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His Marvelous Light!

He is the light that illuminates understanding in our soul. He is the light that gives hope now and for the future. He is the light which gives strength when we are weak, direction when we have lost our focus, and clarity instead of confusion.

1Peter 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God's] OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

The dispersed Christians were reminded of the benefits they had in Christ – they were a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s own possession. These rights were no longer just for a particular group but for all Christians. And these advantages were theirs for a reason – to proclaim the excellencies of God so that others would be sanctified in Truth.

That you may proclaim – there is an intentional purpose for those who follow Christ. To proclaim here means to publish or to celebrate. Both ensue action, the KJV uses the phrase ‘that ye should shew forth’. We have the privilege of being God’s messengers. Paul reminded the elders of the church in Ephesus of his own boldness in speaking of Christ and charged them with the reminder that they also needed to speak Truth; they were to care for those who were like-minded.

Acts 20:27-28 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Consider. When someone gives you a gift, you respond with thanks. Salvation offered to us is a gift. Do we tend to this gift with gratitude and display it for all to see? Do we share the value of this gift with others? Salvation has not been granted to us to be hoarded and put into the dark recesses of a cabinet. Rather, we are to exhibit the blessings of God by seeking to live a holy life, proclaiming Christ to others.

Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary offers the following response to our salvation –

By proper ascriptions of praise to Him in public, family, and social worship;

By being always the avowed friends of God, ready ever to vindicate His government and ways;

By endeavouring to make known His excellences to all those who are ignorant of Him; and

By such a life as shall constantly proclaim His praise – as the sun, the moon, the stars, the hills, the streams, the flowers do, showing what God does. The consistent life of a devoted Christian is a constant setting forth of the praise of God, showing to all that the God who has made him such is worthy to be loved.

Isaiah 43:21 "The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare My praise.

Our lives are about Him, not us. We are vessels meant for offering praise and glory to God for who He is and what He has done. The 1599 Geneva Bible Notes says, “that by all means possible we [are] to set forth the great goodness of the most mighty God”.

Does your behavior speak of Jesus? How? What behaviors do not honor Christ?

We are to proclaim the excellencies of God. It is impossible to proclaim with any kind of enthusiasm that which we do not know or understand. For example, ask two people to explain how to raise a puppy. One who has firsthand experience and one who has only heard others talk about it. Which testimony would be more compelling to listen to?

What are the excellencies of God? How would you explain who God is and why your faith is placed in Him? There are intrinsic virtues of God, His very essence, His attributes, are what makes Him God. We are to proclaim God’s wisdom, power, truth, goodness, and mercy. Foremost because He has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Consider the darkness. This means shadiness or obscurity, either literally or figuratively. There is darkness in trouble and in ignorance. When you are taking a photograph, shadows will keep you from getting a good picture.

Do you let circumstances obscure your view or do you rely upon God’s light to show you the way?

Also consider the shadiness associated with honesty. Are we allowing the world’s message to cast a shadow on our understanding of God?

God has literally pulled us away from sin’s power and control to the blessings, privileges, and power of the gospel. This assurance was given to the nation of Israel while they were being held captive and it is our assurance also, that by abiding in Christ, we are not held captive by sin. “…when the gospel comes to any place, to any soul, light comes. Let us earnestly pray that it may shine into our hearts, and make us wise unto salvation”, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on Isa 9:2.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.

Isaiah 42:16 "And I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone."

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Read the account of Paul upon his conversion:

Acts 26:15-18 "And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 'But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; delivering you from the [Jewish] people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'

Also read the words of Paul to the Colossian church:

Colossians 1:9-14 For this reason also, since the day we heard [of it], we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Recognize, we are called out of darkness into His marvelous light! This is more than just an ‘aha’ moment – it is the light of Truth, the gospel, and the wonderful blessings associated with God’s great love for us. He is the light that illuminates understanding in our soul. This is the light that gives hope now and for the future. He is the light which gives strength when we are weak, direction when we have lost our focus, and clarity instead of confusion. God’s light replaces hate with love, it is the source of compassion and patience.

When we consider what we have been saved from and what we are saved to, our response must be to shout God’s praise. Darkness and light are opposites. The darkness – idolatry, ungodliness, willful disobedience, and spiritual death – is appointed for those who reject Christ. God’s children, through faith and trust in Jesus, sit in the glorious light of His marvelous redemption.

