Grumbling complainers ∙

Grumbling complainers ∙

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.

 – Proverbs 27:20

1 Corinthians 10:6-13

 6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did,

 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.”

 9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites.

 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the destroyer.

 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

In 1976 the American movie, “Network” showed in movie theaters across the United States. “Network” received widespread critical acclaim. It was a commercial success and won four Academy Awards.

The decade of the 1970s was marked by significant challenges: frustration, depression, soaring inflation, and the Oil Crisis of 1973.

“Network” vividly portrays the deep-seated frustration and despair of those individuals who felt they have no recourse, remedy, or strategy. It embodies the intense emotions of disillusionment prevalent in modern life. Through the character of Howard Beale, a fictitious TV anchor played by Peter Finch, the film encapsulates this sentiment with his iconic outburst, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” He urges viewers to voice their own frustrations by leaning out their windows and passionately declaring, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

The movie resonated with audiences, symbolizing a pivotal moment in American cultural history. Peter Finch’s portrayal was seminal. People were unshackled and began to “tell it like it is.”

While feelings of anger, resentment, and lashing out are nothing new. These sentiments trace back to ancient times, to the Garden of Eden. The Old Testament frequently highlights these emotions, mainly through stories of resentment and grumbling. Such narratives serve as lessons, urging us to make better decisions.

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

 6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.

 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

The Greek word translated as crave or desire is epithumeo. Epithumeo means to have a strong desire, a longing, or lust. Generally speaking, it is a neutral term for intense longing or craving. However, it most frequently takes on a pejorative sense and refers to an irregular and inordinate desire, appetite, lust, impure or worldly desires, or lewdness. Epithumeo can be thought of it as strong negative desires on steroids.

The Greek word rendered as grumble is gogguzo. Gogguzo means to grumble, complain, mutter, to express oneself in low tones of disapproval. It is an onomatopoetic word based upon a sound associated with what is named. English words such as growl, murmur, cuckoo, sizzle, and whippoorwill are examples of such.

Anyone can be disappointed or discouraged by circumstances. Many go to the next level and become agitated and extremely angry. But for the children of the King, there is a better way to respond.

We can learn the skill of taking every thought and emotion captive. Instead of being dictated by our feelings and thoughts, we have the power to govern them.

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals” (Henry Ford).

REFLECT & PRAY

Paul likens human reasoning and debates to military strongholds or fortifications. Individuals construct these spiritual defenses to shield themselves and block an invasion from the knowledge of God.

Father so many times I’ve been deceived and misled. Help me to be wise and empower me to take every thought captive to the obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The true battleground lies in our minds and hearts: our thoughts, emotions, desires, and cravings. The adversary of our souls, along with his minions, is relentlessly working to sway and mislead the children of the King. They employ tactics of deception, falsehoods, ambiguity, doubt, and intense negative emotions like anger, fear, vengeance, and hatred to fulfill their aims.

The New Testament provides examples that showcase the enemy’s capacity to influence and determine outcomes.

One is recorded in the events of the night of the Last Supper in the Gospel of John. The enemy first influences Judas by placing the desire into his heart to betray the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever his motives, Judas had betrayal in his heart. The enemy encouraged his thoughts and plans.

John 13:2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, putting it in his heart to betray Jesus.

Then Satan went to the next level and entered into Judas. Lord Jesus Christ was fully aware of the unfolding events.

John 13:27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”

The rest is history. Judas was one of the twelve apostles. Yet he was the son of perdition (John 17:12). No one suspected what was coming except the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Could such an event befall a child of the King? Reflect on this: Judas wasn’t a child of the King. He opened his heart and mind and gave the enemy an opportunity. Paul cautions every child of the King against allowing such an opening. (Ephesians 4:27).

A second example is found in the Book of Acts.

Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.”

Ananias dropped his defenses, permitting Satan to influence his choices and decisions. He allowed Satan to fill his heart. He chose poorly and suffered the consequences.

