14 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 13
• Genesis 14
• 1 Chronicles 14
• Luke 8:22-56

Observations:

In the psalm, David is bringing a request to God. He wishes to know when God will hear him again, when he will have joy again, and when he will no longer be oppressed. He tempers his plea, asking that the Lord would give him life and keep him alive so that his foes may not rejoice over his fall. In the first two stanzas, David is bringing these mournful requests, but in the last stanza, we see his tone change. He instead turns and says that he has trusted in God's love and that the Lord has dealt bountifully with him.

In the light of such trustworthy benevolence, David is able to say that his struggles and fears pale in comparison, knowing that God will hear him and come to his aid because God has been faithful in such action in the past.

In Genesis, the first thing we see is Lot's capture during a war between many Mesopotamian city-states as well as Abram's covert ops rescue of him and his possessions, while routing the invading forces. The second thing is the blessing of Melchizedek, king of Salem upon Abram. Lastly, we see Abram refusing the king of Sodom's offer of reward, mentioning a covenant he had made with God to not take any spoil from his efforts.

In 1 Chronicles, we see two distinct things. First, we see David's accumulation of power and recognition through marriage treaties. Second, we see the present state of David's relationship with God. In two different instances, David sought the Lord's direction in dealing with invading Philistines, was given an answer, and followed the directions explicitly. In this passage, we have an indication of the spiritual health of David. At this time, he still had a strong relationship with God and was seeking him humbly, though it is clear he had also begun enjoying the privileges of power, dipping his toes into what would eventually contribute to future strife.

In Luke, we see a number of encounters displaying his power. First, in calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, he demonstrates his control over creation. Second, in casting the demons known as Legion out of the man in the graveyard, we see his power over demons. Third, in the healing of the woman with the bleeding affliction, we see his power over illness. We also see that his power is inherent, exuding from him such that someone who acted out of faith, in desperation, received healing. Fourth, in the healing of Jairus' daughter, we see his power over death.

Application:

God is powerful. God is faithful. 

He is able to deal with our sins and fears, our worries and consolation. He is trustworthy and reliable, able to be counted upon in times of need.

In many ways, I see myself like David in 1 Corinthians. God has put me in a better place and I am seeking him out, but I can also see myself becoming careless, cozying up in the way things are, not holding myself to a higher standard. 

So, what do I need to do? I will bolster myself in God, barricading myself in his word, seeking him and his will completely, allowing him to transform me further, that I would interact with others as he would, showing his love and allowing myself to understand by his wisdom.

Frankly, I need God, in part for the same reasons as before, but in part for new reasons as well.