– Persevering In His Righteousness
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Corinthians 4 and Psalm 129 (NIV)
(Esther Wong, Zone 12 Core Team Member, SGM)
READ:
Psalm 129:1-8 (ESV) spoke to me.
OBSERVE:
The Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120 – 134) are a unique collection of psalms sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended the road to Jerusalem for the three great feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). The Psalmist recalls the long years Israel was persecuted during her early days as a nation (vv1-2); from slavery in Egypt to wandering in the wilderness, the various battles in Canaan, continual fighting with their enemies, and eventual exile by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. The history of Israel was one of continuous conflict … Yet (v3), Israel persevered. The imagery of the wicked running their plows over the backs of the righteous tells us that Israel’s pain was real and her suffering intense. But God cut the ropes of those who pulled the plows and set Israel free. The afflictions did not prevail.
Psalm 129 is about persevering through pain and persecution (vv1-3); having hope anchored in the righteous character of God who severs the cords of the wicked (v4); and discernment in praying through afflictions (vv5-8).
APPLY:
Despite the above, Israel remains a nation today. I believe the survival and continued existence of Israel and the Jewish people is one of many pieces of evidence that the God of the Bible is real, and that He is the one, true God.
Having read this Psalm in light of present-day struggles, suffering and pain I witness around me and within me, I realised that this subject is difficult, private and personal for many of us, especially as a believer. Life is a continuing battle, and it takes perseverance to go the distance, no matter our maturity in Christ. While in Singapore we may not face oppression and persecution, these principles are applicable no matter the source of pain. In Christ, I too can persevere through my pain without suffering defeat, because our Lord, the same God, is righteous.
DO:
We are taught in Jeremiah 1:19 (ESV), Matthew 16:18 (ESV) and 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV) how to persevere in the righteousness of God – a righteousness that is imputed to us through our faith in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-26) that will help us to live out a life of abiding in Christ (John 15:4-7).
The psalmist in Psalm 129:2 (NIV) said, “They have greatly oppressed me … but they have not gained the victory over me.”. So let me now say – “In Christ my victory is assured”
PRAY:
Praying through pain is an important way to persevere in my faith, trust & obedience in the Lord.
“Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the One who is my Righteousness.
I ask that you sanctify me, and that You cloth me with the righteousness of the Lord Jesus.
Amidst the pain and suffering, relational, mental or emotional I face in and around me, may You grant me Your wisdom from above, and discernment to recognise evil. Teach me to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11) even if it means getting persecuted or ‘cancelled out’. May I not go blindly about blessing everyone and everything. Gird me against crowd pressure and support for what goes against You and Your word. Purpose me for Your Kingdom’s sake.
In every victory, let it be said of me – my source of strength, my source of hope – is Christ alone!
In the Almighty Name of Christ, Amen.”
