For today, One Year Bible Online links here.
It is not wise to constantly remind others of how much you know. Even if you are as knowledgeable as you think you are, you will not advance your cause by telling people everything you know.
This psalm is further reminders of how God continued to forgive the sins of the Israelites despite their faithlessness. Reading this description of how the Israelites did not stay faithful to God despite the great signs and wonders He did on their behalf makes it tempting to feel smug. However, when I look over my life, I see the same thing in my past. God has done wonderful things for me and has demonstrated His power in arranging my life, yet I have time and again fallen short of obeying His will. Perhaps, my readers have done better than I in that respect…it is hard to imagine that they have done worse. This psalm reminds me that God will give me another chance to serve Him. I pray that the Holy Spirit move me to be faithful this time.
Jesus throws out a challenge to us in this passage. Are we willing to acknowledge Him publicly? If not, He will not be willing to acknowledge us before the Father. One of the reasons we sometimes are afraid to stand up for Jesus is because we do not know what to say when people challenge our faith. Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will provide us with the right words at the right time. This does not mean that we do not need to spend time studying so that we know how to answer those who challenge our faith. It just means that we should acknowledge our faith, even if we are unprepared.
There is a bumper sticker which says, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” It is wrong, very wrong. Jesus tells us that our material wealth will not be of any use to us when we face God. Let us use the wealth that comes our way on this earth to build up a relationship with God. Jesus goes on to remind us of how flowers are beautifully clothed and birds obtain enough to eat. He tells us that we are much more valuable to God than either of those. God knows what we need and will provide for those needs. It is verse 31 that has long been dear to me,
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
It inspires me and comforts me. As I write this my spirit within me is once more inspired to strive after the Kingdom of God above all else.
When Moses commissioned Joshua to take his place as the leader of Israel he gave him a message which is for everyone who serves God:
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
This is yet another admonition against worry. God will lead us and support us, no matter what difficulties we face.