Vindicate me, O LORD!

David, who was  made the King of Israel by the Lord God,  cried out to God during a time a
persecution by his enemies and sought God, asking the Lord to show that he, David , was being unjustly assailed. David Cries out and puts his plea to God into the words of Psalm:26. His words are filled with a desperate need to be vindicated before all, to shown that he was being treated unjustly even though he served the Lord God of Israel.

Psalm:26

"Vindicate me, O LORD , for I have
      Examine me, O LORD, and try me;
            Test my mind and my heart.
      For Your loving kindness is before my eyes,
            And I have walked in Your truth.
      I do not sit with deceitful men,
            Nor will I go with pretenders.
    I hate the assembly of evildoers,
            And I will not sit with the wicked.
      I shall wash my hands in innocence,
            And I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
     That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
            And declare all Your wonders.
      O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house
            And the place where Your glory dwells.
     Do not take my soul away along with sinners,
            Nor my life with men of bloodshed,
      In whose hands is a wicked scheme,
            And whose right hand is full of bribes.
      But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
            Redeem me, and be gracious to me.
     My foot stands on a level place;
            In the congregations I shall bless the LORD."

Sought Vindication

David knew that the persecution and opposition which was coning against him was undeserved , he knew that he had done nothing to cause it yet it was there.  It seems from the references to "deceitful men"  and "men of bloodshed" that the threat which was directed toward him came from those whom David once trusted and now that trust had been shattered and they have been exposed as false. From the very intensity of David's cry to God for vindication, it seems  evident that the situation was painful to him, he may have felt betrayed and used by some whom he once held close and considered  as friends , now these ones driven by personal agendas  have set them selves to destroy David.

  It is possible that these men had brought accusation against David in an attempt to destroy David's credibility  and  they may have succeed in causing some of the people to questions David's moral authority and ability lead and to be King .

 But now,  David  speaks to God about his need to be vindicated, David  asked God to look upon his life and to see if there was cause for this to be happening to him.

 "Vindicate me, O LORD , for I have walked in my integrity,

            And I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
      Examine me, O LORD, and try me;
            Test my mind and my heart"

 David understood that God's evaluation of him would be fair and gracious. In essences David is  asking "why is this happening to me?"  David wanted to follow God and to live out of his relationship with his Lord. David looked into his own life and saw no reason which should cause the persecution to be  brought against him.
   
"For Your loving kindness is before my eyes,
            And I have walked in Your truth"

 David cites his life of worship  and love for the house of God as evidence of his sincerity of heart toward God.  That David , through public declarations at the alter of God invited others to praise and worship as well.

"And I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
     That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
            And declare all Your wonders.
      O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house
            And the place where Your glory dwells."

We may like David ask God "why?"  such things are come against us, we are obedient and worshiping yet we may find our selves facing the voice of condemnation or accusation. 

Preservation

In the midst of the trails which have come upon him, David asked the Lord to preserve him and to not allow his demise and death, the death that awaits any and all who ultimately reject the great God.

  '"Do not take my soul away along with sinners,
            Nor my life with men of bloodshed,
      In whose hands is a wicked scheme,
            And whose right hand is full of bribes"

 David again affirms his intention to follow the Lord  in his daily living and to worship  asking for the redemptive power and the grace of God to be for him regardless of what men might do. David  is placing himself into the hands of God knowing that God is merciful and faithful and will see David through this difficult time of trail.

"But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
            Redeem me, and be gracious to me.
     My foot stands on a level place;
            In the congregations I shall bless the LORD".

 Accusations

In our lives there may be  times when we may feel like David, when circumstances and situations befall us when persons whom we once counted as dear friends have, for their own personal agendas turned against us. They may seek every opportunity capitalize on any mistake or misstep,  to bring accusations against us. When this occurs the pain can be great we cry out to God for his help and ask him to let the truth be known, to vindicate us.

When this happens we need to understand where the false accusation arise from, we are told in Scripture that Satan is the "accuser of the brethren". 

"For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down" Rev:12:10b

This is where false reports and slander find their true origin, this spirit fills this world looking for willing conduits to work though, giving expression to the malice and hate that it is seeking to devour the people of God.1Peter:5:8

 Our Vindication

There are times when we, as Christians may find ourselves besieged by accusations or injustice or simply mistreated by those who want to do harm, they can be like the "men of bloodshed" .

How and when will we be vindicated?  Even in the midst of all that we face , how often have we turned our eyes toward the Heavens and cried out God ,  "when will we be vindicated?" How often are we like David who knew in his heart that he "walked in my integrity,  and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering", yet false hoods , either spoken through the lips of men or the voice of condemnation from within, when we feel that we have not measured  up to sort of lofty standard ?

  Vindication in Christ

We find any and all meaningful  vindication through and by Jesus Christ alone. Jesus was a man who was removed from justice and falsely accused by the "religious" leaders of the day, Jesus was in their way and they wanted Jesus gone.

