Chosen!

Berean Baptist on October 31, 2016

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. (Psalms 65:4)

Psalm 65 is another of David’s psalms of praise. The first part of the psalm has always been one of my favorites because it declares one of the most crucial doctrines of God’s word. This is the doctrine of God’s sovereign choice of unworthy sinners for salvation. The psalm describes the person that God chooses and causes to approach Him. Actually, in this is found two great doctrines. The first is the doctrine of election and the second is the effectual calling of the Holy Spirit. God chooses the sinner for salvation and ensures He will receive it by the Spirit’s work of regeneration. Even though God chooses, we would not come by ourselves because our hearts are depraved and turned against Him. The scripture describes men as the enemies of God and hostile to every righteous intention (Rom. 8:7; James 4:4). In this condition, we will neither choose God nor come to Him. It is therefore the work of God that sinners believe (John 6:29) and also His work that we come (John 6:44).

The result of this election and effectual calling is the blessing upon the one who is chosen and called. What greater favor could any person be shown than to be chosen to enter the courts of the Lord? The court is His presence; it is the place He abides; it is to be near Him and enjoy Him for eternity. This verse clearly shows none of this is owed to anything we have done. God chose us and called us without considering anything He foresaw in us. Since this election was made before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4), we know it cannot be based on good works that God foresaw we would do (Rom. 9:10-13).

God’s choice of certain individuals is not a doctrine barely noticed because it is well concealed in scripture. There are many places such as this that put the doctrine on open display, so that it cannot be disputed. Amazingly, as prominent as it is, there are those that hate it. Preachers will either skip over the many glaring instances of it, or else try to explain it away.

Once you understand these doctrines and accept them, you will never open your Bible again and spend very much time without seeing them. The Christian who gladly embraces this teaching has a completely new world view opened before his eyes. He sees Christ magnified and God glorified because he understands he had no part in his salvation. “Salvation is of the Lord” is the cry that continues to ring in his ears. He will never attribute any part of what happened to him to his own contributions (Titus 3:4; John 1:12-13). Even his will is overcome and changed in regeneration, so that he sees Christ and gladly comes to Him (John 3:8).

Many Christians have come to me joyfully proclaiming their new found understanding. They appreciate that Berean Baptist has opened their eyes to these truths. The theological black holes that many fall into and the brick walls they run up against are filled in and torn down, so that the word of God seems fresher and livelier than ever before.

It is no wonder we love these doctrines. Like David, it brings us to our knees in praise. Who are we that we should come into the courts of the Lord? We are His—He has chosen us—He clothed us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We come because He caused it. If you find a greater reason to glorify God, please tell me. This is enough to put me at the door of heaven. Anything more and surely I must be there!

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Christ Beyond Understanding

Berean Baptist on October 24, 2016

Psalm 61

“From the end of the earth I will cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Never has a verse been a more heartfelt cry of dependence than this. In the worst of times when we feel we are literally at the end of the earth, with despair like the fear of dying and helpless to go on living, we cry out to the only sure refuge in our awful desperation. What do you do when your world is crushed in heartache and you feel utterly alone?

In the past few weeks, many have reached out to ask for prayer because they face these kinds of circumstances. They are overwhelmed in their grief and may not know what to say, but only to ask, pray for me. Overwhelmed, the burdens are too heavy and there is nothing on the inside that can ease the pain or make them lighter. It is in these times that we seek someone higher. Not a nameless undefined higher power, but a rock of refuge who has proved His ability time and time again. The rock David refers to is Jehovah God for never in scripture is any mortal man referred to as a rock. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? (2 Samuel 22:32)  This rock is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the spiritual Rock who is always there (1 Cor. 10:4).

David is filled with metaphors for the one who always sustained him. Christ is a rock, a shelter, a strong tower, a tabernacle, a winged cherub, and a king. We might as easily say He is all in all, the one who is everything and from us withholds nothing. It is impossible to remain in despair when we know such incredible help is always available.

Those of you that are most familiar with my favorite subjects might well suppose I would be drawn to verse 4 with its references to the tabernacle. The person of Christ shines no brighter in any place in scripture than in the building and articles of this sacred structure. David would dwell in the tabernacle forever for there he sees God as the covering of salvation. There is a door through which we reach the incomparable glories of Christ. The door is faith and it opens to a golden room where the Holy Spirit lightens the believer to a world never remotely imagined.