Is it possible for this to occur to a child of the King? Yes, it did. Indeed, it happened. Ananias was a child of the King. Yet he allowed Satan to take control and fill his heart.

How can we effectively deal with Satan’s attempt to influence and control us?

We learn the art and skill of subjecting every thought to the obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ. On our own, we cannot achieve this. However, the Father has equipped us with spiritual weapons to fight and win this spiritual battle for the mind.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

 3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.

 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.

“Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have” (Norman Vincent Peale).

The bottom line is that the Father has given us the ability to control our thoughts and emotions. The choice is ours.

What is the opposite of complaining and murmuring?

Expressing thankfulness and gratitude!

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 6-4-1

© Dr. H 2023

A solid foundation ··

A solid foundation ··

God’s truth, God’s solid foundation stands firm (2 Timothy 2:19).

Matthew 7:24-27

 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Life is permeated with uncertainty. Everyone has the right and privilege to choose the foundation upon which their belief system is based. The possibilities are vast, varied, and virtually without end. How do we make the best choices? On planet Earth, there are only two things that last forever: human souls and The Word of God.

The Father presents an optimal scenario, a solution that is unshakable, resolute, reliable, and unwavering.

What serves as His unwavering foundation?

The Lord Jesus Christ illustrated it using an analogy, emphasizing prudent and effective building practices. Wise builders strive to secure the optimal foundation for their structures. In a similar fashion, when we heed the words of the Lord Jesus Christ and put them into practice, we opt to construct our lives upon an immovable, solid foundation of truth.

Matthew 7:24 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

Merely 33 years after the conclusion of the US Civil War, the Spanish-American war erupted. Tensions between the troops from the North and the South were still high.

On Christmas Eve, 1898, the United States Army Corps was encamped close to Havana, Cuba. As the clock struck midnight, the sentry’s call echoed, declaring “All’s well.” It marked the dawning of Christmas morning.

The music of the old and cherished hymn, “How Firm a Foundation,” rose from the camp of the Forty-ninth Iowa. A baritone voice led the chorus: “How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord!” Gradually, one voice after another joined in. Before long, some fifteen thousand American army troops were singing in unison. Soldiers from the North and the South, Protestants, and Catholics, sang together in unity as Americans.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed;

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

This consoling Christian hymn made its first appearance in a hymnbook edited by John Rippon in 1787. For the Northern soldier, it held memories of learning it beside his mother’s knee. However, for the Southern soldier, it carried an even deeper significance – it was the beloved hymn of General Robert E. Lee and was sung at his funeral.

REFLECT & PRAY

In good times, the strength of our foundation appears not to matter. However, when the storms of life come, it is another matter altogether.

Father thank You for providing the firmest of immovable foundations, following the words of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The truth of God is firm and stands resolute, uncompromising, and immovable (2 Timothy 2:19). The foundation provided by the Father is solid and dependable. Whatever the Father established cannot be shaken, altered, or displaced. His rock-solid foundation endures because it is grounded upon the Father’s unchanging character. Failure is never an option for the Father. Whatever He begins, He completes precisely as planned and on schedule.

The Greek word translated as firm or sure is stereos. Stereos refers to something that is not soft and does not yield to pressure. It can be translated as strong, sure, steadfast, firm, immovable, solid, hard, or rigid. The English word stereo is derived from this term.

The various foundations offered by the world are uncertain, fleeting, and lead to eternal death. In contrast, the foundation presented by the Lord Jesus Christ is absolute truth, permanent, and provides eternal life.

“Picture these two houses. There may not be much in their external appearance to enable the casual observer to distinguish between them. Both seem attractive and clean, freshly painted perhaps. One, however, has its foundation resting securely on bedrock; the other has as its foundation nothing more substantial than sand.” 

“Only the most severe storm will betray the difference; but granted the storm, the betrayal is inevitable” (D. A. Carson).