"In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."Acts:8:33


Jesus subject himself to treatment which he did not deserve and  never lashed out at those who did him harm. He of all persons lived in perfect holy godly piety and integrity, yet was treated as a criminal by the "religious" leaders, even his grave was set among the wicked.

 "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth."Isa:53:9


 Jesus was by the will of the Father vindicated before all for all, for all time and eternity. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate vindicated of Jesus that he is who he is.  Quoting one of earliest creeds of the Christan faith the Apostle Paul writing to the young Pastor Timothy says.
 

 "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory".1Tim:3:16

The work of the Holy Spirit is to vindicate the truth about Jesus, that he is the Messiah, the only  one by whom humanity is saved.  The Holy Spirit attest to the truth about Jesus to us , speaks to us of who Jesus is, Jesus is vindicated in our hearts and minds.


When we come to believe in Jesus we receive from him all that is his, we are co-heirs, with him of all that is his,  including his vindication. Jesus' vindication, which we share in,   is more than just being publicly declared to be "right and just" and undeserving of ill treatment or not guilty of wrong doing, it is much more than that, it is God making all things right for us through Jesus,  all wrongs that ever have been done toward us or by us are now gone. There is now "no more condemnation" toward any who will accept what Jesus has accomplished on their behalf. We are vindicated before God, by Jesus regardless of what any seen or unseen may say.

 God's Kindness

David was mindful that this vindication which he sought from God, was not just due to his "integrity" which he mentions but rather in truth to God's kindness. He understood that God had bestowed it upon him lavishly. This speaks to  the truth that David understood that any "integrity" which he had came from God and did not arise out of his own self.

 " For Your loving kindness is before my eyes,"

 The blessings of God's kindness, which springs out of his love for us,  and  is for each of us as well. God express his kindness  in all of our lives when he, through the Holy Spirit leads us to a change of thinking about the person of Jesus and we accept and acknowledge Jesus as Savior; this sets us free from past behavior we are therefore unapproachable before God.

  "do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Rm:2:4


This leads us to obey and trust in the great God.
 

  Vindicated before All

The vindication that David cried out for only looks toward the vindication of all who have received from God all that Jesus has accomplished for all of us . When all who have trusted in the complete and perfect work  of Jesus are gathered together in eternity there will be this open declaration of vindication pronounced upon them they are vindicated by God as David sought. This pronounced vindication is expressed in the worship of  Jesus. 

There will be no  reproach , no voice of condemnation ; your trust and obedience will be openly proclaimed by God himself.  There will be no doubt. At this point and  moment in eternity there will be no gloating or self exultation or self condemnation , for our minds will be so full of the  thoughts of God that we will not think to recall the wrongs done to us in this life, or the wrongs which we have done others,  all of that will have left behind us;  we will be in union with the great God and one another, even some of  those who may have wronged us in this life.

There in eternity  there will be no doubt that you have been vindicated. ...Amen

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor,   

The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion
2101 Old National Pike.

Washington, Pennsylvania.   www.gcfountainoflife.org

The Fountain of Life is heard  on the RKP Radio Network 1710 and 1670 AM in Washington and North Franklin ,and 1790 AM  in the Arden Fair Grounds area of Washington Pennsylvania, and on 1710 AM in Bentleyville and Monongahela, Pennsylvania. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com

7 CHURCHES OF THE APOCALYPSE A Trinitarian/Christocentric Study PART 3 OF 3

Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, through a vision given to John, conveys messages for seven churches in Asia Minor. Last time we looked at the first four. Now we’ll look at the last three. Though these messages are for particular congregations, they speak to all churches in all times. And so we begin with prayer: “Come Holy Spirit; speak to us; we’re listening.”

1.  Sardis, the feeble church (Rev. 3:1–6)

1 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The city of Sardis was known for the manufacture of woolen garments and for the worship of Artemis through a cult that emphasized death and rebirth. Sad to say, it had declined to be but a shadow of its former splendor. The same was true of the church in Sardis—it was alive in name only. But there is hope, because Jesus is present and actively sharing his life with them in the Spirit (the “seven spirits” or sevenfold Spirit). 

What the church in Sardis needs is what only the life-giving Spirit can bring—revival, which will typically involve the congregation’s primary leader (it’s “star”—likely a reference to its lead pastor). As goes the leadership, so goes the church.

Unfortunately, the church and its leaders in Sardis were living on past glories while ignoring present decay. As a result, it was near death. Sardis believers had gone to sleep on their watch. This had happened to the city—Sardis had twice been conquered when its guards failed in their watch. When a church’s leaders and members get accustomed to their blessings and complacent about their ministry, the enemy finds a way in. So now Jesus urges them to “Wake up!”

