Today’s Readings:
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Jeremiah 25:1-7
Galatians 5:2-6
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. (Ps 89:1-4 NKJV)
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the LORD, and he, the Holy One of Israel, had given us our king.” (Ps. 89:15-18 NLT)
The authorship of Psalm 89 is ascribed to Ethan the Ezrahite, who could be a Levitical singer (1Chr. 15:17, 19). The psalm was written at a time of national crisis. It reminds the people of God’s covenant with David; his glorious reign and it also serves as encouragement and deliverance (2 Sam. 7:1-17). Mercy, love, lovingkindness, righteousness, justices, faithfulness are the foundation of God’s throne (vv. 1-2, 14, 24, 33, 49). They are the basis of God’s way of dealing with His people. Reminding them of the need for steadfastness and fidelity during their time of calamity (vv. 38-45). Verse 3 talks about the covenant with David, established in 2Sam.7, which cumulated in the reign of the Messiah. The author wondered why God who swore by His own holiness, would bring curses of the covenant upon the people and nation (Deut. 28:15-68).
Why? Because Israel’s kings and the people had repeatedly rebelled against God, sinned and broke their part of covenant with him. The covenant was like a royal grant because God the Great King chose David as his servant king. Even if the person with whom God made the covenant violates the terms, the merciful God will still be obligated to fulfil his part. God allowed the Assyrian and Babylonian armies to execute punishment on the nation of Israel, all of the Israelites except few, were taken into exile (2Kgs 24:1-25:21). So, the grief, anguish, and confusion of the Exile brought about several questions that the psalmist tried to explain – How long will God’s anger linger on the people (v. 46)? They wondered if God realised the fragility of man (vv. 47-48). Is God true to his nature (v. 49). Can God be justified in not avenging them of their enemies (vv. 50-51)? The author does not know that the true fulfilment would be found in Christ and wondered why the promises of God was not being fulfilled (vv. 38-39).
In the world today, the same questions are on the minds of majority of Christians especially, in our nation Nigeria. Some have given up hope in their faith and lost their salvation. Some of the doubts questioned whether God is really in control in the world. Instead of just brushing these questions aside, it is prudent to listen, reflect and study the answers that the Scripture provides. The exact answer cumulated in our Lord Jesus Christ (Isa. 52-54; Luke 1:46-55, 67-79; Rom. 6:6, 16-22; Heb. 12:22-24). In our walk with God it would be foolish to go on with life without clear answers. Knowing the answers will deepen our faith and walk with God. The fact is that: God is still God and he rules wisely over his creation. The profile of His wise rule, quality of his righteousness, justice, and faithfulness have no equal. And those who live under his rule are happy and enjoy his protection. A good example of this is the ancient Israelites, before the fall (vv. 14-18). His children that are wise obey his commands, worship him, walk in the light of his word, rejoice in their relationship with him, and exalt in his nature. He protects his people with the same power by which he established the created order (vv. 17-18; Jer. 10:11-12).
What do I do to enjoy the fullness of love, faithfulness and mercy of God?
Recognise that you are a sinner, and let there be a genuine repentance, ask for forgiveness and mercy of God.
Re -dedicate Your life or surrender your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, and he will send the Holy Spirit to you, to help, teach you and stay with you to the end of age.
Seek after holiness and righteous living.
Read, study and meditate upon the word of God to deepen your relationship with God.
Prayer is a key to walk with God, pray all manner of prayer without ceasing.
Do not fear, be courageous in the Holy Spirit but have reverent fear for God.
Let your actions towards others flow out of the love, compassion, righteousness, justice and faithfulness of God.
Let your focus be on Jesus Christ
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
Lord, I will sing of Your goodness and loving-kindness forever, in Jesus name.
I praise Your holy name because you are my wisdom and insight, in Jesus name.
Father, thank You for your power that is able to avenge and subdue nations, in Jesus name.
Father thank You for Your greatness, splendour, glory, power, and majesty, in Jesus name.
Thank You for the salvation of my soul, in Jesus name.
Thank You for Your divine mandate and plan for Your Church in Jesus name.
Father, let Your power and the capacity to live a holy life fall upon the body of Christ, in Jesus name.
By Your mighty power, Father take away the garment of shame, untimely death, and poverty from the body of Christ, in Jesus name.
Father, unit the body of Christ in harmony of love and service, to You, in Jesus name.
Father, walk through the length and breadth of our nation, uproot what you have not planted, heal, deliver and transform lives, in Jesus name.
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