1 Thessalonians 5:3-5 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;

“As a family, let us remember how the Lord has favored us in his grace, and let each saved one among us remember whereunto he is called. Chosen, royal priestly, peculiar, and beloved of heaven, - what manner of persons ought we to be? We ought to be far better than others, for the Lord has dealt so much better with us. May rich grace rest upon us, and cause us to show forth the praises of our God”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

How will you follow the apostle Peter’s charge to proclaim Christ?

What truths are you reminded of in 1 Peter 2:9 that cause you to praise God?

Where is Your Value?

So what do we build our standard of righteousness on? Intelligence, observance, understanding, research, history?

Where do you turn in adversity? Where is your hope? Where is your righteousness found?

In Psalm 119:137-140 we read about God’s righteousness and perfect judgment, the faithfulness of His word, David’s anger towards those who had forgotten God’s word, and the Psalmist’s contemplation on the purity of God’s word. Also, in verse 140, we read how these truths led David to love God’s word. (Ps 119:137 part 1, Pondering God’s Purity; Ps 119:137 part 2, Unwavering and Upright; Ps 119:138 part 1, Exceeding Faithfulness; Ps 119:138 part 2, A Charge to Obedience; Ps 119:139, What Makes You Zealous?; Ps 119:140, What Do You Love?) Continuing on in Psalm119:141, it says, “I am small and despised. [Yet] I do not forget Thy precepts”.

Small <tsa’lyr> little; (in number) few; (in age) young; (in value) ignoble:--least, little (one), small (one).

Have you ever felt small and despised? How would you define what it means to say or think this about yourself?

WordWeb defines small as 1. Limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent; 2. Limited in size or scope; 3. (of children and animals) young, immature; 4. Low or inferior in station or quality. The definition goes on to explain that you can be made to seem small or less (especially in worth), and finally, slight or limited, especially in degree or intensity or scope.

I had to look up the word ‘ignoble’ listed in the Strong’s definition above. This word means to be completely lacking nobility in character, quality or purpose (WordWeb).

Would it be fair to say that David is feeling some adversity? He felt himself small and despised by others. Despised, used in Ps 119:141, is a strong word meaning to disdain or be contemptible or scorned.

“His enemies made no account of him, regarded him as a man without power or ability, and therefore looked down upon him. He appears to accept the situation and humbly take the lowest room, but he carries God’s word with him. How many a man has been driven to do some ill action in order to reply to the contempt of his enemies: to make himself conspicuous he has either spoken or acted in a manner which he could not justify. The beauty of the Psalmist’s piety was that it was calm and well balanced, and as he was not carried away by flattery, so was he not overcome by shame. If small, he the more jealously attended to the smaller duties; and if despised, he was the more in earnest to keep the despised commandments of God”. Treasury of David

First, consider why David was in this position.

Second, consider what David’s reaction is to his position.

Third, consider where he turned in recognition to his position.

Why was David in this position? Because he loved and followed God. His faithfulness to God bothered others. Consider what happens when people begin to feel uncomfortable or even ‘guilty’ around others. Often, instead of noting their own error, they attack or belittle someone who is standing out and doing the right thing. The world easily scorns those who try to live according to God’s laws. Recall how David was overlooked even in his own family (1 Sam 16:11). Read Isaiah’s account of how others reacted to Jesus.

Isa 53:3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

But what is the truth? – In the case of Jesus, He is God, Truth itself – there is none higher! And in the eyes of God, David had great value, as do all His children.

What was David’s reaction to his position? Although David feels himself small and despised, his reaction is to remain faithful to God’s word. Think how easy it might have been for the Psalmist to buckle under pressure. He could have at least decided to keep quiet about his faith or tried to look like he fit in with those who could cause him harm. But that’s not what we see. He does not fear man more than God.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says this: “David poor and yet pious, small and despised for his strict and serious godliness, yet his conscience can witness for him that he did not forget God’s precepts. He would not throw off his religion, though it exposed him to contempt, for he knew that was designed to try his constancy. When we are small and despised we have the more need to remember God’s precepts, that we may have them to support us under the pressures of a low condition.”

Where did David turn? Adversity caused David to turn towards God, to continue to regard God’s law. God was his strength and support even in the toughest times. Our example is that even when our place in life seems uncertain, what we can and should do is turn towards God even more. In verse 139 of this Psalm, we read of the anger that David felt because of those who had forgotten God. In verse 141 we see his resignation to remain faithful. It didn’t matter how much he felt persecuted or how lowly he felt, he would not forget God’s precepts, rather, the Psalmist turns harder towards them.