The first step toward spiritual renewal is awareness that something is wrong. Jesus also warns that, if needed, he will come with discipline when they least expect it (as a “thief”). But this need not occur if those in the congregation who have not “soiled their clothes” will wake up. This faithful remnant have not grown complacent about Jesus and the church’s mission. So Jesus admonishes them to strengthen what remains and not give up! And he encourages them with a reminder about the reward for faithfulness. 

The promise to be “dressed in white” (white representing purity and victory) would have been especially meaningful to people in a city where gleaming-white woolen garments were manufactured. And the warning about names being removed “from the book of life” would be significant to people in the Roman Empire where valuable citizenship was recorded in each city’s “book” of records.  Jesus’ point is that our enjoyment of eternal life as citizens of his kingdom is found in fellowship with him. And thus to fail to participate in that kingdom fellowship actively, is to repudiate Jesus’ gift to us. This is not a statement about losing one’s salvation so much as it is encouragement to active and faithful participation with Jesus in his loving and living.

Note on the “Book of Life” and hell:  Through his incarnation, Jesus has included all humanity with him in God’s “Book of Life”(see Psa. 69:28). Revelation 13:8 and 17:8 reassure us that our names were written there “from the foundation of the world”—long before we had done anything good or bad. By God’s grace (unearned favor), all humanity has been included in Jesus (the second Adam) and thus made to be (named) God’s dearly loved children (Eph. 1:4). If not before, at the final judgment, all people will stand before Jesus, understanding who he is, and who they are in him. But God forces this identity on no one. Each must personally embrace or repudiate the life that is theirs in union with Jesus. To repudiate it, is to place themselves in a condition of alienation (in their minds) from God—an action tantamount to having their name removed from the Book of Life. This is hell.

The warning to the church at Sardis, and to us all, is that we not become complacent and inactive as followers of Jesus. We must pick up our cross and follow him, in the Spirit, fulfilling the Father’s mission. To fail to do so, is to embrace death rather than life. And no congregation is beyond hope of sharing in that life as long as faithful ones step up and strengthen the things that remain. Let us do so!

2.  Philadelphia, the faithful church (Rev. 3:7–13)

7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars-- I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Philadelphia (which means “brotherly love”) was a city literally built on shaky ground—it suffered from frequent and violent earthquakes, and many of its citizens lived outside the city walls in the countryside where they felt more secure. Jesus comes to the faithful believers in that city a message of assurance—their place in his city (kingdom) is secure. It is true that they have “little strength,” but they need not worry, because Jesus holds the key of entrance—the “key of David.” This imagery is from Isaiah 22:15–25 where it signifies authority over David’s house and means the Messiah’s undisputed authority over entrance into, or exclusion from, his kingdom (the kingdom of God). So these believers in Philadelphia are assured by the one who holds the key, that they have been given entrance to his kingdom. He encourages them by reminding them that though they are not a well resourced church, they are a faithful one. 

They are true to God’s word and unafraid to bear God’s name in the face of opposition.  Revelation 3:10 suggests that they had endured special testing and had proved faithful. The lesson here is that it is not the size or the strength of a congregation that determines its participation in Jesus’ love and life; rather it’s faithfulness to Jesus’ call.

Part of the opposition they faced was from Jews in that city (Rev. 3:9). This was really the opposition of Satan, for we do not battle against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12). How were these Jews opposing the church at Philadelphia? For one thing, by excluding Jewish Christians from the synagogue. Another tactic was probably false accusation. Jesus encourages them to stand strong with three reassuring promises:

·         He will deal with their enemies (Rev. 3:9). One day, these people who oppose the church there will have to acknowledge that the Christians were right! (see Isa. 60:14; Phil. 2:10–11). If we are faithful to God, he will fight our battles for us.

·         He will keep them from severe trial (Rev. 3:10). “Hour of trail” here is not a reference to a specific time, but to trials themselves—times when God’ moves in power within the world to reveal his Messiah (Jesus). Believers need not fear such trials, for they stand with Jesus, who is both their judge and defender. The thought here parallels Jesus’ prayer for his disciples in John 17:15.

·         He ensures that God will honor them (Rev. 3:12). To be called a “pillar” is especially meaningful in this earth-quake prone area. Their city may fall, but their home with Jesus in his kingdom is unshakable. Ancient cities often honored great leaders by erecting pillars with their names inscribed on them. God’s pillars are not made of stone, because there is no temple in the heavenly city (Rev. 21:22). His pillars are faithful people who faithfully bear the name of the Faithful One.

Jesus calls his faithful ones to remain faithful!

3.  Laodicea, the foolish church (Rev. 3:14–22)

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.”