The Lord Jesus Christ teaches that there are two types of foundations to build our lives upon wise and unwise. He likens them to rock and sand. It is one thing to hear, admire, and approve the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not enough. To avert disaster, we must follow and put His words into action.

Matthew 7:24-27

 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock . . . it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand . . . it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

What are you building your life upon? Is the foundation you have chosen enough? If not, is disaster crouching at the door?

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed,

for I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I will not desert to his foes;

that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 5-31-1

© Dr. H 2023

Why are you afraid? ∙∙

Why are you afraid? ∙∙

Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith? – Mark 4:40

Romans 5:3-5

 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

As adults enter their middle years, it’s common to notice a decline in muscle strength, energy, and vitality. How can this decline be countered and muscles revitalized? Muscles were designed to grow stronger through use. When subjected to stress, muscle fibers undergo minor damage, then heal and rebuild, leading to increased strength. In other words, if you don’t use them, you lose them.

Regular strength training exercises are vital to retaining muscle power. Strength training becomes a way of life and a source of motivation and joy. While introducing significant changes to one’s lifestyle can be challenging, it’s feasible with dedication and persistence. One pivotal factor for success is simply believing in ourselves.

1 Timothy 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

The Father desires that we become mighty in spirit (Luke 1:80). How does the Father fortify our spirits? He introduces what can be likened to spiritual “resistance.” This resistance manifests through life’s challenges and adversities. His tools for spiritual growth encompass trials, hardships, tribulations, temptations, and periods of suffering. With the proper response, our spirits become stronger, and our faith grows. He arranges the events in our lives to demonstrate our faith and spiritual strength or lack thereof so that we may grow to maturity.

James 1:2-4

 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Cultivating a resilient spirit requires a fundamental change in our lifestyles and mindsets. It has to do with how we respond to challenges.

Instead of viewing trials as feared hurdles to be avoided, we should embrace them. Such a perspective transformation is a choice. It means actively engaging our thoughts and perceptions to see hardships as opportunities for valuable personal growth.

The Greek word translated as trial or trouble is peirasmos. Peirasmos refers to a trial or test with an end goal. A peirasmos demonstrates where we are, and when responded to appropriately, it strengthens us.

Difficulties are not meant to make us fall; they are intended to make us soar. They are not meant to defeat us; they are intended to be defeated. They are not meant to make us weaker; they are intended to make us stronger (Barclay).  

The Greek word translated as testing is dokimazo. Dokimazo means to examine and test to approve something as genuine. In the first century, when a clay pot was fired in a kiln and came through the fire unbroken, it was stamped dokimazo. It was approved.

Adversity reveals our spiritual condition. When responded to properly, they make us stronger.

Testing produces endurance. The Greek word translated as endurance is hupomone. Hupomone is “unswerving constancy” (Barclay). Hupomoneis not simply the ability to bear things; it is the ability to turn them into greatness and into glory.” Hupomone is the quality that makes a man able not simply to suffer things, but vanquish them (Barclay).

REFLECT & PRAY

Beethoven faced the onset of deafness before he crafted his most acclaimed work, the 9th Symphony. During its debut performance, after he concluded conducting, someone had to turn him around to witness the audience’s ecstatic, jubilant reaction. Facing the reality of his impending deafness, he declared, “I will take fate by the throat; it will never bend me completely to its will” (Beethoven).

Father my faith is defective. Thank You for putting me in situations that test and try me so that I might become mighty in spirit.

INSIGHT

“The Sea of Galilee is small; it is only thirteen miles from north to south and eight miles from east to west at its widest. The Jordan Valley makes a deep cleft in the surface of the earth, and the Sea of Galilee is part of that cleft. It is 680 feet below sea level. That gives it a climate that is warm and gracious, but it also creates dangers.”