Where is our hope? Do we turn towards God’s promises when we feel inferior to the world? Where does our worth come from? Are we counting on who we are here or who we are in God?

Ps 40:17 Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me; Thou art my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.

1Pe 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Jas 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world [to be] rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

We all know people who’ve run from God or chosen to deny the Truth because things didn’t go the way they thought it should or life became too difficult. Often, unfaithfulness is the route taken in adversity. This is contrary to the example seen in Psalm 119:141.

Consider: people are difficult. This should be no surprise, we are born in sin. Ps 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. We are born to trouble. Job 5:7 For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward.

But, God is faithful, always. Look at the next verse in Psalm 119.

Ps 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth.

God’s righteousness – different than the righteousness we may talk of on earth or given by men.

Righteousness <tsedek> to be (causatively, make) right; cleanse, clear self; be justified; turn to righteousness

“It signifies, not only God's inherent righteousness and perfection of nature, but also his method of treating others; his plan of redemption; his method of saving others.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

God’s word is righteousness itself, it is the standard of righteousness and it will last forever, beyond time. It is everlasting – the same at all times and in all places to all peoples in all things.

“It is the rule of God's judgment, and it is consonant to his counsels from eternity and will direct his sentence for eternity. The word of God will judge us, it will judge us in righteousness, and by it our everlasting state will be determined. This should possess us with a very great reverence for the word of God that it is righteousness itself, the standard of righteousness, and it is everlasting in its rewards and punishments.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

Consider. Man’s definition of righteousness from WordWeb. “An internal sense of righteousness”; adhering to moral principles, morality. Being righteous is characterized by or proceeding from accepted standards of morality or justice.

You can immediately see what is wrong with the above definition! Man’s rules of right and wrong change. What may have been considered unacceptable fifty years ago or even twenty years ago is readily accepted now by majority consensus. There are even examples each of us can think of in just the last few years of the accepted standards of morality changing in our nation and even in the world. So what do we build our standard of righteousness on? Intelligence, observance, understanding, research, history? The one thing these all have in common are change and men. Change is the opposite of everlasting and no man is perfect. Where does that leave man’s righteousness? Certainly it cannot be compared to the righteousness of God which is everlasting and perfect.

Ps 111:3 Splendid and majestic is His work; And His righteousness endures forever.

“The principles of God's government are permanent and reliable, and in the deepest distress His people find them a theme of delightful meditation and a source of reviving power”. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalm 119:142 goes on to say, Thy law is truth. God’s precepts, His statutes, His word, His commands – one and the same, are truth, not just the way we think of in something being true as in accuracy or consistency with fact or reality, but Truth itself, with a capital “T”. Again, consider what man basis his truth on. Because of our imperfectness, our truths can change. Consider the many times you hear of a conviction of law and sentencing to be overturned as new facts are uncovered. God’s Truth is absolute, it is certain, it will never be found in error. It cannot deceive.

Truth <emeth> stability; certainty, trustworthiness: assuredly, establishment, faithful, right, sure, truth, verity.

Ps 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.

Ps 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD, and all Thy commandments are truth.

Just as David learned to move towards God in adversity and looked to God for righteousness and truth, we have action to take. Read below how Jesus answered Pilate’s question of Him before He was sentenced to crucifixion.

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say [correctly] that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

This answers the question, how was David able to turn towards God when he felt so attacked, so insignificant, so small. God’s truth, God’s absolute and eternal justice is heard and understood by those He calls. Are we moved to live according to what we know, even if we are not liked because of it? David chose to continue to serve God and to remember God’s word. He took encouragement in the righteousness and absolute truths of God’s word. Read the encouragement in Paul’s letter to the church in 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1.

2Th 1:6-12 For after all it is [only] just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and [to give] relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed--for our testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; 12 in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ps 119:141-142 I am small and despised, [Yet] I do not forget Thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth.

Our value is in Christ. Our worth comes from following God. David turned towards God when he felt insignificant in the world because he understood who he was – a child redeemed by the most precious sacrifice known to man – Jesus! Feeling adversity is not necessarily bad if it is for the right reasons, it reminds us who we are, who God is and our need of Him. If our hope is placed in God, we are standing on perfect righteousness, never to be shaken.

Tag: value

His Marvelous Light!

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Where is Your Value?

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