Laodicea was known for its wealth, much of it derived from the manufacture of a special eye salve, and a glossy black wool cloth. It was located near the city of Hierapolis, where there were famous hot springs, and Colossae, known for its pure, cold water. The Lord presents himself to the church in Laodicea as “the Amen”(the truth)--“the faithful and true witness,” who is the “ruler” (which here means “source”) of all of creation(Rev. 3:14). This Jesus wants to show this congregation the truth about its spiritual condition and its source of being. He presents his diagnosis in four parts:

a.   They have lost their vigor (vv. 15–17)

15 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm-- neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

They are spiritually “lukewarm” which means comfortable, complacent, and blind to their spiritual poverty. Both the cold water from Colossae and the hot water from Hierapolis would be lukewarm and polluted—and thus worthless by the time it was piped into Laodicea. This congregation had become lifeless because they failed to embrace the source of true life—Jesus. “Without me you can do nothing” says Jesus to us all (John 15:5). But the Laodicean believers thought otherwise—they relied on their own, rather abundance, resources: “We have need of nothing!” But their material wealth and significant achievements were a shroud hiding a rotting corpse.

b.   They have lost their values (vv. 17–18a)

17” You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness…”

The Laodiceans boasted of their wealth—their city was a banking center and perhaps a marketplace approach crept into the church. They had lost Jesus’ ministry values and became spiritually bankrupt. They were, in the eyes of the Lord, “wretched, pitiful, blind and naked.” The solution? Pay the price to get true “gold refined in the fire.” This suggests that the church needed some persecution; they were too comfortable (1 Peter 1:7). Nothing makes God’s people examine their priorities faster than suffering!

c.   They have lost their vision (v. 18b)

“…and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”

The Laodiceans were “blind.” They could not see reality. When we are not growing in Christ, our spiritual vision is diminished (2 Peter 1:5–9). And these people cannot see themselves as they really are. Nor can they see their Lord as he stands outside the door of their church. Nor can they see the open doors of opportunity. They are so wrapped up in building their own kingdom that they have become lukewarm in their concern for the Father’s mission which is the focus of Jesus, their Lord. The solution? Apply heavenly eye salve! The city of Laodicea was noted for its eye salve. They eye salve from Jesus comes through the Spirit and has to do with repentance—changing our thinking about Jesus and, in the light of that truth, about ourselves and all humanity.

d.   They have lost their clothes (vv. 17–18)

17 “You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Like the Emperor with no clothes, these Christians thought they were clothed in splendor; but the truth is that they were naked. Ironically, the Laodiceans who were clothed physically in so many splendors were spiritually impoverished. They lacked the white garments of God’s righteousness and grace. According to Revelation 19:8, in Jesus we are clothed in “fine linen, clean and white,” which symbolizes “the righteous acts of the saints”—our sharing in Jesus’ own righteous being and doing (works). But they were blind to Jesus and were thus unclothed. Because they commended themselves, Jesus has no commendation for them—they are walking around in the clothing of their own achievement, rather than in the true and lasting clothing of Jesus’ achievement.

Jesus closes this letter to the Laodicean believers with exhortations and warnings:

·         “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Rev. 3:19a). He still loves these lukewarm saints, even though their love for him had grown cold. So he will discipline them in love (Prov. 3:11–12; Heb. 12:5–6).

·         “Be zealous therefore, and repent” (Rev. 3:19b). He urges them to repent of their pride and humble themselves before their Lord. They need to “stir up that inner fire” (2 Tim. 1:6) and cultivate a burning heart for Jesus.

·         “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 3:20-22). These verses are often applied to lost people, but they are here directed to individual, lukewarm believers, who hold Jesus outside of their own lives. But always a faithful Lord, Jesus patiently and persistently “knocks”—he seeks entrance back in. He will not force his way in—but as each one repents—turns their heart to him, fellowship will be restored and ultimately that fellowship will lead to final victory in the fullness of Jesus’ kingdom. 

The Laodiceans had “successful programs” but their achievement was in the flesh, not the Spirit. They were not abiding in Christ, the source of true life (John 15:1–8). It is only in communion with Jesus that we find true victory and enjoy the true life of his kingdom.

The messages from Jesus, through the Spirit, to the seven churches are specific to particular first-century churches.  But these messages convey principles instructive to all churches at all times... Amen


 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor,   

The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion
2101 Old National Pike.

Washington, Pennsylvania.   www.gcfountainoflife.org

The Fountain of Life is heard  on the RKP Radio Network 1710 and 1670 AM in Washington and North Franklin ,and 1790 AM  in the Arden Fair Grounds area of Washington Pennsylvania, and on 1710 AM in Bentleyville and Monongahela, Pennsylvania. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com

If Not for the Lord

The Nation of Israel had faced many challenges as they came out of Egypt,  trekked through the wilderness  and ultimately settled in the Promised land and through it all they faced adversaries which were greater in strength than they. Through each and all the challenges it was the Lord God who brought them victory. 


King David wrote  Psalm:124 which attributes the providence of God and his gracious protection for the victories that they  had won.