Here is Christ as the nourishment of life in the shewbread. He is the sweet smell of incense on the altar as He lifts our prayers to the Father. He is the mercy seat where atonement is selflessly made for our sins. There is no beauty like Him so that He defies any adequate description. In verse 6, Christ is the eternal king whose days are prolonged to provide unceasing intercession. As long as He lives we live, enabling us to perform our vows of worship to the one who deserves love and adoration beyond all others.

It is difficult to express the sentiments of this psalm until you have been to the lowest place and been lifted out. When you reach the bottom and there is nowhere to look but up, this is when Christ means more than you can ever imagine. If He is this lovely through sinful eyes, think how matchless He will be when we reach perfection! Like heaven itself it is too much for mortal comprehension. Christ beyond understanding must satisfy us for now.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

 

 

Another Lesson Learned about God’s Grace

Berean Baptist on October 10, 2016

Psalm 60

Psalm 60 is a great reminder for every Christian not to presume we are always walking with the Lord. We must be diligent to remain in constant communication with Him to be sure the direction we are going is the same as He is leading.

In this psalm, David is licking his wounds so-to-speak because his armies have suffered heavy casualties in their battle against Edom and Syria. David was a fearless warrior that had faced the enemy many times, more often than not with miraculous results. None of us can forget his boyhood when armed with just a slingshot and five smooth stones he was unafraid to face the mighty giant, Goliath. David would not accept for a moment that Israel’s armies should be shamed by a heathen Philistine.

I am sure the same attitude prevailed with David on many occasions, perhaps so many that he thought it was quite unnecessary to call on the Lord for victory. Apparently, this must have been the case in Psalm 60, for we see a man speaking with God after the fact rather than before. Like Samson, David arose and shook himself and said, “I will go out as at other times before,” and yet he did not know the Lord had departed.

No doubt this happens many times to us. We experience great spiritual highs when we feel very close to the Lord. Our tank is full and we think we can run on one spiritual filling forever. This is never the case in successful Christianity. Although we are encouraged to remember past victories for the sake of reminding ourselves that God is always able, we still must return to the Lord for constant refreshment. We are not told to cherish the memories of the past for the experiences alone. We are to get up and get back to the source of our power. Half the Christian battle is won if we just remember what we are supposed to do.

In this psalm, the enemy was never the real problem. If you will notice verse 7, God takes over the psalm. The cities of Israel belong to Him and He does with them as He pleases. The real clincher comes in verse 8 with the references to Israel’s enemies. What is Moab but a vessel for washing dirty feet? What is Edom but a place to tread upon and to put the necks of her kings under God’s feet? What is Philistia but a place of judgment that rises and falls only upon the good graces of God? The enemy is never a problem, only the symptom of lack of dependence on God.

So, David knew what to do. Defeat was not his place of usual habitation, and neither should it be for us. As soon as we feel that we and God are moving in different directions, we must get up and go back to Him. The good news is we can always return because He never forsakes us. Presumption is sin but God is faithful and just to forgive us of sin.

Never presume upon God. You need him more today than you did yesterday, and you realize this as you continue to grow in grace. Your spiritual growth parallels your dependence. God’s ways are not our ways—we think we are maturing by growing more independent. Keep thinking like that and you will watch every victory melt into defeat. God wants your dependence and He will have it. It is just a matter of how much it hurts before you realize it.

 

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Understanding Beyond the Immediate Text

Berean Baptist on October 3, 2016

Psalm 59

It is always interesting when reading the psalms of David to find the places in scripture that connect to the reasons for writing the psalm. The background story that connects to this psalm is found in 1 Samuel 19.  Beginning at verse 11, Saul had sent some of his henchmen to David’s house to watch for him and to kill him when he left his house in the morning. It is remarkable how Saul’s peculiar sense of honor kept him from entering David’s house at night to kill him while he slept in bed with his wife. Yet, it is also remarkable that false accusations and murder were no encumbrances to Saul’s same sense of honor.

The errand of Saul’s messengers was a trumped up charge of treason when David had never in any way disrespected Saul or sought him harm. By God’s providence, Saul’s hesitation allowed David to escape during the night which infuriated Saul all the more. The method of escape was clever as David evaded Saul by leaving through a window. Perhaps David’s house was on the city wall where he was let down by a rope in similar fashion to the escape of the spies at the hand of Rehab.

When David did not leave the house in the morning, Saul’s men went to fetch him but were told by David’s wife Michal that he was sick. When this was reported to Saul, he sent his men back to the house to carry him out sick bed and all. When the men reentered the house, they saw they had been fooled by a dummy with goat’s hair which had made it appear David was in the bed.

