The Psalmist calls us to sing, bless, tell, and declare the Name, salvation, glory, and works of God to all nations. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). So, which one(s) are you doing (singing, blessing, telling, declaring or discipling)? I like doing them all!
This is the way that the Lord wants us to influence our generation. Winning the argument will not win the lost. We overcome with kindness, patience and gentleness. This does not mean withdrawal or surrender to the world’s system. But it does mean that we fight the battle with spiritual, not worldly weapons.
The powerful, world-changing strategy of multiplication discipleship! Paul told Timothy to disciple others in the same way he had been discipled. We all need a Paul to mentor us. A Barnabas to walk along side as a peer to encourage us. And a Timothy that we can invest in and disciple. Do you have these three powerful relationships?
This psalm, attributed to Moses, encourages us to be aware of the fleeting nature of life and to determine not to waste our days. This is not a morbid instruction, but one that faces reality. We have a finite number of days appointed unto us on planet Earth. Number them, be aware that each day is a gift from God and a holy stewardship. The promise of eternal life should not release us to waste this season, but should pull us toward investing every moment we have for God, so that we store up riches in heaven.
“Take hold” (seize with focused resolve) of the prize of your salvation which is eternal life, and by implication do not try and take hold of worldly things. Focus on the prize. Live as a soldier in a foreign land, not becoming entangled in worldly pursuits, focusing on the victor’s crown of eternal life. What’s in your hand? Release that which is worldly and take hold of that which is eternal and don’t let go.
A Messianic psalm fulfilled in Jesus, Son of David. King David was promised that one of his sons would always sit on the throne. Yet, his royal line was removed from power by Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzer and has not led since. However, Jesus has come in the line of David as both Son of Man and Son of God. He has inaugurated the Kingdom of Heaven and all who believe in Him have become His offspring. This Kingdom is an everlasting one. This King and His people will endure forever.
Paul told the young pastor Timothy to avoid focusing on silly distractions and people who might despise his leadership. Instead, “devote” (To give all or a large part of one’s time and resources to) the ministry of the Word. Today’s young pastor faces perhaps the most complex, multi-faceted set of needs and expectations of any generation. The modern church wants him to be and do all things well. Yet, Paul’s instruction holds more true than ever. We need churches that are led by pastors who are “devoted” to the ministry of the Word. And we need church members who recognize their responsibility to be equipped by pastors and teachers to find and do the ministry in the other areas.
God told the prophet Jeremiah of a new covenant that He would make with His people in the future. That future is now. The law is no longer written on stone tablets, but it is written by grace on the hearts of those who have believed and received the righteousness of Christ.
“Mediator” – a person who acts as a “go-between” to bring parties involved in a conflict to a resolution. Jesus is our Mediator. He is the only one who reconciles us to God. Some may cry, “Judgmental, intolerant!” But as John Adams once said, “Facts are stubborn things.” And the fact is, Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Like Paul, I have been appointed a preacher of this message. How about you?
Are you a blessing to the city to which you’ve been sent? If your church ceased to exist in your city, would anyone notice? In our zeal to separate ourselves from the world we tend to gather in a holy huddle around the Light while leaving those around us in darkness. Instead, let us be a light in our city, seeking its welfare in Jesus’ name.