Psalm:124  is designated as a Psalm of Ascent written by King David, the Psalms of Ascent are thought , by some Biblical Scholars to have been sung as a progression  during the Fall Holy Day season, starting with Psalm:120 on the Day of Atonement  ending with Psalm:134 on  first evening of the Feast of Tabernacles(Sukkot) which were enjoined under the Old Covenant. (Leviticus:23 and Deuteronomy:16)

Also the period of time between the Fall Holy Days the Feast of Trumpets(Rosh Hasannah) and of the  Day of Atonement(You Kippur) completes   a time called the Days of Awe , which was  a time to remember the great acts of God in the life of the people of Israel and to reflect upon them and worship the Lord God.


Psalm:124 is found in Book Five of the whole Book of Psalms each of the five Books mirrors on the first five Books of the Bible.  Book Five of the Psalms parallels Moses' Book of Deuteronomy, which is a recount or retelling of the works of God in the life of Israel and the giving of the Law and establishment of the Covenant between God and Israel.

David used this concept of recounting to readdress and remind the people of Israel that it is God who has blessed them with victory and has graciously blessed them, and not they themselves.

Psalm:124

"If the Lord had not been on our side—

let Israel say—

if the Lord had not been on our side

when people attacked us,

they would have swallowed us alive

when their anger flared against us;

the flood would have engulfed us,

the torrent would have swept over us,

the raging waters

would have swept us away.

Praise be to the Lord,

who has not let us be torn by their teeth.

We have escaped like a bird

from the fowler’s snare;

the snare has been broken,

and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth."

 If it had not been the Lord

David makes it clear to all  who it is that is responsible for the victories that Israel has been given, "If it had not been the Lord".

David from the very onset of the Psalm declares that it is God who has blessed Israel and these victories had not come through their own efforts and abilities. David then admonishes his people to acknowledge this truth and the God who embodies it,  "let Israel say" .

They should remember who it is that has defeated their enemies, from the armies of Egypt to the Canaanite nations  who held the Promised Land, It is the Lord who has done theses great things on their behalf.

When Men Rose Up

David address that the enemies  of Israel were men who "rose up against"  the people of God. This phrase address not just the natures of Israel's enemies but the true reason for their coming against Israel. 

 It was out of their carnal nature which motivated Israel's enemies,that they sought power and control and wanted to exult the "gods"  of their own making which reflects only the truth about themselves. A person's or nation's  "god" is a mirror image of the persons or nation's own self. Everything that a person's or nation's "god" is  tells you much about the person  or nation's . the "gods" of the nations were like the nations that warred against Israel. 

Would Have Been Swallowed 

If the Lord God had not graciously taken the "side" of Israel , Israel would have ceased to survived as a nation but  would have been , consumed or "swallowed up" by their enemies , when "wrath" was directed at Israel.

But the Lord preserved them in spite of those who came against them. 

The wrath and anger that is expressed against and for Israel is not just directed toward the Israelite people alone,  but above them it is directed toward the God that they worshiped , the God who set them free and gave them the land of Canaan this God the  is true object of the nations anger. To swallow up Israel is to eradicate the worship of the God of Heaven, the God who created all things.

 Like an  Overwhelming Water

If the Lord God had not been for Israel they would have been swept away and forgotten. David tells Israel that the power of the nations would have been  like a ragging torrent that would have taken them away.Israel wold be gone but for the providence of the Lord God.

Praise God

David' s response to the protection shown to Israel by the Lord is to worship to acknowledge that with out God's blessing of protection defeat would have come upon them, they as a people would have been destroyed by their adversaries. David credits the preservation of his people to the Lord whom he served.

"Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth"  this speaks of the strength of the those who came against Israel, that God has not let them defeat his people and for this David give all the praise to the Lord.

Escape From the Snare

Not only has victory come from the Lord but beyond that Israel was removed out the reach of their enemies. God has broken the traps that were deliberately set for them. These traps at first may have been cleverly set but God brakes them and Israel , like a bird in flight is out of the reach of those who sought their harm.

"We have escaped like a bird  from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped".

Our Help

David closes the Psalm with the reminder and acknowledgement that it is God alone who has help Israel and delivered them. That God has accomplished for his people every deliverance from the plots which have arisen out of the arrogant heart of Israels' foes and that the God of Israel's help is the very one who created all things that his power is over and above all else.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

For Us

The words of this Psalm are not just for the people of Israel in ages past ago but for us today. In our lives today as Christians we too can face challenges that arise . These challenges can threaten us to the point,  were we feel as if we are about to be "swallowed up" or "swept away".

There are times when snares are so cleverly laid that without the help of the great God we would be ensnared  and taken by powers and even circumstances far more powerful than we.

God On Your Side

When the enemies of our lives threaten , what ever the guise this enemy may assume , what ever form it takes, health problems, loss of employment, lost relationships, loneliness or another challenge  it will attempt to distract you from one who has given us so great a salvation; Jesus Christ.

