The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But Thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me” (Psalm 41:9-10).

Yesterday we thought of the horrible wound David experienced at the rebellion of his son Absalom and the bitter sting of betrayal by his close friend Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12, 31). In a wicked move of rebellion, Absalom stole the hearts of the people away from his father David. Ahithophel came to the aid of Absalom and as David says, “Has lifted up his heel against me.” There was a further tragedy to this statement. Hundreds of years later a greater One than David would experience a greater betrayal. This verse is quoted as being fulfilled by none other than Judas Iscariot. “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me” (John 13:18). So friend, as much it hurts, the Lord Jesus understands the pain of betrayal. In fact, if you have ever been betrayed, you are in good company. King David and the Lord Jesus Christ (as well as hundreds of believers) know how you feel. What great help is available to you from the Lord Himself!

For today: I will grieve when I am betrayed. But I will also rejoice. I share with Christ in a special fellowship (Philippians 3:10).

“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But Thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me” (Psalm 41:9-10).

King David writes of an extremely painful wound he had experienced. We believe that he writes of the horrific rebellion of his own son Absalom. If this is the case, the familiar friend that betrayed David was none other than Ahithophel, David’s own personal counselor (2 Samuel 15:12). On top of all the chaos and grief that came from David’s own son, it was extremely pain when David was told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom” (2 Samuel 15:31). Betrayal is a horrible wound inflicted by one that has previously enjoyed a closeness and fellowship. It deeply hurts to be betrayed. Perhaps you have felt this bitter wound. More about this tomorrow. For now, let me briefly remind you that if you have been betrayed, the Lord Jesus fully understands just how you feel. He can help you through this.

For today: If ever I experience betrayal, please help me, Lord, to lean heavily on You. You understand.

“The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:7).

What a grand hymn of faith and exaltation is Psalm 46. The sons of Korah presented powerful tributes to the LORD God. He is our Refuge and Strength (46:1a). He is a very present Help in troublesome situations (46:1b). Even if the worst thing in the entire world should happen to us, we do not have to be overwhelmed with fear (46:2-3). The LORD is present and powerful (46:4-6), and amazingly, this is the LORD that commands armies and conquers in warfare (46:7). He is the LORD of Hosts. This speaks of His victorious and glorious power. He commands the innumerable armies of Heaven. Best of all, He is with us! How will this powerful, powerful truth play out in your life today?

For today: The Lord of innumerable armies is with us. WOW! I am weak, but He is strong!

“Who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7).

You have read today about the amazing humiliation and condescension of the Lord Jesus Christ. He “made Himself of no reputation” which speaks of Christ’s self-emptying. Theologians call this “the Kenosis” or the amazing way that Christ restricted the use of His attributes of Deity and veiled the bright and dazzling glory that He possessed from eternity past. It is important to remember that Christ didn’t abandon any of his pre-incarnate attributes. He restricted the use of these attributes. Recently we as a congregation sang “And Can It Be?” written by Charles Wesley. My wife smiled at me because there is a phrase that I just cannot sing. It is a phrase in the second stanza. “He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace!” All of that is wonderful. But then comes the phrase, “Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled, for Adam’s helpless race!” He did indeed bleed for Adam’s helpless race, but He never emptied Himself of all but love! He restricted the use of His attributes because the awesome Lord of blazing glory had taken upon Himself humanity and even lower, the form of a servant. What an incredible Lord! He stooped so far down to become our Savior. I know that the tune of “And Can It Be?” is going to go through your mind today. Since it is in Public Domain, why not sing that phrase, “Emptied Himself- amazing love!” You will rejoice and actually sing this theologically correctly.

For today: It’s America’s Birthday! Pray that our citizens will come to know and love this wonderful Savior!

“And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:6, 9-10).

Kevin was explaining to his class about the wonderful present blessings that we Christians have right now as well as the wonderful future blessings that await us. He further explained the truth of Scripture that we believers are already in Christ positionally. Because our Savior is seated in Heaven, we are therefore spiritually already present and seated in the Heavenly places. As if this wasn’t wonderful enough, Kevin went on to share with the class that the day is coming when we will be present with the Lord and personally witness His splendor and majesty. Class was dismissed, and there sat Lori, sobbing nearly uncontrollably. Carmella, Kevin’s wife, came to her side and gladly held Lori in her arms. After many moments Lori quieted down enough to whisper, “This morning someone very near and close to my heart told me that I was worthless and couldn’t do anything right. He went on to tell me that I was a ‘worthless piece of garbage.’ Now I’ve learned that since I’ve asked Jesus to be my Savior, I am already seated in Heavenly places in Him on His throne. I just can’t tell you how powerful this is to me. Especially this is very overwhelming to me this morning. It is hard to imagine!” With that, the tears flowed again. How about you? When was the last time that your heart was thrilled about the truth of this text?

For today: I haven’t been called a piece of garbage (at least that I know of!); however, I feel very undeserving of such a blessing. I also rejoice because of this privilege. How about you?