INSIGHT

When the Lord Jesus Christ revealed Himself to His disciples, He conducted one of history’s most enlightening Bible studies. The Lord Jesus Christ takes the disciples through an old-fashioned, old-time religion Bible study. But it was more than a Bible study; it transcended conventional boundaries.

The Lord Jesus was not merely a teacher; He was a prophet. Prophets are the Father’s spokesman. They are the Father’s seers. When they speak, they open the minds of those that hear to see. When they speak, they enable listeners to gain deeper insights. A prophet’s impact was more about revelation than explanation, often unveiling truths beneath the surface. For instance, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged conventional thinking, unveiling deeper moral truths, as seen in Matthew 5:27-28, where He expanded upon the concept of adultery to include thoughts of lust.

Matthew 5:27-28

27 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’

28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Recall that real impediments lay not in the Scriptures but in closed minds. The Lord Jesus Christ enabled His followers to truly grasp the meaning of teachings they had previously heard or read. This transformative gift from Jesus opened their understanding, allowing the Scriptures to reveal their full beauty and truth. No longer limited to basics, the disciples could now delve into the profound wisdom and knowledge within, exploring the rich depths of the Word.

The Jewish people divided and ordered the Old Testament into three segments: The “Law,” comprising the Five Books of Moses; the “Prophets,” encompassing Joshua through 2 Kings, as well as Isaiah through Malachi; and the “Psalms,” the rest of the Old Testament. The referred to the Old Testament as the Tenach. Before the first coming of Christ, the Jewish people curated messianic prophecies from the entire Old Testament. They grouped these snippets into various thematic clusters or collections that predicted the coming of the Messiah.

The Gospel of Matthew highlights these fulfilled prophecies. It is one thing to have a list of messianic prophecies. It is quite another to understand them and recognize their actual fulfillment. Where did Matthew’s knowledge and understanding of these prophecies come from? Perhaps it was from the intensive biblical review that the Lord Jesus Christ provided.

The Father’s intervention is necessary to open hearts and minds to the truth of His Word, as spiritual discernment is essential for understanding divine wisdom. What a remarkable and delightful privilege it was for the disciples to have the Lord Jesus Christ personally elucidate these truths. He promised the Holy Spirit would continue this enlightenment, guiding each child of the King on a similar path of understanding and revelation.

John 14:26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

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Masters or Disasters ∙∙

Masters or Disasters ∙∙

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32

1 Peter 3:8-12

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.”

11 “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”

12 “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

During the 1970s, American marriages faced a significant crisis. They were deteriorating into dysfunctional bitterness, ending in separation or divorce at unprecedented levels. This prompted social scientists to begin an in-depth study of marriage. Among them was John Gottman, who has been conducting research for over forty years.

In 1986, alongside his colleague Robert Levenson, Gottman established the “Love Lab” at the University of Washington. They engaged newlywed couples, observing their interactions while measuring physiological responses like heart rate, blood flow, and perspiration, which were indicative of psychological activity. Six years later, they checked back to see which couples remained together, classifying them into two groups: Masters and Disasters.

The Disasters were in constant fight-or-flight mode. They were aggressive and prepared to attack and be attacked.

Conversely, the Masters appeared calm and connected, displaying warmth and affection even amidst disagreements. What made the difference? The Masters had created a climate of trust and intimacy that made them more emotionally and physically comfortable.

Investigating further, Gottman noticed couples made “bids” for connection, seeking signs of interest or support from each other. Once a bid was made, partners responded to these bids by either turning toward or away. Statistically, Disasters turned toward bids only 33% of the time, while Masters turned toward 87% of the time, fulfilling their partners’ needs almost 90% of the time.

Qualitatively, the success of a marriage depends on what partners bring to the relationship, whether it’s kindness and generosity or contempt and hostility (https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/06/happily-ever-after/372573/).

In 21st-century America, the challenges of marriage persist, with many facing divorce, separation, or enduring discord under the same roof.

Spiritually, the solution to this human struggle mirrors the answer to the eternal issues of sin and separation from God. He designed a way to resurrect those spiritually dead and offer eternal life. He bonded with us, the children of the King, and established eternal intimacy, affection, and love. Placed at His right hand through Christ Jesus, we are eternally turned toward Him, with redemption and transformation already underway that will never end.

Ephesians 2:1-7

1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.

2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil – the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.

3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,

5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus

REFLECT & PRAY

Master or Disaster, choose wisely.

Haggai 2:19 From this day on, I will bless you.

Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your lives.

Father, coach me in the skill of practicing trust, closeness, and intimacy with You and my essential partner on planet Earth.

INSIGHT

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion for him who corresponds to him.”

The Father designed and created Adam and Eve to be partners who complement each other. The Hebrew word translated as “companion,” “helper,” or “help meet” (KJV)is ‘ezer, which describes an “indispensable companion.” Individually, man and woman were only partially complete without each other. They were compliments. Each lacked something to be whole. “The plain fact is that Adam needed Eve” (Wiersbe). The woman was designed to provide what the man lacked, and logically, the man would offer what she needed, even if not explicitly stated (ESV notes).

They were both made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). They were, at the same time, distinct yet equal. She was no less than Adam. She was essential for his completeness. “She was not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved” (Matthew Henry).

Being a helper is not degrading. In fact, the Father often referred to Himself as a “helper” (‘ezer) to the children of the King. As our helper, He does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He meets our needs, doing what we cannot do alone.