What ever you face  this day or the next , you  have a Savior who is stead fast and is standing with  you and we need not fear. Jesus is "on you side".

This Savior wants you and we all to know that he has made an eternal commitment to each and all, that whatever you or any of us face he is there, you are never alone, he will not abandon you.

" will I never leave you;  will never I forsake you" Heb:13:5

Whatever plots arise against us,  no matter how great the enemy, whatever that enemy might be, we can face the challenge for the Lord Jesus is with you.

Knowing that Jesus has made an eternal commitment to stand with us we need not fear , this  should cause us to be confident in him.  Jesus is our help in and through any and all challenges which arise in our lives.

"So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.What can mere men do to me?"(6)

If God Be For Us

 The people of Israel faced  multiple threats from the nations around them, many of whom were greater and more powerful than Israel, yet victory was given them not due to their power of strength of arms but thru the great God who was and is greater than any and all which might come against us, whether they be powers seen or unseen which arise out of the world around us.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."1Jhn:4:4

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Rm:8:31

 Giving Him Praise

 Knowing that our Lord is with us should bring a response of worship and giving praise to Jesus ,
whatever we face our Lord is with us Jesus is our victory and deliverance  over all that we face.

"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Rm:7:25a

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."1Crth:15:57

Our Lord is us and through Jesus Christ has given the great victory over all that arise against us . He is with us and we will not be swallowed up in defeat. Our Lord God through Jesus has brought us victory even over the greatest enemy of all; death through Jesus death has and is defeated our response should be that of worship and thanksgiving.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ".1Crth:15:54c-57

Praise God for the victory over all our enemies for we would have been swallowed up alive if not for the Lord...Amen

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor,   

The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion
2101 Old National Pike.

Washington, Pennsylvania.   www.gcfountainoflife.org

The Fountain of Life is heard  on the RKP Radio Network 1710 and 1670 AM in Washington and North Franklin ,and 1790 AM  in the Arden Fair Grounds area of Washington Pennsylvania, and on 1710 AM in Bentleyville and Monongahela, Pennsylvania. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com

7 CHURCHES OF THE APOCALYPSE A Trinitarian/Christocentric Study PART 2 OF 3

1.  Ephesus, the careless church (Rev. 2:1–7)

1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:  These are thewords of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands…”

Each of the seven messages begins with a personal description or designation of Jesus taken from John’s vision of him in Revelation1. In this way, judgment comes to these churches in the stunning revelation of the person of Jesus.  In seeing him, they more clearly see themselves.  And here Jesus is seen as the one who is in charge.  

Historically, the Ephesian congregation had enjoyed some rather “stellar” human leadership—Paul, Timothy, and John himself—but Jesus reminds them that he is the church’s true and only Lord—and he places these human “stars” where it pleases him. We are to look to Jesus, not to men.

a.   Approval (vv. 2–3, 6)

2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.  I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary….6 but you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Jesus now enumerates this congregation’s strengths. They are a serving church, busy doing the Lord’s work.  In this, they are a sacrificing and a steadfast church, laboring under duress and not quitting.  And they are a careful church—examining visiting teachers to see if they are genuine.  They even repudiated the influential Nicolaitans — a group of legalistic teachers that we’ll learn more about in the message to the church at Pergamum.  In short, Ephesus is an exemplary congregation.

b.   Accusation (v. 4)

4 “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.”

Jesus’ main concern is with their heart (inner motive) behind their admirable works. They have “forsaken” their “first love”—their passionate love for Jesus himself. Indeed, it is possible to sacrificially serve Jesus without deeply loving him.  Labor is no substitute for love; and doctrinal purity no substitute for passion. Any church that participates fully in Jesus’ love and life will have both. Paul earlier wrote to this congregation (see Ephesians) and praised them for their love. But in the ensuing years, that love had waned.  Jesus wants to help them rekindle it, and so, in love, he brings strong admonition…

c.   Admonition (vv. 5, 7)

5 “Remember the height from which you have fallen!  Repent and do the things you did at first.  If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place…. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

Their “first love” will be restored if they do three things:

·         Remember (literally “keep on remembering”) what they had lost in order to cultivate a desire to regain a deep, loving communion with their Savior.

·         Repent—change their thinking about Jesus—recapture their reverence and love for their Lord.

·         Repeat the first works, which suggests restoration of the original fellowship that was broken by their neglect to share through the Spirit in the Father’s love for his Son Jesus, which spills forth in love for people.

Jesus is calling for nothing less than spiritual renewal. This is a serious need, because they are at risk, in spite of their strengths and privileges, of losing their light (effective witness) as a church.  “I will come” (verse 5) is a reference to Jesus’ coming right then to bring discipline.  As implied in verse 7, each individual believer within the church is to take this warning personally, no matter what others may do.  In these seven messages, the “overcomers” are not the “spiritual elite,” but those who, in faith and love, are united to Jesus, and who thus share fully in the benefit of his victory (1 John 5:4–5).  Let us all hear the exhortation to the church in Ephesus and not neglect our first love!

