A great temptation for humanity is to try and make God in our human image; rather, than God’s actual purpose to redeem and restore us in his image. This perspective is not unusual for non-believers who may use human reasoning, cultural standards, or selfish desires to evaluate a supernatural and holy God. Fortunately, God does not see things the way we do; although, I believe he loves and understands us.
Salvation is God’s priority and purpose; it is always about the goodness of God responding to our faith. Faith is about trusting when we cannot see or understand; we walk by faith not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). In fact, by faith, we must believe God exists and he rewards those who seek him (Heb 11:6). The Spirit leads the way in God’s redemptive purposes and he is a perfect Guide!
Today, as we step into Day 5 of 10 Days of Prayer, we continue praying salvation for the Middle East (Baghdad, Iraq) and Israel. May God bring them an awareness of his presence and may the Spirit, who helps us trust the Lord, lead them toward the Kingdom of Righteousness, Peace and Joy (Ro 14:17). God will bless those who have a proper attitude about him; those who fear the Lord (come by faith in adoration and devotion) and call upon the name of the Lord. Jesus proclaimed to Israel, “For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
In our passage today, the psalmist reminds Israel to trust in the Lord and believe God’s desire to draw them into a protected place of provision and blessing. Israel will need to accept the Messiah who came to heal and redeem them. When Israel and other unbelievers receive salvation by grace through faith, they will gain a whole new perspective of the God they have claimed to serve. God will open their eyes to his beautiful majestic glory.
Psalm 115:9-16 NLT
9
O Israel, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
10
O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
11
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
12
The Lord remembers us and will bless us.
He will bless the people of Israel
and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
13
He will bless those who fear the Lord,
both great and lowly.
14
May the Lord richly bless
both you and your children.
15
May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
16
The heavens belong to the Lord,
but he has given the earth to all humanity.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the indwelling Spirit who brings us a righteous perspective of you. May we grow in our adoration and trust in you. We ask for a mighty redeeming work to be done in Israel and Iraq. Overshadow them with your grace and goodness; help them see through the eyes of faith the truth of your deep love for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.