When I read through the first part of this psalm, there were two parallels to the treatment of Christ that struck me. The first is the actions of the chief priests and elders when they paid Judas to betray Jesus. When Judas later returned with remorse and offered to give back his thirty pieces of silver, the leaders refused to put the money into the treasury because it was not lawful to mix blood money with the Lord’s offerings. This was strangely curious because hiring a traitor, paying false witnesses to lie in court, and murdering an innocent man did not bother them at all. People can pat themselves on the back for their superior piety in one area while they have the most evil designs in another. Such is the false pride of the depraved mind!

The second parallel to Christ’s ill treatment is found in verse 3: “For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.” Saul’s men wanted to kill David not because he had done anything wrong, but simply because of Saul’s hatred. David was righteous in the kingdom having blessed Israel in defending the kingdom from the enemy. Likewise, Jesus was despised even though no just charge could be laid against Him. His whole ministry was one of compassion as He healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead. Why would you want to kill someone like that? It is at best irrational behavior, but again they are the actions of madmen with depraved hearts. Jesus said the hatred of Him and His people was the fulfillment of Old Testament scripture. In John 15:25, He said: “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.”

As you read the psalms, read with an open mind to let the Spirit speak to you. See where words and phrases lead your thoughts to other places of the inspired Word. The references often go beyond the obvious, but this is how the Holy Spirit blesses the minds of those who care to open His Word.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Wickedness in High Places

Berean Baptist on September 26, 2016

Psalm 58 is another of the psalms in which David had difficult dealings with Saul. In this case, his anger is kindled against the leaders in Israel who either stood by silently or agreed with Saul when David was wrongfully accused. The idea in the psalm is that judgment had been perverted and these leaders had turned their backs on their responsibility as judges to uphold truth. They were dishonest and deceitful in their dealings.

This, of course, is not at all uncommon in the hierarchy of government. Who among us is not often angry at the inequities of our rulers? It is a sad commentary on American politics when the Congress of the United States regularly hovers around less than 20% approval ratings. Most believe Congress is a band of thieves that are more concerned about their job security and their pocketbooks than they are about the constituents they serve. Whatever it takes to get elected, they will do. If this means perverting justice, so be it.

In the third verse, David reveals the source of the corruption. “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” The source is natural depravity. We come into the world with a sinful nature, and we speak lies with the first breath we take. It is no wonder politicians have perfected the art of lying—they’ve had all their lives to practice! Some have stated the depravity of politicians this way: Question, “How do you know a politician is lying?” Answer, “He opens his mouth.” This is an old joke, but it is certainly biblical. However, this truth is not confined to politicians. All of us are this way. We all have inherent sinful corruption, which is the reason we so desperately need a Saviour. The person who is wicked from the womb has also perfected the art of sin as he daily rehearses his art form.

Yet out of this abject sinfulness of our nature, and our will, and our practice, we are told sinners can elevate themselves and they can do better. The lies of the toothy grinned preacher who teaches such things is no better than the lies of the politician with all his broken promises.

Man is a woefully depraved creature who must be handled by God. The righteous Judge will always deal righteously, so He will remove these sinners from their haughty perches and bring them before His own tribunal. There, perfect justice is served. Verse 10 is strikingly vindictive in its assessment of this: “The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.” This does not sound much like the “Christian” attitude of love and tolerance. Accordingly, we must remember that in the present time we are not to rejoice in the eternal punishment of the wicked. However, when the Lord comes in glory, we will see the perfect justice of God at work and regard His judgment against the reprobate as a merciful act towards His own people.

There are many that disagree with David’s call for justice. People who sympathize with criminals more than with their victims really have a problem with this. They are freakishly concerned that a criminal must not suffer one ounce of pain in his execution rather than commiserating with a victim that may have been cruelly tortured. This is the world turned upside down according to godly justice. As one commentator stated, “It is sickly sentimentality and a wicked weakness that has more sympathy with the corrupt oppressors than with the anger of God.”

The real issue here is weak Christianity, or absent Christianity, that does not understand the exalted holiness of God in contradistinction to the utterly debased condition of man. I think David had it right. The Bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart, and he certainly had his finger on God’s pulse in this matter.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Be Exalted, O God, Above the Heavens

Berean Baptist on September 19, 2016

Psalm 57:11

Many of the David’s psalms were born out of his pleadings to God for relief from oppression. I can imagine that when David was first anointed by Samuel to be the king of Israel there must have been at least a small swelling of pride that he was God’s choice. This meant in due time he would enjoy the privileges of royalty. However, it wasn’t long before he discovered God’s favor would cause him to be the scorn of his enemies. Certainly, Saul was none too pleased to learn his family would never become a dynasty, which made David the target of Saul’s wrath. Thus we have this psalm as David plead with God to deliver him from Saul’s intense anger.

