Word Live: Pushed Too Far
‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases’ (Lamentations 3:22, RSV). Reflect on the ways you have found this true in your own life and the times it’s been more difficult to believe this truth.
Bible passage
Psalm 125
A song of ascents.
1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures for ever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and for evermore.
3 The sceptre of the wicked will not remain
over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.
4 Lord, do good to those who are good,
to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways
the Lord will banish with the evildoers.
Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Explore
The first two verses of today’s psalm give the impression that the psalmist was writing from a trouble-free place. He describes those who trust in God as being safe and secure as Jerusalem, high on a hill surrounded by other hills. However, verse 3 reveals that he is making these declarations of faith amid trouble. He writes of ‘the sceptre of the wicked’ over his land, suggesting pagan powers were oppressing his people.
The psalmist was encouraging himself that God can be trusted, even when things seem to be going wrong. In times of difficulty, it is tempting to worry that our problems will never end, and that our faith will not be strong enough to survive. Verse 3 shows how the psalmist dealt with such thoughts. He declared that God will not let our suffering continue for too long because he knows our weaknesses and that people are tempted to ‘use their hands to do evil’ when they become discouraged. Paul similarly encourages us that God ‘will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). Take heart then, for God knows your limitations. You can trust him.
Author
Caroline Fletcher
Respond
Spend time being honest about any struggles you are having trusting God or pray for those known to you who are going through difficult times.
Deeper Bible study
Settle yourself into a favourite armchair. Feel the comfort, the security. Relax.
Jerusalem, like many strategic cities, grew up in a landscape that provided natural fortifications. Hills rise on every side, ensuring that approaches to the city can be easily defended. So those who trust in the Lord are similarly protected, secure in the surrounding love of the Father, not just for now but for evermore. Yet there is moral accountability required on the part of those who are within the walls of the Lord’s community. In this psalm we are given the sense that over the land hovers an influence, a temptation to turn in the direction of crooked ways. Like a Trojan horse allowed to enter the stronghold, like a fifth column active within, this influence can cause even the righteous to slip into unrighteous activities.
It’s reassuring to belong to a strong local church. There is practical support, caring relationships, inspiring worship, prayerful intervention. Yet there is also a moral accountability applicable to each one of us. The temptations are there. Many of us will be able to illustrate them: close, intimate friendships have been known to undermine marriages. Leadership giftings have given way to power struggles between factions. The loudest voice has dominated while the quiet voice has gone unheard. Finances have mysteriously been spent. Gossip and the revelation of confidential details in the context of prayer ministry have caused immeasurable hurt. Even within the walls there is the risk of turning aside from God’s righteousness.
The psalm ends with a blessing, a benediction and an invitation for God’s peace, harmony, security and wholeness to rest not only on Jerusalem but across the whole of Israel.
Pray against the influence within your church of the three primary temptations: money, sex and power. Thank God for all who contribute to making you feel safe and secure there.
Author
Brian Radcliffe
