Read Psalm 14
What is the definition of a fool? The dictionary describes them as a silly or stupid person who lacks no judgement or sense. That sounds pretty much like David's summary: `A fool in their heart who says there is no God.'
A fool is an unbeliever, basically someone who is trying to take on the big bad world on their own, usually using a corrupt means to do so. They often end up proud, frustrated and very much ALONE. Calling on God or friends wouldn't even cross their mind, and many times family members have even turn their backs on them. As for those who are still praying for them, the righteous, loving followers of the Lord - well they are being persecuted by these very people.
But you know, isn't it amazing - no matter how foolish they are, no matter how corrupt they may seem, no matter how much they deny his existence, GOD STILL LOVES THEM, and He sent His son so THEY WOULD BE SAVED.
Yes, God will save those who obey and acknowledge Him. He has promised that salvation to all who have accepted Him and we already have a place in His Kingdom - both His chosen people, the Israelites and the Gentiles.
"Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores His people, Jacob will shout with joy and Israel will rejoice." Psalm 14:7 (NLT)
"You (the Gentiles) by nature were a branch cut by a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you (the Gentiles) into His cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches (his chosen people, the Israelites) back into the branches where they belong." Romans 11:24 (NLT)
But this promise of salvation continues on, for Jesus came to save the `sick', not just look after the `healthy'; so we need to continue to pray for those friends and family - those fools, who are yet to acknowledge God. We need to pray for the corrupt that they will repent of their sins, realize their need for salvation, and reach out for redemption."Healthy people do not need a doctor, sick people too...."
Matthew 9:12
"The Lord is really slow about His promise as some people think. No, He is being patient for our sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent." 2 Peter 3:9
1a) Thank the Lord for accepting you as a child in His Kingdom, for His salvation and protection.
b) Pray for those `fools' you know who have not yet responded to his message of salvation, or who have wandered away.
ALL PEOPLE ARE SINNERS
Read Psalm 14:1-4, Romans 12:9-23
This is another of David's mourning psalms. He starts with a complaint against a `diseased' world, not dissimilar to our own. It is full of malignant sinners. Things hadn't changed much from the world God destroyed which was `corrupt and filled with violence'.
"The Lord saw the extent of human wickedness on the earth and saw that everything they thought and imagined was consistently and totally evil...... It broke His heart." Genesis 6:5
If the Lord's heart was breaking then, imagine what it was doing in David's time when everyone was still `corrupt and their actions were evil'. They were refusing to acknowledge His very existence. Not only that, they were persecuting the people who were honouring Him. No wonder David was moaning.
Things hadn't changed a lot in Rome, when Paul stood up to speak to the people - in fact he was now reminding them of their sins. Now it wasn't just the Jews, it was the Gentiles.
"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Romans 3:23
It's sometimes hard to acknowledge we have sinned. We may not feel like `corrupt fools' who have refused to acknowledge the existence of God. Our `talk' may not be `foul' or our `tongues filled with lies' and I would hope we would not `rush to commit murder'.
But maybe there is a bit of bitterness in our hearts, maybe we haven't taken a stand for Christ when the occasion arose, maybe we didn't walk away and we allowed temptation to take hold. It may have been just a little thing, but whatever it was - it may have broken God's heart.
Praise the Lord we are able to see God's forgiveness. We don't have to feel the guilt that comes from holding on to these sins, but can know the freedom that comes from release.
"Yet God, with undeserved kindness declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of sins." Romans 3:24 (NLT)
"There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
Romans 8:1&2 (NLT)
2. Is there something you need to bring before the Lord? Seek his forgiveness and receive freedom to start this new life in Christ.
THE LORD SAVES AND PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE
Read Psalm 14:5&6; Jeremiah 20:1-4; Daniel 1:3-21; 6:1-28
There have been examples of proud and cruel persecutors who have found themselves in dire straits because of what they have done to God's people. My old mate Jeremiah was arrested by Pashur, an assistant to the priest in the Jewish temple. Because of His actions. Jeremiah prophesied that he would watch as his friends and family were slaughtered by the Babylonians.
