The LORD reigns for ever; he has established his throne for judgement. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9 v.7-10
I wonder if there are times when you feel like a stranger in the modern world. If you do I guess that such feelings increased exponentially in the last 5 years or so. In making that guess I am not actually thinking about the Covid pandemic and its impact, although undoubtedly this has contributed to your unease, but rather the flood of alien ideas that are circling around us on a daily basis. Let me note some examples as I see them.
The gender debate and the idea that anyone can declare themselves to be of a different gender to their natal sex. Not just that unscientific assertion but the fact that normal thinking people can now be prosecuted and even be dismissed from a job for ‘mis-gendering’ a person.
The fact that ideas can be declared illegal and that freedom of speech is under attack.
There is a massive increase in Abortion and even members of the medical profession are pressing for the DIY abortion pill to be made available on demand.
The fact that proposed “Hate Speech’ legislation poses a threat to faithful Bible teaching.
Orwell’s 1984 seems to have arrived albeit 37 years later than he predicted!
And so I could go on…
Were it not for the truth expressed above that ‘The LORD reigns for ever’ things would seem beyond recovery. But we need to remember that mankind has been here before and it is
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3.v22
How is the LORD’s great love revealed? Primarily in the Cross of Christ but also in the fact that despite appearances to the contrary
He reigns for ever.
Judgement will come
Judgement will be righteous
Yes judgement is an act of love! Reflect on that and rejoice!
Then as many will be weighed down by just listening to one Radio or TV Bulletin or by reading one newspaper we are assured of a safe refuge in the LORD
He is a refuge for the oppressed
A stronghold (impregnable) in times of trouble and
His name is trustworthy and he has never forsaken those who seek him.
That is comforting but it is also challenging, for we need to live it out before the world.
We should be encouraged in that task by knowing that
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18 v.10
That is a glorious truth for the believer this morning but we need to be inviting others to join us in that ‘fortified tower’ as we the face the challenges of our day, in the light of what Jesus has done for us.