March 29, 2020 -- Psalm 119:140 -- Tried and true followers of Jesus

Your promise is well tried,

and your servant loves it.

Psalm 119:140 English Standard Version

There is a famous quotation from G. K. Chesterton that speaks directly to our culture’s current view of Christianity:

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting;

it has been found difficult and not tried.

Have you noticed that our Prime Minister as he leaves the front door of 24 Sussex, descends the steps each day, arrives at the canopied podium, will somberly give a national address without reference to the glory of God? While striving to be calm with his theatrical heroics he seeks to reassure Canadians. He is actually failing mightily. In his speeches there is no reference to prayer. There are no references to our great faith. There is no reference to God. Early on in his first term as Prime Minister Trudeau and his wife sought audience with the Pope. There was a show of his Roman Catholic faith. Such faith is now thunderous by its absence. Christianity has been found difficult and not tried.

In sharp contrast along with the psalmist we, as Christ-followers, know the promises of God our Father. In the New Testament book of James we are reminded that trials test the faith and produce steadfastness. This steadfastness produces in us wisdom that is bound up in the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God is poured out on those who look to God our Father and we know God is the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:2-18).

The very purpose of our lives is to understand we are servants of the Most High God. He is our Master in good times and in trying times. He is faithful in all circumstances. This life is preparation for eternity. We are being taught of the Sovereign Rule of our Great God—all things work together for good for those who love Jesus. Those who have no hope for eternity will abandon all hope and despair as stocks plunge and store shelves empty. But for those who serve the Heavenly Father, we have the great and unshakable assurance that even these times are being used by the Spirit of God for good.

Pray during these times, that:

~your faith may increase

~our Prime Minister and all his advisers and all MP’s and MPP’s will lead well and most importantly, that they will understand they are servants of the Master in Heaven

~these times will be used for the increase of faith and many will be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Your promises are well-tried in these trying times, Faithful God. Blessed are You and worthy of praise and glory. Spirit of the Living God, direct our national leaders, provincial and territorial leaders, and civic and municipal leaders in the ways of truth. Bring many people to believe in You, Living God. Let the powerful truth of Jesus Christ be for our nation and the nations of this earth a refuge in these times of uncertainty. Thank You, Holy and Triune God, for the confidence we as Christians have that these times too are in Your hands and You will accomplish Your perfect purposes in us. Amen.