2.  Smyrna, the crowned church (Rev. 2:8–11)

8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.”

The congregation at Smyrna was persecuted for their commitment to the faith, which explains why Jesus emphasizes his death and resurrection as he opens his message.  No matter what experiences God’s people may have, their Lord, who is divine and human, identifies with and suffers with them.

a.   Approval (v. 9)

9 “I know your afflictions and your poverty-- yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”

The Smyrna believers (including one of their leaders, Polycarp) were persecuted, probably because they refused to compromise and say, “Caesar is Lord.”  Smyrna was an important center of the Roman imperial cult, and anyone refusing to acknowledge Caesar as Lord was excluded from the trade guilds; meaning unemployment and poverty. Smyrna had many Jewish citizens.  And because Judaism was an approved Roman religion they were not persecuted for practicing Judaism; but to protect themselves they had to repudiate Christians.  Thus John refers to the synagogue (assembly) of Jews in Smyrna as “a synagogue of Satan.”  His claim is not racial, but a spiritual assessment of this particular group.  They bear the name of God’s people (the Jews), but in belief and behavior, they repudiate their true identity.

b.   Admonition (vv. 10–11)

10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

Jesus has no words of accusation against this church, but does admonish them to “not be afraid.”  Jesus assures them that he knows the devil’s plans, yet he is in control. Though some believers will be imprisoned as traitors to Rome, their suffering will not last long; in the Bible, ten days signifies “a brief time” (Gen. 24:55; Acts 25:6).  The important thing for them is standing true to Jesus despite trial.  The “crown of life” is the crown awarded to the winner in an athletic contest. Smyrna was a key participant in the Olympic-like games of the time, so Jesus’ promise would be especially meaningful to them.  And Jesus’ message is clear—they need not fear losing the position they have with God in union with Jesus.  Because they trust Jesus they are already victors—“overcomers.”  No human government can strip them of their winner’s crown. Even if they are martyred, they will be ushered into glory, crowns in place!  The specter of a future “second death” (later in Revelation called the “lake of fire”) is not a worry for them, despite the fiery trials that may come their way now.

3.  Pergamum, the compromising church (Rev. 2:12–17)

12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.”

With the first temple dedicated to Caesar (Satan’s “throne” in verse 13), the city of Pergamum was a rabid promoter of the imperial cult. Yet the church there remained faithful to Jesus…

a.   Approval (v. 13)

13  “I know where you live, where Satan has his throne.  Yet you remain true to my name.  You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death in your city-- where Satan lives.”

The Pergamum believers had suffered persecution, yet remained true to God. One of them (Antipas) had even been martyred.  They would have refused to worship Caesar as “Lord,” for that homage belongs only to the Lord Jesus, who has “the sharp, double-edged sword,” (verse 12).  That knowledge would have comforted these people, for the sword was also the symbol of the Roman proconsul.  It was more important that the church fear the sword (power and authority) of Jesus than of Rome (see verse 16).

b.   Accusation (vv. 14–15)

14  “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to e ntice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”

Despite their courage in the face of persecution, the Pergamum believers were not faultless in their witness to Jesus.  Satan had not been able to destroy them as the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), but he was making inroads as the deceiving serpent. A group of false teachers had infiltrated the church there, and Jesus hates their false doctrines and practices.  These infiltrators are the “Nicolaitans,” whom we met in verse 6. The name means “to rule the people.”  What they taught is called “the doctrine of Balaam” (verse 14).  The Hebrew name Balaam means “lord of the people” and is probably synonymous with Nicolaitans.  Sadly, these false leaders “lorded it over” the people and led them into sin.

Balaam was a true prophet who prostituted his gifts in order to earn money from King Balak, who hired him to curse Israel.  God prevented Balaam from doing so, turning the curses into blessings!—but Balak still got his money’s worth.  How?  By following Balaam’s advice and making friends with Israel, and then inviting the Jews to worship and feast at the pagan altars.  “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!”  The Israelites fell right into the trap and many ate meat from idolatrous altars and committed fornication as part of heathen religious rites.  Twenty-four thousand people died because of this disobedient act of compromise (Num. 25:1–9).  Why did this bit of ancient history apply to the believers at Pergamum?  Because a group in that church said, “There is nothing wrong with being friendly to Rome.  What harm is there in putting a pinch of incense on the altar of the temple and affirming loyalty to Caesar?”  Antipas refused to compromise and was martyred; but others took the “easy way” and cooperated with Rome.  In the Lord’s sight they were committing “spiritual fornication.”  This compromise made them welcome in the Roman trade guilds and protected them from Roman persecution, but it cost them their testimony and thus their crown.