“On the west side, there are hills with valleys and gullies, and when a cold wind comes from the west, these valleys and gullies act like gigantic funnels. The wind, as it were, becomes compressed in them and rushes down upon the lake with savage violence and with startling suddenness so that the calm of one moment can become the raging storm of the next. The storms on the Sea of Galilee combine suddenness and violence in a unique way” (Barclay).

More than once, the disciples were caught in a fierce storm at sea (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27). In this instance, the Lord Jesus Christ had directed them to take a boat across the Sea. Fully aware of the impending storm, the Lord Jesus Christ remained calm and even dozed off. The disciples were terrified as the tempest raged despite their past experiences with Galilean storms. Some of them, being fishermen, had faced such storms before. However, this one seemed particularly fierce and violent. They thought they were going to die. This situation, however, was designed as a trial to strengthen their faith.

Mark 4:38-41

 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

The disciples had faith, but their faith was lacking in depth. It was immature and defective. They had too little faith. “Faith in Messiah and fear are mutually exclusive. Therefore the disciples should not have been “timid” (NAS) or “afraid” (NIV)” (Constable).

Matthew 8:26 Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”

The disciples had not yet come to understand Who the Lord Jesus Christ was. When children of the King come to know Him and truly believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the incarnate, eternal son of God, we have no reason to be afraid.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 11-30-1

© Dr. H 2023

Be careful what you ask for ∙∙

Be careful what you ask for ∙∙

So he gave them what they asked for, but sent leanness into their soul. – Psalms 106:15

Psalms 78:23-25

 23 But he commanded the skies to open; he opened the doors of heaven.

 24 He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven.

 25 They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold.

It seems that no matter how much we have, it is never enough. We might think this results from the overabundance of “things” in the highly materialistic, productive 20th and 21st centuries. However, “wanting more” seems to be part of our human DNA.

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, an impeccable, pollution-free, idyllic, temperature-controlled, perfectly designed environment, the cornucopia of things provided by the Father was just not enough. Even though every need was satisfied, Adam and Eve still wanted more. The adversary recognized this vulnerability and devised a cunning temptation that led to their downfall. They succumbed.

Indeed, it is understandable that some may believe the temptation and the tempter were overwhelming, making resistance impossible. But that is not the case. Regardless of how strong the temptation may be, there is always another way. The onus is on each of us to seek that way out, muster the strength to resist, and ultimately break free from its grasp.

1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

What other layered, unseen risks are at stake in giving into temptation? Foremost among them was jeopardizing one’s relationship with the Father, the living God.

Regrettably, when we disregard the consequences, we often trade something precious for instant or short-term pleasure or gratification.

Psalms 78 recounts the story of the children of Israel’s lack of gratitude and discontentment with the miraculous provision of the Father. With limited food and water and such vast numbers of people, the children of Israel faced extreme scarcity in the wilderness. In a remarkable and supernatural act, the Father made accessible a miraculous provision: manna from heaven. This organic health food was sent directly from the Father’s hand to sustain them.

Psalms 78:23-25

 23 He commanded the skies to open; he opened the doors of heaven.

 24 He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven.

 25 They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold.

What could possibly be wrong with manna? In a word, it’s sameness. It was predictable and boring! Manna, manna, manna, day after day manna! Roasted manna, boiled manna, sunbaked manna, fried manna, barbecued manna, no matter what you do with it, it’s always just manna.

Numbers 11:18 Oh, for some meat! We were better off in Egypt!

This one sentence overflows with layered ingratitude, defiance, and rebellion. They remembered and longed for the “good old days.” The “good old days???” Did they forget that they had been slaves in Egypt for over 400 years? They craved and lusted after what they did not have. They were impatient and unwilling to wait for His provision in His time. Were they afraid that the Father would be unable to provide for them? Had they forgotten the magnificent miracles the Father performed on their behalf to free them?

