Good morning,
Freed from disgrace!
God is allowing us to live in some very interesting times. One of the features of the war that is going on around us is in the kind of weapons that people and nations are using to try to control their enemies. In America, right now, there is a lot of talk about the kind of weapons we are allowed to buy and use. On the world front, there is an intense focus on building and buying more and more powerful weapons to make sure we can protect our countries or conquer our enemies. What we are missing in all these events is that the most important aspect of the war we are facing is not one of guns and planes and bombs. The most important war we face is the unseen battle going on for the eternal souls of men and women and boys and girls. God’s incredible creation of our universe and our world is under an attack by a powerful, hate filled Enemy who longs to destroy or damage as many people as possible before they enter eternity. One of Satan’s favorite weapons in this battle is a fiery arrow of the devil that that we call disgrace. Right now, all over the world, famous and powerful people, as well as the people of God, are being destroyed by hate filled reports and made up lies to strip them of honor and effectiveness, and in many cases, life itself.
The Bible is full of examples of how God’s people were tested by the challenge of disgrace. When David faced the attacks of disgrace he wrote, O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.(Ps.25:1,2) David willingly followed God whole heartedly and was willing to trust his God instead of the attacks of his enemies. He asked the Lord to show him what to do and then said, Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.(v.5) David was a sinner, like all of us, but he relied on his God to define who he was. The Bible tells us that when Jesus came to live and die for us he prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34) The writer of Hebrews explained, So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood.(Heb.13:12) Jesus willingly paid the full price for all of our sins in his suffering and resurrection. When Peter wrote about his own disgrace he wrote, So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.(1Pet.5:6) Peter knew all to well what he was talking about when he wrote, Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.(1Pet.8,9) Our Savior’s love for God’s sons and daughters is by far more powerful than any sinful accusation from any hater of our souls could ever be. Peter then reminded us that we will soon be in God’s love filled eternal heaven and because of God’s love for us here and now, to continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.(1Pet.4:8) Thank you Lord Jesus for the power of your eternal love.
Psalms 25:1 O LORD, I give my life to you. 2 I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
Roy Wisner