David, God’s choice for king, did not write these words from a gilded room in a palace. Rather, he was in a dark, dirty cave where he was hiding while fleeing for his life. David had climbed the rocky cliffs of En Gedi many times in fear for his safety, but though the situation seemed bleak, he knew God had chosen him and he knew his heart was right. Because of this, he fully expected protection from his Lord until he should be brought to his time to occupy the throne.

As I read this psalm, I am reminded of two very special objects of God’s divine choice and protection. The first is the Lord Jesus Christ who was ordained by the Father to bear the reproach of the cross in order to make atonement for our sins. He too was specifically chosen, and yet His path to glory took the same turn as David’s. The exaltation of the throne was to come later until He was made perfect through suffering (Heb. 2:10). In the meantime, the enemy was everywhere trying to take His life before the time. The difficulty of the cross was never a deterrent to Him. He knew what the Father promised. As He prayed in John 17, He knew the Father would restore Him to the glory He had before stepping down to come in human flesh (John 17:5). For this reason, Hebrews says He went to the cross for the joy that was set before Him (Heb. 12:2). With His death, He would bring millions to worship the Father before the throne.

The second object of God’s divine choice is me. If you are a believer, you can substitute your name for what I am about to say next. Before I was born, God chose me to a crown of glory (1 Pet. 5:4), and to sit in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3-4; 2:6). However, there is a meantime just as there was with David and Christ. The meantime is this life in which God’s people often find themselves at odds with a God rejecting world. Because the world hated Christ, it also hates us which often leaves us the objects of ridicule (John 15:18).

As neither David nor Jesus were greatly discouraged, so we should not be discouraged. We have the same promise given to them. We shall not be left to the destruction of Satan, but as David wrote in verse 3, “He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.”

God’s choice is the same as God’s salvation. The first infallibly leads to the second. I hope you can relate this great truth to the message today as I speak on the eternal election of God. Those whom God chooses He does not fail to bring to glory (Rom. 8:29-30). So, take heart in times of trouble. You were always in the eternal purpose of God. He is able to see you through. “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.”

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Will You Choose Gath?

Berean Baptist on September 12, 2016

 

Psalm 56

Each week as we read one of the Psalms, I write an article that hopefully gives some insight into the meaning of the psalm. Sometimes I struggle to find the one thought I want emphasize because the psalms are rich with many inspiring thoughts. However, seven hundred words are rarely ample to express one thought much less many.

As I sat to read and think about Psalm 56, I got no further than the introduction. Before I got to the first verse, I was impressed with my topic. The introduction of the psalm reads, “To the chief Musician upon Jonathelrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.” You should understand the introduction to the psalm is also a part of it, and this one is really a mouthful. Before even getting started, we have to ask, “What is David doing at Gath?”

As in so many of the psalms, David was fleeing from Saul, and he stopped to pray and plead for God’s help. Gath was no place to find the kind of comfort he needed. The beginning of this psalm is so peculiar because David sought refuge among the Philistines who were Israel’s chief enemies at the time. Both Saul and David had killed thousands of Philistines because they were wicked idolaters who tried to run Israel out of the Promised Land. They were still seeking revenge on Joshua after 400 years. Yet, here we find David knocking on their gates, seeking their help, and looking for refuge.

The Philistines did not trust David, as you can well imagine, so in order to buy time, we find him in 1 Samuel 21 acting like a complete mad man, a nutcase with spittle drooling down his beard as if he did not have enough sense to know better than to knock on the enemy’s door. David looked harmless; they must have thought he would soil himself at any minute. How far down did David go to make himself a fool in the sight of God’s enemies?

This sixteen word introduction struck me because as ridiculous as it sounds, God’s people do these stupid tricks all the time. They seek refuge with the enemy thinking they will fare better with them than sticking it out with God’s people. They want to live with the Philistines instead of with Israel when the Philistines have never been anything other than debased. Like Lot, they vex their righteous souls daily with the unlawful deeds of the devil’s crowd (2 Pet. 2:8).