Psalms 78:18-19

 18 They stubbornly tested God in their hearts, demanding the foods they craved.

 19 They even spoke against God himself, saying, “God can’t give us food in the wilderness.”

Take a moment to reflect on this. After all, they had seen and experienced, they now shamelessly provoke the Father, putting Him to a test. The challenge was bold-faced and audacious. Can the Father do what they were asking Him to do? They questioned His abilities and intentions. It was almost as though they were making bets. Can He, or can’t He? Would He, or won’t He?

REFLECT & PRAY

“He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough” (Lao Tzu).

Father help me to learn to be content and grateful with what You provide for my needs.

INSIGHT

Their “demand” was granted. They got the short-term gratification they were seeking. They got their wish, but there was collateral damage, grievous unanticipated consequences. With the gift came disaster: a wasting disease in their souls (Numbers 11:18-20).

Psalms 106:15 He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.

Psalms 106:15 He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. The Hebrew word translated as leanness, plague, wasting, or disease is razon. Razon refers to becoming meager, diminished, atrophied, powerless, etc. While their stomachs may have been full, their spirits were weak and depleted. A lean soul is a spiritual disaster.

Numbers 11:33 While the meat was still between their teeth before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague.

How do we avoid developing lean souls? How do we grow strong spirits (Luke 1:80)? The battle is in the mind and heart.

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

 6 These things happened as a warning to us so that we would not crave evil things as they did,

 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.

 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

We need to be able to say, “Enough is enough.” Instead of grumbling about what we do not have, we need to be grateful for what He has provided. Feed on the true Bread from Heaven.

John 6:27-35

 27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

 32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.”

 33 “The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

They forgot His works, the undeniable evidence of the Father’s wisdom, power, and goodness. In so doing, they forgot the Father. The Father “makes himself known by his works” (NET).

What have you asked for? Have you received it? Has your soul become lean?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 6-1-1

© Dr. H 2023

Futile rage ∙∙

Futile rage ∙∙

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? – Psalms 2:1

Psalms 2:1-6

 1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and his anointed one.

 3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

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

 5 Then in anger, he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury.

 6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

Rage is a form of violent, uncontrollable anger. It influences our reasoning and judgment. Rage is angry resentment or prejudice against a person or group. Frequently, our rage is unfair and unjustified.

Road rage, however, refers to aggressive and angry behavior displayed while driving. The term was first coined in 1987 in response to a series of shooting on freeways and interstates in Los Angeles.

Rage behaviors on the road encompass a range of offensive actions such as rude gestures, verbal insults, and threats, both physical and through driving maneuvers. These actions are motivated by the driver’s desire to alleviate their frustration, but in the worst cases, road ragers aim to intimidate or cause harm to others. Shockingly, some incidents escalate to the point where a driver leaves their vehicle to assault or even use firearms against another driver.

Alarming statistics reveal that road rage is increasing. More than 1500 such cases are reported each year, resulting in over 12,000 preventable injuries. Perhaps even more concerning is that at least one firearm is involved in over 37% of road rage incidents. During a seven-year study, over 200 murders were attributed to road rage incidents, highlighting the severity of this dangerous behavior on the roads.

Rage is often thoughtless and blind. Sadly, it lurks in the heart of every fallen person. If you search, you will probably discover its silent presence. Tragically, the Father is the object of rage and rebellion.

Who is ultimately in charge of planet Earth and the created universe? Where does the buck stop? The Scriptures unequivocally answer this question. The Father is the architect, the intelligent designer, and the Creator of all. He is sovereign over His creation.

Psalms 2 recounts the senseless rejection of the Father’s rule and authority. His chosen and anointed King, the Lord Jesus Christ, is also targeted. Psalms 2 reveals an astonishing yet consistent pattern found throughout the Scripture. The Father sits serenely and confidently upon His throne. He is composed, ruling with peace and confidence. He is sovereign over all aspects of existence. He has made choices, and His choices stand firm. On the other hand, people tend to be obtuse, stubborn, self-absorbed, willful, rebellious, and defiant.