In our world we also face temptation to compromise with the ungodly “powers that be.”  The name Pergamum means “married,” reminding us that the church is “engaged to Christ” and must be kept pure (2Cor.11:1–4).  We will see later in Revelation that this present world system is pictured as a defiled harlot, while the church is presented as Jesus’ pure bride. The congregation or the individual Christian that compromises with the evil systems of this world just to avoid suffering or to achieve success is committing “spiritual adultery.”

c.   Admonition (vv. 16–17)

16  “Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”

Antipas the martyr had felt the sword of Rome, but the church at Pergamum, if they did not repent, would feel the “sword” of Jesus—his word of truth (Heb. 4:12). This “come to you” is not a reference to Jesus’ return but to his coming then to bring discipline.  Jesus makes this admonition personal—as with the previous churches, he appeals to individuals: “He who has an ear…To him who overcomes” (verse 17). God fed Israel with manna in the wilderness. Instead of eating “things sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:14), the believers in Pergamum needed to feast on God’s holy food, Jesus, the bread of life (John 6:32ff).  In those days, a white stone was put into a vessel by a judge to vote acquittal for a person on trial.  It was also used like a “ticket” to gain admission to a feast. Both would certainly apply to the believer in a spiritual sense: he has been declared righteous through faith in Jesus; and he feasts with Jesus today (Rev. 3:20), and will feast with him in the fullness of glory (Rev. 19:6–9).

4.  Thyatira, the corrupted church (Rev. 2:18–29)

18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.”

Thyatira was a military town and commercial center with many trade guilds with their patron pagan gods. Wherever these guilds were found, idolatry and immorality—the two great enemies of the early church—were almost always present. The city boasted a special temple to Apollo, the “sun god,” which explains why Jesus introduces himself as “the Son of God” (the only time in Revelation this title is used). Jesus has a severe warning for this congregation, which explains the fiery description of his eyes and feet.

a.   Approval (v. 19)

19  “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”

The believers in Thyatira sacrificed to serve others—works that were increasing and characterized by love, faith and patience. So this church was not guilty of mere “religious activity.”

b.   Accusation (vv. 20–23)

20  “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.  By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead.  Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.”

The church was permitting a false prophetess to influence the people and lead them into compromise. The name of this prophetess is likely symbolic.  Jezebel was the idolatrous queen who seduced Israel into Baal worship (1 Kings 16–19). Now this “Jezebel” in the church is teaching believers to compromise with the Roman religion and the pagan practices of the trade guilds, so that Christians would not lose their jobs or their lives.  Thus the church in Thyatira, through growing in love, was succumbing to false doctrine.  “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) is the balance they lacked. 

Unfortunately the church in Thyatira was unwilling to change. Jesus had given the false prophetess time to repent, yet she refused.  Now he was giving her followers opportunity to repent.  His eyes of fire had searched out their thoughts and motives—his righteous judgment is that their idolatry and compromise amount to spiritual “adultery.”  And so Jesus warns them (and “all the churches”) to cease tolerating evil.  If they do not, the evil of Jezebel and her followers will be brought to an end.

c.   Admonition (vv. 24–29)

24  “Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): 25 Only hold on to what you have until I come. 26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-- 27 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' --just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Thankfully, some of the believers in Thyatira remained faithful to Jesus by separating themselves from the false prophetess and her heresy, which Jesus characterizes as “Satan’s so-called deep secrets.”  Jesus encourages these faithful ones to hold fast, “until I come” when he will reward them with a share in his “authority over the nations” symbolized by the “morning star” which was a symbol of Roman victory and sovereignty. Despite feelings of helplessness in the face of persecution, these believers can stand strong in Jesus who is the sovereign, total victor!

In these first four messages to the seven churches, we see dangers to churches that still exist today.  Like Ephesus, we can be zealous and orthodox, yet lose our love for Jesus and for people. Or, like Thyatira, our love can be vibrant, but our discernment can be lacking, keeping us from being faithful witnesses to Jesus’ purity.  Or like Pergamum and Thyatira, we can be so tolerant of evil that Jesus may need to come to us with severe discipline, which, in some instances, may mean the end of a congregation (removing its lampstand—see Rev. 2:5).  How tragic it would be for a congregation to gradually abandon its focus on and trust in its Lord Jesus—in doing so they would cease being effective witnesses to the one source of truth and of salvation—Jesus himself. To be faithful witnesses to Jesus is the reason the Spirit grants life to each church in the first place.  “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!”

To be contiued

Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor,   

The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion
2101 Old National Pike.

Washington, Pennsylvania.   www.gcfountainoflife.org

The Fountain of Life is heard  on the RKP Radio Network 1710 and 1670 AM in Washington and North Franklin ,and 1790 AM  in the Arden Fair Grounds area of Washington Pennsylvania, and on 1710 AM in Bentleyville and Monongahela, Pennsylvania. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com