Several months ago I warned that the new casino in Rohnert Park would become a temptation to the membership of Berean. It never should have been necessary to issue such a warning, but I can read scripture as well as you and I know Christians are often baffling. I knew some would venture to Gath and would blather all over themselves with the nice restaurants and the lure of the gaming tables and slot machines. Some of them would do as David did and end up in the employ of King Achish as they help rake in his money (1 Sam. 27). After all, it pays good—top dollar. Who cares if it God would spew that lukewarm Christian from His mouth?

What is their justification? They need protection from their creditors. Saul is chasing them. They need a job—they need to be paid well because it takes a lot to offset selling out God. The pocketbook is powerful, and like Balaam they will eventually get what they want (2 Pet.2:15). I am reminded of Moses who might have been tempted to remain in Pharaoh’s house to enjoy the life of an Egyptian prince—however, the scripture says: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:24-27). It seems Christians will sell out to Gath or Egypt for a whole lot less than what it cost Moses.

I have to ask you a question: “What are Bereans doing at Graton Resort?” Joshua said, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve…” Is there really an option? Do Christians have an option? Will the redeemed give up God for the pleasures of sin for a season? Will they enter Gath to fatten their pocketbooks? God help us when real troubles come. Who will we trust to stand with us?

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Who Is Worst of All?

Berean Baptist on August 29, 2016

Psalm 55

Does it seem incredibly unlikely that the most beloved person in the history of mankind and the most hated person in history lived at the same time, knew each other, and were friends? With the billions that have lived on planet earth, how could such a thing be possible? As unlikely as it seems, it is true and none of us has any trouble guessing who these polar opposites are. The first is Jesus Christ. He was the exemplary human, perfect in every detail, kind, compassionate, filled with love, and as John said, “Full of grace and truth.” Nothing honestly disparaging could ever be written about Him.

On the other hand, there is Judas. He is described in Psalm 55 as an acquaintance who took sweet counsel with Christ. And yet, he is the universally despised, the universally hated, and the one who disgusts us all. So extreme is the hatred of Judas that his name is never given to any of our children. None of us wants to be identified with him in any way. He is the antithesis of the holiness and righteousness of Jesus Christ. As high as the exaltation of Christ can go, so is the measurement of how low the denunciation of Judas can go.

Is it really such a mystery that in all the annals of time the most despicable should be in contact with the most delightful? It should not seem strange because the worst crime committed must be against the one who least deserves it. The worst offense is against the one who least deserves to be offended.

The extreme disappointment in Judas is reflected in David’s words of Psalms 55:11-14: “Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.” David was thinking of Ahithophel, but the Holy Spirit had Judas in mind.

Judas walked in communion with Jesus. He was treated as a brother even though Jesus knew from the beginning what He would do. There was nothing in Jesus that could possibly draw out such hatred as Judas had for Him in the betrayal. We agonize over his treacherous actions because Judas did his worst against the best. He is the model none of us wants to emulate, and each of us sits in judgment thinking we would never do what he did.

Would you consider this scripture for just a moment? “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” (Romans 2:1-3) In the following verse, Rom. 2:4, the restraint, the patience, and the goodness of God is still there despite the hatred of Him. “Or despiseth thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Who is the most despicable character of all? Who is the person that none should name his child after? Are you ready for a confession? The answer is ME. I have done the worst to the one who is the best. I hated Him; I betrayed Him; I drove nails into His hands and feet. I compete with Paul who said, “I am the chief of sinners.”

Is it a mystery the most beloved person of all time should live at the same time as the most hated? Not at all. Christ came in contact with humanity and that says it all.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

 

Patience Has Never Been Rewarded Like This!

Berean Baptist on August 22, 2016

Psalm 54

Once again we find ourselves on an interesting parallel track as we read through the Psalms. Psalm 54 was written by David after two occasions when he was betrayed to Saul by the same enemies. You can well imagine David’s distress when despite his best efforts to outrun Saul his whereabouts were made known by those seeking favor with the king. Accordingly, David sought relief from the Lord knowing God would bring vengeance on his enemies.

I mention a parallel track with this psalm because of our study this morning in Matthew 24. Our subject is the Antichrist who will be the great enemy of God’s people in the last days before the Kingdom. Never have the saints experienced an evil man with such diabolical power. At most we face hateful despisers who are influenced by Satan, but we do not face anyone that is empowered by the in-habitation of Satan.

