The Power of the Gospel

 

 

READ Psalm 125–129

Yesterday’s message from God at our church continues to bless my heart. The focus was living out the Gospel, first by defining what the Gospel is and does, and secondly by describing the response that comes from realizing its truth — that Jesus has done it all. In Him, we do nothing more to gain or to keep our salvation. Because of Jesus, our relationship with God and our eternal destiny is 100% secure. Gospel means ‘good news’ and our response must be to share that good news with others.

Our pastor said we easily share our passion for sports, hobbies, children, and so on with others. Do we not love Jesus as much or more? Being excited about Jesus comes from realizing that being a Christian is not about trying harder or doing what we can to please God. It is about deeply knowing that all we need His Jesus and He has done all we need.

That said, I read these verses and saw even more that is true because of Jesus . . .

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:1–2)

No matter how hard I try or do everything ‘right’ or the way it should be done, if the Lord isn’t in it, then it is in vain. No matter how careful I am to protect my life and the life of my family or even the lives of my friends and neighbors, unless the Lord is watching over them, that also is vanity. And hard work is also futile if it is done in the strength of my anxieties about ‘getting it done’ for this also is not of faith. When the Lord is truly ‘in it’ then I will still work hard but go to bed without the sleeplessness that comes from worrying about what didn’t get done or if I did it correctly.

This seems simple stuff. Trust God to work in the lives of others, to watch over all of us, to guide my work and give me the satisfaction I seek. Today’s devotional writer sees these verses in that big picture view. He says this short passage identifies three metaphors that describe the Lord: He is the Builder, the Watchman and the Benefactor.

Our son is giving us a visual of building by sending us daily photos of the progress of his new house. They spent much time establishing a blueprint to bring it to the stage where the foundation is finished and the walls are going up. The Lord works with a plan also . . .

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him . . . . (Ephesians 1:3–4)

Not only that, Jesus is the foundation: “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11) and as He builds our lives, we stand firm on Christ. He saves us, build us up, and keeps us. Without Him, our efforts to be godly are in vain.

He is also our Watchman, always alert, making sure no harm comes to those whom he guards. Human watchman need to rest or sleep but the Lord is always alert and protects us from natural and spiritual disasters. He is greater than all and has power over all. He may allow troubles, but only for our good (Romans 8:28–29).

Benefactor is an odd word for me; I might use Blesser yet Benefactor fits. It is someone who provides all needed resources, with ‘all’ the important word. This covers everything from food, clothing, friends, work, influence, opportunities, enablement, skills, peace, joy, love, comfort, wisdom, no matter what we need, God is able to supply. Because the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

His supply is limitless and His generosity is without parallel. Not only that, He calls us to be generous to others and should that mean giving away something we need ourselves, God will simply fill in that gap.

Because of this, worry over anything is pointless. So is a frantic “I must do this” attitude concerning any part of life, as well as making “I can’t” excuses based on available resources. God through Christ covers everything, supplies everything, and keeps His eye on everything. What a joy to realize the wonder of all He does for me and for all His children!

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

Today I particularly need a shepherd. Cataract surgery on my left eye is a bit painful, more if I don’t keep it still. I’m also disoriented due to minimized of depth perception. I know it will improve, but right now it would be wonderful to have someone hold my hand and shepherd me through my day!

As I read these verses (with some difficulty) remembering the only time we had sheep on the farm, I chuckle. The sheep were like me after cataract surgery, only they didn’t seem to realize their problems! Sheep are not too bright, flighty, easily spooked, and act as if they cannot see what is directly in front of them. Of all animals, they are the most in need of a shepherd to guide them.

For us, Jesus is that shepherd, and in a far greater capacity than we realize. Even before He came, Zechariah foretold that He would be struck that God’s sheep would scatter yet eventually be refined and becomes God’s people. (Zechariah 13:7–9]

The OT also says that this Shepherd gathers his little lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom (Isaiah 40:11), a picture that particularly appeals to me today. I’m glad to be in His care, secure and at peace. He says:

“I will rescue my flock; they shall no longer be a prey. And I will judge between sheep and sheep. And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David (points to Christ), and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the LORD; I have spoken. ‘I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.’” (Ezekiel 34:22–25)

In the NT, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). We deserved to die, but Christ took our place, dying for our sin as our Substitute. He is also the great Shepherd who rose from the dead in triumph and victory (Hebrews 13:20).

He saves us and brings us unto everlasting life (1 Peter 2:25) and when He appears for the second time, He will reward His people with a glorious crown: “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4)

There is more concerning this Chief Shepherd, but for now, I am most interested in His tender care. As Fortner says, I am content to snuggle in His arms and be at peace. Because He carries my cares, I’m thinking those chores can wait for another day!

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Jesus, I'm so pleased that You ask me to cast on my cares on You. This is a light burden that will pass, yet I'm thankful for Your presence and the peace You give. You are definitely the Good Shepherd who carries His sheep and leads us in pleasant places.