GOD THE DEFENDER OF THE WEAK AND OPPRESSED
READ PSALM 10:12-16, Read Jeremiah 45:1-5, 46:27&28
Throughout the Psalms God continues to reveal his heart for His people who have been broken by pain and sin in the world. These next six verses are full of phrases describe attributes of a faithful, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, compassionate God.
*He doesn't `forget those who need help'. (V12) (ICB)
*He `helps and defends the orphans' (V14) (ICB/NLT)
*He `sees (takes note)' of their `trouble and grief' (v13) (NLT/GWT)
*He is faithful. They can `trust Him'. (V14) (NLT)
*They are `placed under His control' (V14) (GWT)
* He is merciful and just and `punished wickedness'. `God's grace wins' (V15) (GWT) (MESSAGE)
1. Which of the above do you need to believe in most at the moment?
In recognizing the attributes of God, David recognizes that God is always at works in times of trouble. He is always showing His love and care for the helpless, not always in the ways we might understand, for it is not for us to understand his ways, but to accept them in faith, but to believe that he is indeed the defender of the helpless and the source of love and mercy to all who turn to Him.
Going forward in history, nearing the end of Jeremiah's ministry, the people of Israel were now in exile in Babylon. Jeremiah's scribe Baruch who had been with him throughout his ministry was feeling miserable,
"The Lord has added grief to my pain. I am warn out from groaning. I can find no rest."
Jeremiah 45:3
Ever felt this way. In this world of wickedness that surrounds us. The words from Jeremiah to his scribe, and then later to the people of Israel may not have seemed very encouraging, but we need to remember again, God's plan and that He can't take us out of the world.
"Forget about making any big plans for yourself. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But don't worry." (Jeremiah 45:5) (Message)
Things were not necessarily going to get better straight away. Because of the wickedness in the world, God had to send His justice, but He did have a promise for Baruch and the people of Israel - the same promise He has for us:
"I will protect you wherever you go." Jeremiah 45:5b) (NLT)
"Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you." says the Lord.(NLT)Jeremiah 46:28
"Yes, dear Jacob my servant, you have nothing to fear. Depend on it. I am on your side." 46:28 (The Message)
God's intervention may not always be obvious at the time. His justice may not always seem clear, but we can be sure of these: GOD'S TIMING and HIS PROMISES.
2.a) Are there times when you worry about your future? How can you put your life in God's hands?
b) How can you trust in God's timing and His promises?
THE KING OF KINGS WITH REIGN FOREVER
Read Psalm 10:16-18, Matthew 25:31-46
The Lord Jesus Christ is ultimately our eternal King. He has come once and has died for us, so that we could have forgiveness and freedom from our sins. Now as we wait for the day when He comes again to rescue us from the tyranny of the evil of others, he has a job for us - we must shine the light of righteousness, so the wicked can be turned to the light of Christ's salvation and the helpless can be comforted by His grace.
* The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Matthew H Manser
* Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996) Tyndale Publishers
* The Message (2002) Eugene Peterson, NavPress
* God's Word Translation (2003) Green Key
* International Children's Bible (2006) Thomas Nelson
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