March 22, 2020 -- Psalm 119:137 -- Look to the Captain of Salvation

Righteous are you, O LORD,

and right are your rules.

Psalm 119:137 English Standard Version

The word “righteous” carries the meaning of one who is just. The LORD—here His Name all in capital letters emphasizes He is the God Who keeps His covenant promises—is the God Who is just in His actions towards His people. There may be a day, a moment, a decade or a situation where the believer in the LORD may wonder: “Now what is happening? Can even this be used for good?” The resounding answer of Scripture is always YES! One of the great blessings of Scripture is to read of God’s dealings with His people. His people are faithless, He is faithful. His people (even when striving to do good) fail at so many points, He is perfect in all His ways and shows Himself be to just and the justifier of all who call on Him.

He is righteous, acting with perfect justice in all His ways. What people see as arbitrary and unfathomable actions of God often can not be discerned for their true purposes until He reveals His goodness. When God cast His people into exile, we read that the land enjoyed her Sabbath rests (II Chronicles 36:21). When God cast His people into exile, He was keeping His covenant promises. Way back in Deuteronomy, before the people entered the land of Milk and Honey, God the LORD gave instruction, His rules for life in the land. There were curses for disobedience—famine, war, barrenness and even, if the people continued in their stubborn disbelief, they would be exiled (Deuteronomy 27:9 - 26). There were blessings spelled out for people when the nation obeyed the LORD (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). And again, the curses for disobedience are laid out (Deuteronomy 28:15 - 68). Ultimately, the purpose of such things is to bring the people of God to repentance—turning from sin and going to the LORD.

All the curses and all the wrath of God for the wickedness of His people was punished on the Person of Jesus Christ. Now, as New Testament Christians reading this, we understand in Jesus Christ we are a new nation—new Israel. Jesus is the new Adam, the final Adam, the Head of all those who believe and in Him we are a new people drawn from every tribe, tongue, nation and language. And we see the justice and righteousness of God written large in the pages of history.

Even now, in an age of Covid-19 fears, where our government is making veiled threats about mandatory quarantine rules for Canadian citizens (see article below), Christians live with the Rock Solid assurance the LORD our God is fully in control, fully aware of what is happening and this is not beyond the grip of His grace. Now, more than ever, Christians can stand tall for Jesus. In an age of fear, we live by the right rules of God: as those who live with great assurance and peace, as peace makers in an age of fears. Christians do not place their trust in scientists and governments, while we are obedient to those whom God has placed in power, we have our confidence and faith firmly fixed on Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ rules and governs all things, He is defeating every enemy until even death itself will be defeated. Then Jesus will hand over the fully conquered kingdom to His Father and all evil-doers—all who refused the authority of Jesus Christ—will be swept into hell along with the devil and all his demonic angels. Then believers in Jesus, those kept faithful in Jesus Christ, will be brought to the new heaven and the new earth where there will be no more sin. There believers will delight in the presence of God and be given the capacity to enjoy Him and live in true community with God, the Triune Holy and Blessed, and with His people.

Of course, things are chaotic now. We are in the ranks of milling soldiers, awaiting orders from the Captain of our Salvation. He directs the battle. He sees the distance fronts and the feints and tactics of the enemy. He anticipates them, even as he prepares His soldiers who cannot see the entire field of battle—such as the distracting skirmishes and preparations for a major frontal assault—to withstand them.

Therefore we trust Him all the more and do what He calls us to do. Or we wait on His orders as He calls us to wait—reading Scripture, praying and braiding confident trust into every part of our mind, heart, soul and life. One thing is sure, God the All-Powerful declares:

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.' (Isaiah 46:10).

Hallelujah to You, God Holy and Blessed forever. Great and awesome is Your power Ruler of all nations, Divine LORD over all authorities, dominions and powers in the heavenly realms. In these times where so many are ruled by uncertainty and fears, let Your people shine as those whose confidence and trust in Jesus Christ will be like a fear-calming, peace-making wave that sweeps across the beautiful land of Canada. May believers live in such confidence of Your righteousness that the perfections of Your rules will be embraced as true and Rock-solid in an age of fear. Spirit of the Living God draw many people to the throne of grace where Jesus Christ is seated. Thank You, LORD of all blessing, for truck drivers who bring needed supplies to far-flung places in our country. Thank You for those who serve on the front lines, despite their fears. We look to You, Jesus, seated in power and glory and pray: in our homes, in Your world, be glorified O LORD. Amen.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/quarantine-act-trudeau-coronavirus-1.5499071