<BrethrenVoice> <GLEANINGS-FOR-THE-DAY> <11 September 2002> In this issue: -------------- (1) <Special> "Psalm 11 for September 11" - Dan Richardson (2) <Devotional> "High-born" - M.J. Stanford (3) <Devotional> "Invested dignity" - Ravi Zacharias <SPECIAL> PSALM 11 FOR SEPTEMBER 11 Dan Richardson* [It is exactly a year since the terrorists struck the US inflicting considerable death, sufferings and damages. The tragedy also sent shock waves all over the world forcing people and nations transform life styles and perceptions. The events once again revealed that God is in absolute control and that man is vulnerable. What can we conclude from an analysis of the events that culminated to this tragedy? Is it anything else other than the unstinted support being extended by the US to the tiny country of God's chosen people - Israel? When Israel came into being in 1948, we could see God's hand moving once again in the history of this world, for we read "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7). How should then a child of God react when such tragedies strike? Are we able to say: "God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear; though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling." (Ps 46:1-3) Praise the Lord! This is the strength and comfort God gives to those who put their trust in Him. Whatever may happen in this world, we will not be moved. Whilst we offer our sympathies to all those who have lost their dear ones, suffered material losses and underwent mental agony in this tragedy, may we pray that our Loving Father would grant them the real comfort and peace. The following is an article written in the aftermath of September 11 which I hope would benefit brethren. God bless us - Ben] -------------------------------------------- PSALM 11 FOR SEPTEMBER 11 It is beyond my ability to express in words my emotions that I have experienced the last two days (I write this on Sept. 13). Indeed, our country, as a whole, has experienced a range of emotions from horror, grief, anger, and even in some instances rage because of the senseless acts of terrorism recently inflicted on our people. Our hearts hurt and our prayers go out for all who have been affected. In the context of our present pain, I direct your attention to a psalm of David. Think of it as Psalm 11 for September 11. This question is asked and answered in the psalm: "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Vs. 3) There were certainly times in David’s life when he no doubt thought the "foundations" were crumbling. We nationally, and perhaps internationally, feel vulnerable. Something which we are accustomed to seeing in "other places" has happened in our own country, inflicting devastation to our own people. The strength and security of our great nation has been threatened. We no longer feel safe. To many, especially those directly affected, the foundations are being destroyed. In such trying times, faith in God is what makes all the difference. Psalm 11 is an expression of such faith, teaching the proper response. What can the righteous do when it seems like everything is falling apart? Consider these lessons from David. DON’T BE SWAYED BY THE WICKED: "For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart" (2). Since the inception of sin in the world (Genesis 3), mankind has been effected by the evils of the ungodly. All humanity has a common enemy - the devil (1 Peter 5:8). He is the author of all that’s evil, including the happenings on September 11. But among the wicked, there are those who are "upright in heart" (2b). We who serve God will show our worth before God, especially during difficult times: "He trieth the righteous..." (5a). Man basically responds to the evil around him in different ways. Many will succumb to and be conformed to evil, a course which is most definitely warned against (Rom. 12:1-2, 19-21). Others may allow themselves to be cowed by evil. The ill advice some gave David was to "flee as a bird to your mountain" (1b), that is, flee as cowards. This, too, is an improper response for those who are soldiers of Christ, commanded to fight the good fight and to be strong in the Lord (2 Tim. 1:7; 4:7; Eph. 6:10). Still, and most importantly, are those who will endure steadfastly with the strength which comes from the Lord (1a; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 4:12ff.; Lk. 21:19) to not be tainted with evil in their personal lives, and to let our lights shine before others (Matt. 5:16). I have been moved to tears by the dedication of many to come to the aid of their fellow-man during this recent disaster in New York and Washington. MAKE GOD YOUR REFUGE: "In Jehovah do I take refuge... Jehovah in in his holy temple; Jehovah, his throne is in heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. Jehovah trieth the righteous..." (Vs. 1, 4-5a). The righteous will know God is in control. God is Ruler in the kingdoms of men (4; Acts 17:24ff.). Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty king of Babylon, was removed from his kingdom and humbled to realize "that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will" (Daniel 4:25). His sin was his pride. Our nation, too, has become swelled with pride for all its accomplishments and has forgotten God. Yet, our present tragedy has caused us to unite and rally around that precious sentiment expressed in the words, "God Bless America". What has made our nation great in the past, and will continue to make it so, is not its military might, its technological advancements, nor even its spirit of patriotism (cf. Jeremiah 9:23-24), but a united resolve to live by that motto upon which our nation was built: "In God We Trust". God will bless America if we individually obey and serve Him (Mark 16:16; Acts 17:30-31). "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). The righteous will make God their Refuge (1a); He is in His temple (near for man’s sake, Phil. 4:5); God is near for all of those who call upon Him in truth (Psa. 145:18). He is our Refuge, to Whom we can cling in hope, having a strong encouragement based upon His divine character and endless power to accomplish what He has promised through the sacrifice of Jesus (Heb. 