Journal for Christ

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

But I!

August 1, 2021

Worship in WORD

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. 10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. 11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

NIV

Ps 31

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

9 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. 10 I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. 11 I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. 12 I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. 13 I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.

14 But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God!” 15 My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. 16 Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me.

Ps 31

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.

11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.

13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

KJV

Ps 31

Into Your Hand I Commit My Spirit

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

9 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.

11 Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. 13 For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side! —as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 16 Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! ESV

I. Hope – vv. 1-8

A. Action – v. 1

B. Appeal – v. 2

C. Acknowledge – vv. 3-4

D. Abandon – v. 5

E. Abhor – v. 6

F. Acclaim! – vv. 7-8

II. Help! – vv. 9-18

A. Sorrow – vv. 9-13

1. Soul sickness – vv. 9-10

2. Societal scorn – vv. 11-13

B. Sovereign – vv. 14-16

C. Verses: 17-18: Silence

III. Hail – vv. 19-22

IV. Heart – vv. 23-24

Hope→Help!→Hail→Heart

Sovereign – vv. 14-16

I am still dwelling on that portion of this Psalm where David, in dire straits, is crying out for mercy from the LORD. He speaks of the sorrow he feels and the scorn he faces and seeks relief and rescue by the good mercies of God (vv. 9-13). Then, in verse 14, he interrupts his complaint, takes his eyes off his situation, and looks up to his Sovereign.

To the One who is:

Ø his Rock and Refuge (vv. 1-3)

Ø his Righteous Deliverer (vv. 1-2)

Ø his Leader and Guide (v. 3)

Ø his Faithful God (v. 5)

Ø his True and Trusted God (v. 6)

Ø his Loving and Knowing Lord (v. 7)

Ø his Calm in the eye of the Storm (v. 8)

Terror is on every side. David’s foes surround him. What will he do? Surrender? Commit suicide? Continue to wallow in his sad circumstances?

No!

We see him surrender –

not to his enemies,

but to his Sovereign Lord!

But I trust in you, O LORD

We will see him commit –

not by falling on his sword

but by falling on his knees before his Sovereign Lord!

(that’s how I imagine David’d posture here)

I say, “You are my God.”

We will see him continue to wallow–

not in the Slough of Despond because of his iniquity (v. 10 ESV)

nor in the Sea of Despair (vv. 11-13)

but in the power and protection of his Sovereign Lord!

My times are in your hand

Blessed interruption!

Worship in Witness:

Let us observe and follow David’s example here!

We see the interruption to his complaint in verse 14. David says,

But I trust in You LORD

Believer, God is not averse to hearing your complaint; as long as these words punctuate it,

But I... say, You are my God

When one prays “but I,” they are yielding to God’s sovereign hand,

My times are in your hand

This is the response of those who trust in the Lord and meditate on His attributes and actions.

It is the “Amen!” to “But God!”

Worship in Promise, Poetry, Prayer, and Praise:

https://www.google.com/imgresimgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.etsystatic.com%2F6361911%2Fr%2Fil%2F9116bd%2F703851471%2Fil_570xN.703851471_rt87.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F99571710%2Fforthelordisgoodpsalm13568x10in&tbnid=LYRC5pen1Bgt3M&vet=12ahUKEwjZt2QmZbyAhVNG6wKHfgdBtYQMygGegUIARCAQ..i&docid=jw783U45F9krMM&w=570&h=570&q=images%20of%20%22Psalm%2013%3A5-6%22&ved=2ahUKEwjZ-t2QmZbyAhVNG6wKHfgdBtYQMygGegUIARC-AQ

https://www.lovethispic.com/image/334325/dear-god,-i-have-so-many-problems-in-my-life-but-i-believe-that-you-have-planned-better-things-ahead-of-me

Holding On / Letting Go

The storm’s fury has long ceased

But I remain inside and hide

Refusing LIFES’s call to be released

And to venture outside

The tempestuous turbulent pain

Has served its appointed use

But I would have the torrent rain

And choose to be a recluse

Holding on to grief and sorrow

Beyond its allotted day

Joy that knocks on the morrow

Is swiftly turned away

Suddenly came a beam of light

Piercing my chosen gloom

Glory sending darkness to flight

SONSHINE filled the room

My frozen heart began to melt

I ran outside praising

In joy and peace, I now felt

A song to Him I’m raising

I Know Whom I Have Believed by Daniel W. Whittle

I know not why God's wondrous grace

To me, He hath made known,

Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love

Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain

But I know Whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I've committed

Unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith

To me, He did impart,

Nor how believing in His Word

Wrought peace within my heart.

Refrain

I know not how the Spirit moves,

Convincing us of sin,

Revealing Jesus through the Word,

Creating faith in Him.

Refrain

I know not what of good or ill

May be reserved for me,

Of weary ways or golden days,

Before His face I see.

