Sow in tears, reap with joy, trusting God

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post, dated November 12, 2008, in the archives, where I introduce myself and the blog.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Devotions: Ps 121-26; 1 Sam 11; Acts 8:1-13; Lk 22:63-71

In times of need, I look up. My help comes from YHWH, Maker of heaven and earth. He is almighty; He never sleeps or dozes; and He is vigilant to protect me. He will guard me forever! I am glad when anyone suggests we should get together and worship! I have been blessed to visit Jerusalem, the destination of earthly pilgrimage, God’s holy city. I pray, Lord, for Jerusalem’s peace; may all who love You prosper! I seek the good of all God’s people. To You, great Lord, I lift my heart and my attention. Have mercy, Holy One, for I have been saturated in contempt and the scorn of the indulgent and proud. If God had not been on my side, I’d long ago have been swallowed up by their vengeful anger, a flood of hostility. Blessed is YHWH, Who keeps me from their wrath. I have escaped, by His grace! My help is in the name of YHWH, Maker of heaven and earth. He surrounds me, and all His people, with unshakable protection, forever—as the mountains surround Jerusalem. Wickedness cannot rule the lands or people of God! Peace to Israel! When God restores His people, we’re living a good dream! Our mouths fill with laughter and our tongues give shouts of joy. God has done great things for us! May all who abide, who sow with tears, reap with shouts of joy!

The Ammonite leader Nahash besieged Jabesh-gilead, a community in league with Israel under Saul. Nahash’s terms to the besieged city were that he would spare them if they yielded, but he would gouge out the right eyes of every resident, bringing disgrace on all Israel. The town sent out pleas for help, and Saul heard what was happening. God’s Spirit came upon Saul mightily, and he demanded that Israel assemble to Saul and Samuel. YHWH’s dread fell upon the people, and they responded as one man. Three hundred and thirty thousand soldiers came to Saul at Bezek. Saul sent the men of Jabesh-gilead the message that they would be delivered the following day. Saul divided his forces into three parties, and they attacked and routed the Ammonites. Samuel directed that the people assemble at Gilgal to renew the kingdom. There, they made Saul king before YHWH, sacrificed peace offerings, and celebrated with great rejoicing.

The day that the Jewish council stoned Stephen to death, great persecution broke out against the entire Christian community in Jerusalem. The Christians were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, though the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Saul began ravaging the church, dragging off men and women to prison. But the scattered Christians spread the gospel. The deacon Philip went to Samaria and proclaimed the true Messiah to them; with one accord, multitudes heard the gospel message and witnessed the powerful signs which Philip performed: healing the lame and paralyzed, and casting unclean spirits out from many who had been demon-possessed. In Samaria was a powerful magus named Simon, who had practiced magic there, and awed the great and the small alike. But when the people believed Philip’s message, the good news about God’s kingdom and the name of Jesus the Messiah, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon believed and was baptized, and then he continued to work alongside Philip, amazed at the signs and miracles Philip performed in the power and Spirit of Jesus.

The men holding Jesus for the Jewish authorities mocked and beat Him; they blindfolded Him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who was it that hit You?’ They went on reviling Him. At daybreak, the chief priests and scribes gathered and led Him again to their council. They said, ‘If you are the Messiah, tell us!’ But He said, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask you, you will not answer. From now on, the Son of man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.’ And they all said, ‘Are you the Son of God, then?’ He answered, ‘You say that I Am.’ And they concluded, ‘What further testimony do we need? We heard it directly from his lips!’