Written by Reuben M. Bredenhof |
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Jesus ministered in the land of Israel for three years, until he was killed outside Jerusalem’s walls. For a moment it looked like a shameful defeat for God, but this was his greatest triumph. For Jesus conquered all his and our enemies, and restored “the fortunes of his people” (v. 6). Now we know beyond any doubt where our help comes from.
When a person is in trouble, where do they look for help?
One person leans on his best friend. Another calls her doctor, or her mother. Others look to a spouse, a pastor, a life-coach.
The people of Israel also looked to different places. Sometimes they expected help from Egypt, from Babylon, or from one of their false gods. But the LORD always told his people where to look: to him alone!
In Psalm 53 David tells about a time when the wicked were attacking God’s people, eating them up “as they eat bread” (v. 4). It didn’t look good. But once again the LORD rescued his people and terrified their enemies, defeating them in battle.
Even though Israel has been saved, David ends with a prayer in verse 6 :
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
It’s as if he knows that deliverance will be needed again, that this latest salvation will not be the last.