Call On The Name Of The LORD
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Ezekiel 42, 43 and Psalm 14 (NIV)
(Natalie Lam, SWR Committee Member)
READ:
Psalm 14 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
David, the psalmist, begins by empathically declaring that only a fool says in his heart, “There is no God” (v.1). The word “fool” in Hebrew carries with it moral overtones and suggests that those who do not believe in YHWH are not only foolish, but also severely wicked. In verse 3, David laments the injustice done to those who are poor and who seek the Lord. However, he later reminds himself and his listeners that God Himself will be their refuge and God Himself will restore the poor and oppressed. In fact, David is so sure that God will comfort and save His people that he says: “When the Lord restores His people…” (v.7).
APPLY:
Looking around at busy Singapore, it is easy to prioritise accumulating wealth and prestige over seeking God. Sometimes in our pursuit of climbing the corporate ladder, we may unintentionally hurt others or even intentionally lie to gain favour from others. As the psalmist says, “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (v.3)
I recently attended my 15-year university reunion. Many of my friends have reached very prominent positions, opened their own companies, and been featured in the newspaper for their achievements. Looking around at all my friends who have “made it” in life, made me feel quite insignificant. However, I am reminded by this psalm that many of my successful friends have yet to know God. Eventually all of us will have to face the ultimate Judge. What will the Judge say to us? Should my priority here on earth be to accumulate wealth or to accumulate friends for the Kingdom of Heaven?
DO:
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Pray for my non-believing friends and family and continue to beseech God on behalf of our nation that continues to grow in wealth but remains in spiritual poverty.
PRAY:
Dear God, help me to do Your will and not mine. I continue to lift up those who have turned away from You and those who have yet to know You. Draw them back to You Lord and guide me to be Your hands and feet today. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
