May 16
Ps 144-145, 88-89
There are many respectful theological debates between Christians. But, one thing which is always wrong is when one questions the character of God. In a playlet called, "The Long Silence", we arrive at a scene at the end of time, where billions of people are before God's throne. Though most shrank back from the brilliant light, a few groups were heatedly and belligerently talking near the front. They decided that God had no right to judge them and that He had no idea about true suffering. Some of those represented was a concentration camp victim, a victim of slavery who had been lynched, a pregnant schoolgirl who had been raped, etc. There were other groups, all of whom had a complaint against God for the evil and suffering that He permitted in His world, as they stated that He had no concept of any of these, living in His sheltered world. They decided that before God could be qualified to judge, He would have to endure what they endured. They said, God should be sentenced to live on earth as a man, born a Jew. That the legitimacy of His birth should be doubted. That his own family would think him crazy. That He be betrayed by His closest friends, be accused falsely, be tried by a prejudiced jury and convicted by a cowardly judge. Then let Him be tortured. Then let Him die all alone, with people just standing around watching Him. Each group's leader continued to add their portion, and when the last had finished pronouncing sentence, there was a long silence. No one uttered another word. No one moved. For suddenly all knew that God had already served His sentence. Jesus Christ knew exactly what it is like to experience torture and hardship, and even more than any other, as He willingly took the sins of mankind upon Himself as He died for us and took our sins on the cross.
Though David at times questioned his situation, and what he was experiencing, this "man after God's own heart" did not question God's character. Though some mistakenly question God's goodness, we read in Psalm 145:8-9, "The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation." When we realize who He is, and who we are, the only understandable reaction should be praise. We read an example of David's praise of God in 145:1-7, "I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness."
How are you doing with your alone time with God? How is your prayer life? Unless we put to rest any questioning of God's character this time will be frustrating. There are certain things which must be put to rest and accepted in order to have a healthy relationship with anyone. In human relationships if one is jealous, covetous, suspicious, angry, etc., that human relationship will never flourish. So, with God when we consider who He is, praise should flow from our lips. This should be our immediate and our overwhelming reaction to One as perfect and loving as He is. Getting to our laundry list of complaints and requests should follow our exaltation of Him, who as David rightly stated in Psalm 144:3-4, "O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow." No, I don't summon God. I am thankful that One as perfect as He is, is willing to bend His ear and listen to one as imperfect as myself.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: