September 2, 2023 -- Psalm 37:18-20 -- The Psalm Series: Jesus the Only Way to the Father

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless,
    and their heritage will remain forever;
19 they are not put to shame in evil times;
    in the days of famine they have abundance.
20 But the wicked will perish;
    the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures;
    they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
Psalm 37:18-20 ESV

R.C. Sproul (1939 - 2017) was a well-known theologian, philosopher, and Bible teacher. Yesterday I was listening to one of his podcasts. He was teaching on the way of the LORD. One of his students piped up and said she couldn’t believe in a God would only have one way to Himself. She exclaimed: "It isn’t right."

Sproul explained how he answered. This woman admitted she thought there were many ways to the divine. Then Sproul asked if Jesus might be one of those ways to God?! She was honest enough to admit, okay, that much could be true. Then Sproul continued, what if Jesus claimed (as He does) that He is exclusive, the only way to the Living God? This is not what R. C. Sproul claims. This is not just one man’s opinion, but He Whom you admitted could be a way to God the Father declared He alone is the way.

Sproul added, how exceptional it is that He Who created all things, Who is majestic and holy, should provide a way to Himself at all. This shows the incredible kindness of the Living God. His tenderness and His patience towards those who are wicked. The wicked and rebellious remain so until His Spirit breaks their stubborn resistance and leads them to Himself in righteousness.

There is one way to God the Glorious One. In the Old Testament the sacrifices and offerings and the words of the prophets and priests all pointed to the coming of Jesus. New Testament Christians understand what Old Testament believers would have longed to see and fully understand: Jesus is the full, final, sacrifice that makes believers blameless. All others perish.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. How excellent are Your ways and how beautiful is Your mercy by which You have opened up a way to Yourself. Thank You for Your divine protection, given to believers, in the work of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for Jesus, in Whom we are blameless and through Whose sacrifice we have a heritage forever with You. Mighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, strengthen us, Your people, to face the evil times in which we live prevailing against the temptations of the evil doers who hate You. Glorious God, may it be our increasing delight to serve You, praise You, and do good in the land until the desires our heart are met with eternity in Your incandescent presence. Amen.

https://youtu.be/CjB0mkj0XaM?si=fqbCWYjUmMErQUP4 Hymn of Heaven

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