Satan is forever mimicking the power of Christ and he does no less here. As Christ indwells His people through the Holy Spirit, so this man is indwelt and given the abilities of the devil himself. As David had to endure the constant pursuit of Saul, so Israel in the tribulation will be vigorously pursued by the Antichrist. As David hid in the mountains and caves of southern Israel to escape detection, so Israel must flee to the mountains to escape certain death (Mt. 24:16). As David was betrayed by the Ziphites, so the tribulation will be marked with betrayals (Mt. 24:10). And, as David had to wait on vengeance, so the martyrs of that time must wait.

Waiting on vengeance is not easy. We are often very impatient when we believe we are wronged. Imagine how the martyrs must feel who because of cruel deaths want to see this peculiar promise of God fulfilled. Revelation 6:9-10 says, “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Perhaps they and we must wait until the motive is correct. We would have destruction for our enemies because of personal offense. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is the retribution we seek. However, the more important cause for vengeance is the holiness of God. It is not about our personal feelings but about how God is offended when someone touches His anointed. It is desecration of what belongs to God. Whoever harms one of God’s own would just have well stabbed a dagger in God’s heart. God will not let it go. He does not overlook sin of any kind much less would He not grant retributive justice for those elected, called, and justified by the blood of Christ.

Notice how David lays no charge against God. There is no impetuous tantrum insisting God must act now. And so it must be with us. God will answer in His own good time—it is always the right time when it will bring the most glory to Him. Think again about those martyred tribulation saints. How will they receive vengeance? Their lot is to come back with Christ in clouds of glory to the carnage of Armageddon! This is the last and greatest battle the world will ever see—the biggest battle of all. Somehow it seems the wait is worth it. It is a horrible time for the enemy, but one outstanding victory for the redeemed. Never worry about the wait—God always makes it worth it!

Pastor V. Mark Smith

 

 

 

Fools Made to Seek God

Berean Baptist on August 8, 2016

Psalm 53

Recently I had a conversation with someone who related his former belief about God by saying something to this effect: “I believed if there was a God He created us and put us in His test tube as an experiment to see what we would do.” This view of God obviously makes Him very detached and impersonal without a real plan of interaction or care for His creatures.

Psalm 53 very clearly shows that false ideas about God are the norm for people rather than the exception. All aberrant views of God may not be the same, but all of them are products of the fallen human nature. This psalm begins with one of these fallacious viewpoints which is the idea there is no God at all. This idea is beyond foolish for even a fool knows he can look at creation and see it couldn’t have just happened—with no rhyme or reason it just happened, and everything appeared from nothing. That something appeared from nothing is mind boggling to say the least, but it is all we are left with if there is no self-existent all powerful something. This is what God is—He is that all powerful something. The word used in Psalm 53 for God is the Hebrew Elohim which refers to the sovereign God who is the maker and sustainer of the universe. He is capable of making something out of nothing.

The existence of the sovereign God is evident lest we be total fools, and so we must move from the foolishness of the atheist to determine the personality of God. Are we His creatures the subject of an experiment? Is He impersonal? This notion is forcefully disputed by the psalmist as he states in verse 2 that God looked down from heaven to see if there were any that did seek Him. Why would this be important to an impersonal God? If there is no relationship to be had, what difference does seeking Him make?

The interaction of God with man in these verses is actually negative. The relationship that could be had is stymied by man’s sinfulness. This is not the condition of one or a few or even the majority. It is the condition of all as God sees all of us as filthy and not one of us is capable of good. This moral corruption causes all false views of God and keeps man from seeking God in the right way.

What is the solution to the problem? Only one—salvation—salvation from the depravity of the mind that keeps us away from God. How will this salvation come when the corruption of man keeps him from seeking it? It must come out of Zion (v. 6). Do you understand what this means? It means it must come from God. Only God can fix the problem and it is the sovereign God who by an act of His gracious omnipotent will that it is accomplished. The psalmist pleads for the salvation of God to come out of Zion!

A psalm such as this puts the free will of man in salvation forever at rest. There is nothing in us that wills us to God. The psalmist debunked this myth by saying there is none that does good, no, not one. Willing ourselves to God is good, isn’t it? And yet, according to this psalm, it can never happen. We cannot will ourselves to God but He can will Himself to us. When salvation comes out of Zion, it is God dealing with the depravity of man to change him to one who will seek Him. And this is how salvation happens, friends. We love Him because He first loved us.

When you seek God, never boast, “I am on my way to find God.” Always remember He changed you so that you would seek Him. This is how the dilemma of Psalm 53 is solved. The very personal God gets very personal with you. You are not a test tube baby but one personally born of the Spirit of God.

Pastor V. Mark Smith