Being a helper is not an inferior or demeaning position. The Father often referred to Himself as a “helper” (‘ezer) to the children of the King. As our helper, He does for us what we cannot do for ourselves and meets our needs.

Paul urges us, as the children of the King, to return to the Father’s original purpose and design for marriage, which is rooted in kindness, forgiveness, and tenderheartedness.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

The Greek word for “kindness” is chrestos, which stems from the verb chraomai, meaning to furnish what is needed, beneficial, and suitable for any purpose. A thriving marriage involves each partner supplying what is essential for the other’s well-being. Kindness implies being gently pleasant, soft, and mild, avoiding harshness, inflexibility, or severity.

Choosing to live with abundant kindness in marriage is a decision every child of the King can make and reinforce continually.

This is the art in which marriage Masters excel. It is accessible to anyone. Exercising abundant kindness is all about choice, determination, and practice. As we develop this skill, we showcase the Father’s boundless grace to the world, both now and forever (Ephesians 2:7).

Determine to turn toward, not away.

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Furever families ∙

Furever families ∙

David, the servant of the LORD. He sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and Saul. He sang: I love you, LORD; you are my strength. – Psalms 18:1

Psalms 18:2-6

2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

3 I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me.

5 The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path.

6 But in my distress, I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

Abandoned, neglected, or mistreated dogs often become strays, ending up lost and bewildered. Regrettably, many of them suffer and perish. However, organizations like Rescue Me, RescueShelter.com, and the Animal Rescue Network offer hope for these animals.

In 2003, Jeff Gold, a resident of Watkinsville, Georgia, established Boxertown to help find homes for boxer dogs in need. Following the success of Boxertown, Gold created Rescue Me, a network that aids in placing all types of dogs, cats, and other animals into loving homes.

One of the free services provided by Rescue Me is RescueShelter.com, a free resource that offers the most comprehensive directory of animal rescue organizations worldwide. The guide includes information on wildlife rehabilitators in more than 150 countries.

These organizations serve as a beacon of hope and a lifeline for strays or abandoned pets. They rescue and rehabilitate and share online the pictures and stories of the animals they help. People respond from near and far, becoming foster families and providing critical assistance to these needy animals.

Through these organizations and the kindness and compassion of ordinary people, many abandoned, neglected, or mistreated dogs are adopted into new furever families where they are welcomed and loved. Their lives are transformed from a destiny of dismal darkness to a brighter future in a loving home.

David found himself in a dire and challenging place. He was like an abandoned stray surrounded by enemies and hunted by those seeking his death. He was frightened and cried out for help. “Death had had him in its grip as rope binds a prisoner. The forces of ungodliness terrified David as when one finds himself in a wadi (dry stream bed) during a spring thunderstorm and discovers a wall of water coming at him. He pictured himself trying to pick his steps through a field full of traps that hunters had set to snare animals.”

“David cried out in terror, and in His heavenly temple, God heard his call for help. He came rushing to [David’s] defense. His deliverance was like a thunderstorm in that it was the supernatural invading nature. The figures of speech in verses Psalms 8:7-15 picture a violent storm with lightning, thunder, high winds, torrential rains, black skies, and flooding” (Constable).

In response to David’s pleas, the Father spectacularly intervened in the space-time continuum and rescued David.

REFLECT & PRAY

When things go bad, finger-pointing, blaming, and confrontation often begin. In this life, conflict is inevitable. Even in those dark days, we can count on the Father for His support. He has bound Himself to us forever (Stanley).

Father, thank You for hearing and responding to my prayers and intervening on my behalf. Thank You for adopting me into Your Forever Family.

INSIGHT

Furthermore, Psalms 18 is recognized as a messianic Psalm. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, David foretold the coming of the Messiah. The Father seamlessly integrated future predictions about His Son within the Psalms and other Old Testament texts, blending them with the authentic experiences and histories of the individuals involved or who wrote about them in the Old Testament.

Psalms 18:20-31

20 The LORD rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence.

21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not turned from my God to follow evil.

22 I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees.

23 I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin.

24 The LORD rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence.

25 To the faithful, you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity, you show integrity.

26 To the pure, you show yourself pure, but to the wicked, you show yourself hostile.

27 You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud.

28 You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.

29 In your strength, I can crush an army; with my God, I can scale any wall.

30 God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

31 For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock?

Psalms 18:20-30 reveals “the rationale or mystique of the Resurrection” (BBC). The Lord Jesus Christ was totally innocent and lived a sinless life. All that He said and did reveals the integrity and righteousness of His character, words, and actions. His righteous life qualified Him to be the Savior of the world.

Isaiah 53:10 But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands.

The Lord Jesus Christ lived a sinless and spotless life. He demonstrated an unwavering devotion to the will of the Father and His commitment to His crucifixion and death on the cross. This was necessary for Him to die for the sins of the world and become eligible to be resurrected.

Romans 6:4 Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

The Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Father’s glory. When we talk about the Father’s glory, we are referring to His magnificent splendor, power, grandeur, majesty, and unlimited authority. Glory is a power word. It describes the power of God gloriously exercised. The phrase “through the glory of God” indicates that the Father used His power to raise the Lord Jesus Christ (Toews).

Paul’s statement regarding the glory of the Father summarizes the dramatic work of the Father using His unlimited power and authority to raise Jesus (Toews).

The remarkable relationship between resurrection power and glory is vividly depicted in the incredible story of Lazarus!

John 11:40 Jesus responded, Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?

Resurrection from the dead reveals the unlimited power and glory of the invisible God.

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