Refrain

I know not when my Lord may come,

At night or noonday fair,

Nor if I walk the vale with Him,

Or meet Him in the air.

Refrain

https://youtu.be/ZsFoFVRRYPk

https://youtu.be/YSf1VABMN1s

Further Notes:

31:13 The phrase terror … on every side occurs frequently in Jeremiah (Jr 6:25; 20:10; 46:5) and is a vivid way to describe being surrounded by enemies. Enemies also plotted to take Jeremiah’s life (Jr 11:19; 18:23). It is characteristic of the wicked to plot against the righteous (Ps 21:11; 37:12).

Warstler, K. R. (2017). Psalms. In E. A. Blum & T. Wax (Eds.), CSB Study Bible: Notes (p. 843). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Ver. 14. But I trusted in thee, O Lord. Notwithstanding all afflicting circumstances, David's faith maintained its hold, and was not turned aside from its object. What a blessed saving clause is this! So long as our faith, which is our shield, is safe, the battle may go hard, but its ultimate result is no matter of question; if that could be torn from us, we should be as surely slain as were Saul and Jonathan upon the high places of the field.

I said, Thou art my God. He proclaimed aloud his determined allegiance to Jehovah. He was no fair weather believer, he could hold to his faith in a sharp frost, and wrap it about him as a garment fitted to keep out all the ills of time. He who can say what David did need not envy Cicero his eloquence: "Thou art my God," has more sweetness in it than any other utterance which human speech can frame. Note that this adhesive faith is here mentioned as an argument with God to honour his own promise by sending a speedy deliverance.

HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER

Ver. 14. Faith peculiarly glorious in season of great trial.

Psalms 31:14

Let us mark his manner of speech: I have said, Thou art my God. In these words he intimates that he was so entirely persuaded of this truth, that God was his God, that he would not admit even a suggestion to the contrary. And until this persuasion prevails so as to take possession of our minds, we shall always waver in uncertainty. It is, however, to be observed, that this declaration is not only inward and secret-made rather in the heart than with the tongue-but that it is directed to God himself, as to him who is the alone witness of it. Nothing is more difficult, when we see our faith derided by the whole world, than to direct our speech to God only, and to rest satisfied with this testimony which our conscience gives us, that he is our God. And certainly it is an undoubted proof of genuine faith, when, however fierce the waves are which beat against us, and however sore the assaults by which we are shaken, we hold fast this as a fixed principle, that we are constantly under the protection of God, and can say to him freely, Thou art our God. — John Calvin.

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

But God!

June 28, 2021

Worship in WORD

Ps 31

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

NIV

Ps 31

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

11 I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. 12 I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. 13 I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.

14 But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” 15 My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. 16 Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me.

Ps 31

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.

13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

KJV

Ps 31

Into Your Hand I Commit My Spirit

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

11 Because of all the adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. 13 For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side! —as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 16 Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! ESV

I. Hope – vv. 1-8

A. Verse 1: Action

B. Verse 2: Appeal

C. Verses 3 & 4: Acknowledge

D. Verse 5: Abandon

E. Verse 6: Abhor

F. Verses 7 & 8: Acclaim!

II. Help! – vv. 9-18

A. Verses: 9 -13: Sorrow

1. Soul sickness – vv. 9-10

2. Societal scorn – vv. 11-13

b. Verses: 14-16: Sovereign

C. Verses: 17-18: Silence

III. Hail – vv. 19-22

IV. Heart – vv. 23-24

Societal Scorn – vv. 11-13

I suppose I could site research about the effects rejection and cyberbullying have on the human psyche in an effort to contextualize this passage to make it more “relevant” for the 21^st century. But that would just be a waste of time, and admittedly, out of my area of very limited expertise. But you don’t need to be a Social Science or Psychology Major to understand the effects that rejection, shunning, and false allegations have on one’s sense of well-being. Of course, no one likes to be at the receiving end of rejection because of false reports or rumors. Nor do we like it when our so-called friends and acquaintances have nothing to do with us – who fear their own personal rejection by being associated with us. Fairweather friends, whose loyalty is shallow, have no deep roots. And for others, it may be the threat of actual personal harm if they continue to support us.

We saw in verses 9 & 10 the effects it had on David’s entire being:

⁹ Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. ¹⁰ My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction [or → iniquity – ESV], and my bones grow weak. NIV

In verses 11-13, David further elucidates why he feels as he does, how he felt from experiencing the brunt of societal rejection and persecution.

¹¹ Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. ¹² I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. ¹³ For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. NIV

Though the ultimate source of David’s dilemma and deliverance may be found in the sovereign designs of God, the immediate cause was from the slanderous propaganda and seditious plotting of his enemies.