3. Can you think of a modern day persecutor? How did their life end up?
There are also many examples of those who obeyed God and were blessed and protected. Daniel was one of these men. Having been bought into the king's palace in Babylon he was told to eat certain foods. He knew he would be killed if he did not follow the Lord's wishes, but he wanted to obey and show His allegiance to God.
Daniel continued to pray to God. He received favour from everyone around him. He received great wisdom and knowledge from God, and was given important jobs in the palace. Even the king came to respect him. Later we read when a new king came to power, Daniel again proved honourable, by showing his faith in God, even though this meant going against the king's wishes and being thrown into a den of lions.
4. What are some ways you can show others that you are faithful to God above all else?
David himself had lots of persecution - from King Saul and later even his own son Absalom. Recently, I received this email, and I realized just how protected I am; for God's servant's are still very much under attack today.
"AFTER MUCH REJOICING IN THE PROVISION OF THE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FOR CAMARA AND TEAM IN GUINEA WEST AFRICA, NEWS HAS COME THROUGH VIA PHONE CALL FROM CAMARA, SHEDDING MANY TEARS, THAT CHRISTIAN HOMES AND CHURCH BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN ATTACKED BY ISLAMISTS IN THE INTERIORS, WITH THE KILLING OF OVER 100 PERSONS, WHOLE FAMILIES. THREE OF THE FOUR CONGREGATIONS OF BELIEVERS IN WHICH HE WAS PERSONALLY INVOLVED HAVE BEEN DESTROYED COMPLETELY, PASTORS AND PEOPLE KILLED, SOME ESCAPED AND HID IN JUNGLE." Tom and Edna Hamblin
Yes, the `wicked will continue to frustrate the plans of the righteous', but God will continue to protect the ones he has saved, and those others are now with him in his Kingdom. This is the only comfort we can have in times like this. David comforted himself with this assurance of salvation.
GOD'S PROMISED SALVATION
Read Psalm 14:7; Romans 11
Although David mourned the evil corruption in his kingdom, he looked with anticipation towards its salvation, as he awaited for the coming Redeemer - who we now know to be God's promised Son, Jesus Christ.
Paul knew David's psalms well. In this 11th Chapter of Romans, after reminding the Jews of David's prophecy, Paul spoke to the Gentiles of God's promise of salvation for them. Paul also reminds us many a time:
"God's riches, wisdom and knowledge are so deep that it is impossible to explain His decisions or understand His ways." Romans 11:33 (NLT)
But there are a few inspirations I have gleaned from these passages:
1. Even though the Jews rejected and disobeyed God, He never gave up on them. The Jews have and always will be GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE.
"God HAS NOT REJECTED his own people, whom He chose from the beginning."
Romans 11:2 (NLT)
2. Our salvation as Gentiles has come through Jesus Christ, who was the fulfillment of salvation to the Jews. Because of their lack of belief, we were offered this free gift, but God still desires that His people come back to Him.
"Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think of how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it." Romans 11:12 (NLT)
"But some of these branches from Abraham's tree - some of the people of Israel - have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and His children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God's special olive tree." Romans 11:17 (NLT)
3.God's mercy and salvation is a FREE GIFT for both Jews and Gentiles. We have been chosen already. The responsibility for now accepting that salvation is up to us.
"It is the same today for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace - His undeserved kindness in choosing them. Since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is - FREE AND UNDESERVED."Romans 11:5&6 (NLT)
"God saved you by grace when you believed. You can't take credit for this; it is a GIFT from God." Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
4. Do you look with anticipation to the day when Jesus will come again? Have you accepted this free gift of salvation?
a) If so, take time now to thank the Lord.
CONCLUSION
"God's gift of salvation should make you feel humble and grateful." Will McDonald
What more can I say! I think this quote sums it up perfectly. Jesus died on the cross because He loves you - Jew or Gentile - sinner and now forgiven. What more should we be doing, but in HUMILITY and with HUMBLE HEARTS, serving and honouring our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible, New Living Translation, (1996) Tyndale Publishers
"Alone in Majesty", Will McDonald
The Holy Bible, New Century Version, Max Lucado, (2003)Thomas Nelson.
"New Matthew Henry Commentary", Edited by Martin H Manser.