The opening word of the Psalm sets its tone: “Why.” The psalmist, however, isn’t seeking information or clarification. Why is he asked why? He is expressing a sense of puzzlement and even astonishment. In modern English, we might ask, “How can people be so foolish?” Why do they erupt in tumultuous rage, surrender themselves to senseless anger, and “waste their time with futile plans?”

People deceive themselves into believing they can successfully rebel against the sovereign, omnipotent Lord of lords and King of Kings. They delude themselves, thinking that their futile struggle and defiance have the power to alter somehow or overthrow His absolute authority.

In their folly, they envision themselves as contenders in a battle for supremacy. On one side stand the kings and officials of the earth. Their adversaries are the Father Himself and His Anointed One, His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This appears to be an utterly unwinnable contest. It is like a bunch of angry mice screaming and plotting against an alpha male elephant. Yet even this feeble analogy fails to capture the absurd incongruity of the situation.

If we base the outcome solely on numbers, who would be victorious? Throughout history, their combined armies have numbered in the billions. On the other side, there are only two opponents: the Father and the Son. However, it is no contest. The Father is greater than all.

It is worth noting that their entire rebellion is in words only. They only raise their voices against the Father, never their weapons.

The absurdity of it all is reminiscent of a fairy tale, like the one about the big bad Wolf and the three little pigs. Similar to the Wolf, those who are in opposition to the Father are full of hot air. They huff and puff, but absolutely nothing changes. The Father’s plans and choices are set in granite. They stand firm, unwavering, and no created force can alter them.

REFLECT & PRAY

It is almost inconceivable that anyone would be so foolish and imprudent as to wage war against the Father, knowing they cannot possibly win. Nevertheless, against all reason, some still choose to do so.

Father it is so easy to judge and condemn others. I must confess that rage lives within my wicked heart as well. Thank You for forgiving my rebellion. Enable me to understand and forgive others as well.

INSIGHT

Psalms 2:1-3

 1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his Anointed, saying,

 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

The Hebrew word translated as rage, angry, and in an uproar is ragash. It signifies being in a state of great anger, to behave violently or irrationally. “The verb ragash designates any noisy or riotous assembly that practically seethes in its antagonism” (Leupold). The nations gather in a frenzy of tumultuous anger, and it escalates from there.

They “devise futility” (Leupold). They make plans, they plot, they scheme, they ruminate, and they strategize. The Hebrew word translated as vain is riq. It has the sense of being empty, useless, pointless, or worthless.

The bottom line is that neither rage nor pathetic, pointless scheming can bring about any change.

The French common language version (FRCL) translates the Hebrew as a question and a statement: “The nations are in an uproar – but why? The people plot, but it is useless!” (UBS).

Pause momentarily and visualize the psalmist penning these words and shaking his head in disbelief (Johnston). They cannot possibly win; their cause is absolutely futile, so why try? Rage, murmured shouts, and scheming are rooted in the hearts of every fallen individual. Our hearts, by nature, are naturally bent against the Father, the living God.

How does the Father react to such feeble rebellion and raging anger? He laughs!

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

Just imagine in your mind’s eye for a moment, the Father, regally sitting in heaven. He is shaking His head, laughing. I can hear Him saying, “Really! You can’t be serious!” He scoffs at them, ridicules them, and mocks them.

Despite being children of the King, each of us possesses the same fallen nature. We are prone to indulging in self-pity and harboring angry resentment. Yet, the Father is not angry with us, for He understands our frailty, knowing we are mere dust (Psalms 103:13-14). So, how does the Father respond to His children? Perhaps He, too, would ask the question, “Why?” And with some incredulity, He ponders, “How can My children act so foolishly?” He exclaims, “They just don’t get it now, but someday they will.”

In a twinkling of an eye, the Father transitions from astonishment to a deep and sorrowful longing, followed by overflowing forgiveness, all while yearning for our complete restoration.

Why do we become so angry and rage? Why do we waste our time with futile plans?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 5-30-1

© Dr. H 2023