As a result of this, David feels forsaken and forgotten by those who once professed loyalty – or at least respected him. Translators find it difficult to translate verse 11, and thus the differences between the various translations. However, the meaning is still evident. David’s enemies wrought societal scorn among his neighbors and acquaintances. The word translated as “contempt” or “reproach” conveys the idea of “taunt” or “scorn.”* And not only did they invite scorn from the neighbors, but his so-called friends were scared to be around him as well.

In verse 12, we see the depth of despair David felt. The KJV translation is a more literal rendition of the Hebrew here.

“I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.”

The word “mind” is literally “heart,” which has a wide range of meanings in Hebrew – one of those being the mind. However, it also can refer to the seat of our affections and emotions. As David’s neighbors and friends hid from him, the modern idiom “out of sight, out of mind” may be an appropriate way of looking at how David viewed his situation. Yet, I cannot help but feel that it goes further than this. David was once dear to the hearts of his people. Now he feels like these affections have died, and he might as well be dead too.

^12a They have forgotten me. I might as well be dead. NIrV

Not only dead but useless and discarded.

^12b I have become like broken pottery. NIV

They deleted David from their thought “inbox” into the “trash” . Despised, dead, and discarded sums up David’s feelings and outlook on life from the horizontal plane of his experience and existence. Feeling unloved and useless may lead many to despair and destructive behavior. Out of their impoverished feelings of hopelessness, they may withdraw from society at large or from life itself. And that, as a result of viewing life “under the sun,” to borrow a phrase from Solomon, David’s son.

What did David do? Did he pack it in? Withdraw from it all? Give up? David didn’t “pack it in” or “up” as the World War I song says – “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.” But he did withdraw. Not from life but the “Bank of Hope and Trust!” He didn’t give up. Instead, he looked up. To the One who owned the bank! The One who held all the reserves necessary to deliver him from the poverty of hopelessness.

¹⁴ But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” ¹⁵ My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. ¹⁶ Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. NIV

In the depths of despair, David remembered the One who was there even in the “valley of the shadow of death.”

Worship in Witness:

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?

Conjunction Junction, how's that function?

I got three favorite cars

That get most of my job done.

Conjunction Junction, what's their function?

I got "and", "but", and "or",

They'll get you pretty far.

https://www.lyricsmania.com/conjunction_junction_lyrics_schoolhouse_rock.html

Those who were alive in the ’70s may remember this classic song from Schoolhouse rock on PBS about conjunctions and their “function.” These words may seem small and insignificant, but as the song says, “they’ll get you pretty far.”

One of the most powerful words in the life of faith is the conjunction, “but.” This word may build a contrast between what precedes and proceeds a particular juncture in our walk by faith.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Phil 3:12 NIV

It deepens and clarifies:

²¹ "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Matt 5:21-22 NIV

It may follow a warning that precedes a promise:

¹⁷For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die.

¹⁸ But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.

Gen 6:17-18 ESV

It perseveres when we are about to give up:

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

but I have put my hope in your word.

Ps 119:81 NIV

And when doubt assails, “but” will prevail!

¹⁴ But I trust in you, O Lord;

I say, “You are my God.”

^15a My times are in your hand...

Ps 31:14-15a ESV

And if you think David had no doubts despite what he had said in verses 9-13, verse 22 will dispel that thought.

I had said in my alarm,

“I am cut off from your sight.”

But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy

when I cried to you for help.

Ps 31:22 ESV

It will prevail because God is in control:

¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Gen 50:19-20 NIV

https://www.newhope.in/uploads/8/4/0/1/84014798/butgod_1_orig.jpg

Worship in Promise, Poetry, Prayer, and Praise:

https://img.heartlight.org/ppt/psalm73_2.jpg

What’s in Your Hands?

I walked with a heavy heart today

Fear and doubt dogged me on the way

My anxious thoughts filled the air

I was burdened down with a load of care

And then a voice came from behind.

A voice that was firm and yet so kind

He asked me: “What's in your hands?”

I replied: “I do not understand.”

“Are those anxious thoughts you hold tight?

With clenched fist as if to fight?

My child, open your hands and cast them on me

I will bear them as I bore your sins at Calvary

Let go of your unbelief of stressing

Open one hand and receive My blessing

Then open the other hand to me,

I will take hold of it, and you will see

That all your time was wasted on worry

Leading to nothing but sound and fury

But I will guide you and give you peace

And from these thoughts, a sweet release.”

Another Poem

Another pain, another poem

My heart is hurting, and wants to roam

In debt, I'm drowning

As my bills are mounting

I cannot sleep and worries I reap

But I've prayed the Lord my soul to keep

I know You do what's right and best

So help me God, in You to rest

Take my worries and my fears

Take my sorrows and take my tears

I cast them on You, who bears my cares

Who hears my cries and answers my prayers

- Amen

I chose to end in worship with two songs. They are of two different music genres but contains one message – “But God!”

