Are you up to your neck in trouble? David was. He was sinking fast. He was drowning yet parched (v.3). He was stuck in slippery goo and going down. Why?
It looks like that it might have been a “religious” thing. Look at verse 9:
Could religion cause so much trouble in one’s life? Of course it could. It does everyday. The world is full of religious trouble. The media makes a living broadcasting terrible not good news. “Terrorists, murder, horror, horrendous, gruesome, tragic, death are all bywords used to draw us into stories of harm, evil, sadness and sorrow. Much of which is directly related to religion.
One would think that religion might be a safe haven from such evil. God should be protection and comfort. He should be our salvation.
Have you ever nearly drowned. Thrashing in deep water until total exhaustion consumes you. With no near help and your body cramping you scream for rescue. Then you slip under the deep blue water. Your lungs burning as you try to extract every molecule of life giving oxygen. When suddenly from nowhere a strong arm grabs your slippery and limp hand snatching you to safety.
I can only imagine such a plight. David was in it. Maybe you are too.
Why was David drowning in trouble? What had caused his torment? His religious zeal. David, the man whom God called one after his own heart, suffered. Here he cries desperately for help. However, it wasn't his religion but his relationship with God that was the problem. He was “consumed” (or being “swallowed”) with zeal for God’s house. He couldn't get enough of being with God. This same phrase was remembered by Jesus’ disciples just after He had made a small whip and cleared the Temple of all of the market rable.
Jesus used force only twice in his first appearance here on earth. Both times it was to clear “His Father’s house”. Jesus got angry. He expressed that anger in religious zeal for His father’s house. The symbol of True religion.
Jesus’ fanaticism was one ingredient that lead to his crucifixion. The religious leaders hated Jesus’ zeal. It messed with their religion.
Religion brings debate, mistrust, division and war. A relationship with God will do the same. Jesus said, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10.34). So, where is the “Peace on earth” that the Christmas angel announced in Luke 2.14?
That peace, that help, that rescue from tragic trouble comes only as we are zealous for our God and allow him total control of our lives. It consumes us as we rest in our creators caring hand, as we trust His outcome in each of our troubles and as we zealously follow him.
However, visible benefit might not come this side of glory. We might suffer irreparable damage. We might drowned. But in the end we will praise our Creator for his perfect will and comfort.
Life might be hard now. It might be intolerable. Survival might seem impossible. You might die. Trust Him. Be zealous for Him. He will rescue you.
It looks like that it might have been a “religious” thing. Look at verse 9:
For zeal for your house has consumed me,
and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
Could religion cause so much trouble in one’s life? Of course it could. It does everyday. The world is full of religious trouble. The media makes a living broadcasting terrible not good news. “Terrorists, murder, horror, horrendous, gruesome, tragic, death are all bywords used to draw us into stories of harm, evil, sadness and sorrow. Much of which is directly related to religion.
One would think that religion might be a safe haven from such evil. God should be protection and comfort. He should be our salvation.
Have you ever nearly drowned. Thrashing in deep water until total exhaustion consumes you. With no near help and your body cramping you scream for rescue. Then you slip under the deep blue water. Your lungs burning as you try to extract every molecule of life giving oxygen. When suddenly from nowhere a strong arm grabs your slippery and limp hand snatching you to safety.
I can only imagine such a plight. David was in it. Maybe you are too.
Why was David drowning in trouble? What had caused his torment? His religious zeal. David, the man whom God called one after his own heart, suffered. Here he cries desperately for help. However, it wasn't his religion but his relationship with God that was the problem. He was “consumed” (or being “swallowed”) with zeal for God’s house. He couldn't get enough of being with God. This same phrase was remembered by Jesus’ disciples just after He had made a small whip and cleared the Temple of all of the market rable.
Jesus used force only twice in his first appearance here on earth. Both times it was to clear “His Father’s house”. Jesus got angry. He expressed that anger in religious zeal for His father’s house. The symbol of True religion.
Jesus’ fanaticism was one ingredient that lead to his crucifixion. The religious leaders hated Jesus’ zeal. It messed with their religion.
Religion brings debate, mistrust, division and war. A relationship with God will do the same. Jesus said, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10.34). So, where is the “Peace on earth” that the Christmas angel announced in Luke 2.14?
That peace, that help, that rescue from tragic trouble comes only as we are zealous for our God and allow him total control of our lives. It consumes us as we rest in our creators caring hand, as we trust His outcome in each of our troubles and as we zealously follow him.
However, visible benefit might not come this side of glory. We might suffer irreparable damage. We might drowned. But in the end we will praise our Creator for his perfect will and comfort.
Life might be hard now. It might be intolerable. Survival might seem impossible. You might die. Trust Him. Be zealous for Him. He will rescue you.
Comments
Post a Comment