6:18-20). Yet, as God, His throne is in heaven (transcendent, higher than man, Acts 17:24ff.), and we are reminded that His ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8-9), and, rather than direct our own steps (Jere. 10:23), we must humbly seek God’s truth, listen to his instruction and obey (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). The righteous, therefore, must draw near to God through that way which has been opened to us by Jesus Christ in full surrender and contrite prayer (Heb. 10:19-25; 4:14-16). In our "time of need", let us approach His throne of grace, as his obedient people. The righteous will live in hope, anticipating with great expectation when we will be able to "behold his face" (7b). All the suffering and pain of this earth life will fail in comparison to the glory of an eternity with God (2 Cor. 4:16-18; Rev. 21:4). Therefore, will the righteous realize that there is much we can do, even when it appears the foundations have crumbled: "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear; what shall man do unto me?" (Heb. 13:6). Such a hope, therefore, will give courage in face of adversity and calm in the presence of unrest. It will motivate to purity (1 John 3:2-3) and strengthen one to endure to the end of life (1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 5:1ff.; 7:1) GOD WILL JUDGE THE WICKED: "But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he will rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be the portion of his cup" (vs. 5b-6). Whether all responsible for these act of terror are found and justice is served by our government, the righteous knows no evil deed will go unaccounted for. God’s justice will be served; the wicked will be held accountable (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 2:5-6, 8-9). --- *[Courtesy: Dan Robertson] _______________________________________________________________________ (2) <DEVOTIONAL> HIGH-BORN Miles J. Stanford "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22). The darkness of this place will in time turn us to the light of His face–"the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6). "When the believer has a real understanding that he belongs to that new place in glory, the Holy Spirit delights his heart with the things of that place. 'Set your affection on things above.' I used to pity those who are alone in the world. I pity no one now who has a room where he can find himself isolated from everyone, to be with the Lord Jesus where He is; where he can have his feathers oiled, to come out and face all the roughness here." -J.B.S. "May the Lord lead us into the shelter of His holy presence, that we may daily grow in the elevation to which He has raised us, and consequently into moral distance from the old man which is so entirely estranged from the light and perfection of the Father's presence." "If I am risen with the Lord Jesus, I must occupy myself with Him where He is, or I shall fall back to the things out of which He has risen; and the very fact that I am in the scene where He is not makes it the more necessary that I should be fellowshipping with Him where He is." "We are conversant with man in death and sin and distance from the Father, for that is our state by nature; but to know the Man in glory, One in acceptance with the Father according to all His moral greatness, is new to us and magnificent. And according as we know Him there we become not only superior to, but distanced from, our own state with which we are associated." -J.B.S. "For. . . your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). _______________________________________________________________________ (3) <DEVOTIONAL> <SLICE-OF-INFINITY> INVESTED DIGNITY Ravi Zacharias Two contemporary cosmologists made the terrifying comment, "Ultimately it is not human beings that are important, it's DNA." From those words one may infer that things like individuality or ethnicity are not personal; it is merely a different DNA. Is this not a dangerous ledge to stand on and interpret life? Because if life is merely chemistry, so is behavior. That is untenably reductionistic. If life is only DNA, where does human dignity come from? There is no way to contrive it or to enforce it; human dignity must be essential. Here, the Christian teaching is unique. Professor Peter Kreeft of Boston College has pointed out this difference between Christianity and secular thought. In God's creation it was intended that each person be equal, while ideas may not be. Today, we have changed that by making all ideas equal and setting up a hierarchy of people in essence and dignity. As a result, we exalt some classes or segments of society while rejecting others and at the same time foolishly argue that all ideas are equally true. If the scourges of hatred, racism, and violence are to die, it will only do so on the biblical basis of who we are as human beings as we learn to respect each person in his or her essential splendor—granted by virtue of creation. Ironically, in rejecting any part of humanity we essentially reject ourselves. The scriptures teach us that man is created in the image of God. The literal translation of David's words in Psalm 8:4 is, "You have made man with just a little of God lacking in him." This dignity may not be conjured up or legislated by decree. This is our essential splendor, the splendor of all races and colors. We all share that equal glory, but having rejected God we find that glory marred by sin, which engenders hate. The glory and dignity can only be restored by dealing with that sin. We are in need of a heart transplant so that we might know who we are and who God is. But the more we refuse to acknowledge our condition, the more the solution will evade us, and people will continue to live undignified lives. Jesus went to the core of the problem when he said, "You refuse to come to me to have life." Our problem is not a superior condition; it is a conceited heart. May we come to Him to find life—to find equality of life, but inequality of ideas. --- Copyright (p)(c) 2001 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). Reprinted with permission. 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