But God by Larnelle Harris

Verse 1:

Abraham and Sarah never thought they'd have a son;

Then descendants came as countless as the stars.

Moses and God's people had nowhere left to run;

Then the waters of the Red Sea stood apart.

So many times, the light of hope was setting like the sun;

And it seemed to the faithful it was over, it was done.

Chorus:

But God sees some way when miracles are well beyond our view.

His Love saves the day when fear would tell us there is just no use.

You can look the whole world over for the meaning of it all -

For the purpose that mankind has always sought.

In the end, you'll discover, there is no other answer

But God.

Verse 2:

I know your heart is breaking – the pain just comes in waves.

Everywhere you look, it seems like there's no peace.

You try not to give up, but the tears will not relent.

Any minute now, you might accept defeat.

And you stand there with impossible, the next word on your lips.

And your vision has been blinded, and nothing is making sense.

Chorus:

But God sees some way when miracles are well beyond our view.

His Love saves the day when fear would tell us there is just no use.

You can look the whole world over for the meaning of it all -

For the purpose that mankind has always sought.

In the end, you'll discover, there is no other answer

But God.

Tag:

In the end, you'll discover, there is no other answer

But God.

Lyrics (corrected): https://www.elyrics.net/read/l/larnelle-harris-lyrics/but-god-lyrics.html

Video: https://youtu.be/8oH3JEScceA

Live version: https://youtu.be/Ikcp-08gMFM

But God by John Waller

I see darkness, getting darker

All hell is breaking loose

I see chaos all around us

So, Lord, I cling to You

No matter if I'm surrounded

By the devil and a thousand men

In the middle of the darkest hour when I stand no chance

But God is my fortress; I will not be shaken

Though I'm surrounded, I won't be forsaken

God is my shield, and praise is my weapon

In the face of impossible odds, I will say,

“But God”

I won't let my heart be troubled

'Cause I know we'll overcome

'Cause He told us in this world (In this world)

There are battles and trials

But it will all turn out for our good

No matter if we're surrounded

By the devil and a thousand men

In the middle of the darkest hour when we stand no chance

But God is my fortress; I will not be shaken

Though I'm surrounded, I won't be forsaken

God is my shield, and praise is my weapon

In the face of impossible odds, I will say,

“But God”

I looked to the heavens; I go to the mountain

I may be surrounded but God

God is coming

I looked to the heavens; I go to the mountain

I may be surrounded but God

God is my fortress; I will not be shaken

Though I'm surrounded, I won't be forsaken

God is my shield, and praise is my weapon

In the face of impossible odds, I will say,

“But God”

I looked to the heavens; I go to the mountain (I go to the mountain)

I may be surrounded but God

God is coming

I looked to the heavens; I go to the mountain

I may be surrounded but God

But God

I would say,

“But God”

Lyrics (slightly corrected): https://www.invubu.com/music/show/song/John-Waller/But-God.html

Video: https://youtu.be/1t1mUHbFCGg

Further Notes:

* OT:2781 cherpah —

reproach, scorn

a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy)

b) reproach (resting upon the condition of shame, disgrace)

c) a reproach (an object)

(from The Online Bible Thayer's Greek Lexicon and Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, Copyright © 1993, Woodside Bible Fellowship, Ontario, Canada. Licensed from the Institute for Creation Research.)

*****************************************************************************

9–13. His isolation. The deepening demoralization of the victim, from gloom to hopelessness (12) and terror (13), shows how murderous is the impact of hatred, especially when it takes the form of rejection. In Psalm 6, which has the same rare word for waste away, and the same helpless grief, the root cause of the depression is left unspecified. Here it is partly guilt, according to the Hebrew text of verse 10, where misery should read ‘iniquity’ (RSV mg.); but it is man, not God, who is determined to condemn, as verses 14ff. make clear. Jeremiah knew this cruel encirclement, and borrowed the phrase terror on every side as a motto theme (Jer. 6:25; 20:3, 10; 46:5; 49:29; cf. Lam. 2:22).

Kidner, D. (1973). Psalms 1–72: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 15, p. 149). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

*****************************************************************************Psalms 31:11-13

11, 12, 13. "I was a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and a fear to my acquaintance; those who saw me outside fled from me. I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the slander of many; fear was on every side; while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life."

The Spirit vividly foreshows the sufferings of Jesus when He was despised and rejected of men. His chosen followers forsook Him and fled. He was carried as a dead man to the tomb. He was regarded as a broken piece of pottery worthless for further use. The Jews conspired to destroy Him. Nothing could allay their malice. Their cry was urgent, 'Let Him be crucified.'

Much of this cruel usage was experienced by the type. David fled as an outcast. Conspirators laid plots. Evil counselors took evil counsel. Similar enmity burns against every true disciple. Outward restraints may bind, but the inward hatred is the same.

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

But I!

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

But God!

About Me