Having finished the book of Luke, we'll resume reading our psalms along with another chapter of the Bible. We'll continue the book of Deuteronomy. So for today, we are to...
Read Psalm 88
Read Deuteronomy 27
In Deuteronomy 27 we read of certain curses for disobedience. We'll say more about blessings and curses on Monday, but for today a brief word to point out that the Law curses, even damns, all of us.
I have heard people wonder how they can break the curse. They think that because they face problems, sicknesses, troubles and trials of all kinds that God is dealing great punishment upon them. The problem is, these folks are Christian, and they believe that Jesus has saved them.
And it doesn't seem to help much to say, "No, you are not cursed," because their conscience convicts them of sin (even if the sin is not directly causing the suffering), and because they feel horrible and wonder why God has allowed, or even caused, these trials.
Psalm 88 cries out a desperate and terrible (yet holy!?!) complaint against God. It accuses God of causing all kinds of suffering on the individual. The psalm is very helpful in teaching us how to pray when suffering. It doesn't pull any punches. No holds are barred. And it doesn't try to offer any kind of theological treatise to explain how suffering fits into God's plan. It simply cries out.
The Law curses us. And in our human experience we often feel under a curse. Yet verse 13 of the psalm is striking. It is unexpected, surprising, and astonishing. "But I, O LORD, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you." The psalmist still cries out to his Heavenly Father anyway. In the depths of his heart and soul, he is convinced that God is love, and that God will save. So he cries out.
Jesus cried out like that. When he was suffering the curse in our place on the cross, when he was abandoned by his Father to suffer hell for us, he yet cried out in faith. It was a desperate and terrible cry, "Why have you forsaken me?", yet it was still a cry of faith, an appeal to the Father's goodness. And ever trusting, Jesus finally cries, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
We can be assured that the curse is lifted for us. When we suffer, we may not know the reasons. We certainly won't "enjoy" it. But we can cry out our complaint to God, trusting him, praying to him, asking for forgiveness, healing, help, and strength. Yes, though we suffer, we know that the Father gives us that which we ask. So we can be sure that we are not cursed, but blessed with God's grace.
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today for those who are suffering and for yourself when you go through struggles. Pray for forgiveness, help, healing, provision, strength - whatever it is that you need.
Study with me Monday,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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