The writer in Psalm 43 is asking God for him to be delivered from his enemies and to be restored to God's presence. It shows that he is dependent on God as asks God to "plead his case to an ungodly nation."
He shows trust in God asking that He would send His light and truth to guide him (vs3) for his requests.
In Ephesus Paul finds some other people similar to Apollos who haven't been updated in a long time. Like Apollos, they are only familiar with the preaching and baptizing of John the Baptist. It doesn't actually say here that they were not familiar with the ministry of Christ himself, but it is implied.
10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
Paul stayed in this part of Asia Minor and did a thorough job of evangelizing.
A lot of miracles are taking place as a result of Paul's ministry and are impressive to all around Ephesus. Subsequently, some Jewish sons of the local synagogue priest decide to trail on the coattails of Paul's success by casting out demons through the power of Jesus Christ. Only one problem though, they themselves showed no signs of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So, when they tried, verse 15 says that the evil spirit spoke back to them saying, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
The man in whom the evil spirit resided leaped on them and overtook them. The seven sons were left naked and wounded. Big things took place in Ephesus; verses 17-20 tell us that the Word of God prevailed and many forsook their practices of witchcraft.
Am I dependant on God for everything? Do I seek God daily and trust in Him alone to guide and direct me and to make my paths known? For it is God who gives us victory, it is God who is worthy of all our praise!
3 comments:
In Psalm 44, the writer reminds us that it is God who did the great things for Isreal, not themselves who did it, here referring to how the Israelites defeated greater enemies in order to enter the promised land,
3 It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.
A reminder for me to give God credit and glory, for He is the one who does great things through us, not us who do great things.
The same verse stood out for me that Nathan pointed out. A great reminder to give glory to God and not ourselves.
This stood out for me:
We have heard it with our ears, O God;
our ancestors have told us
what you did in their days,
in days long ago.
What a good reminder to share what God has done and is doing and pass down these things into future generations.
I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
You can tell that those early Christians shared freely and openly and the Bible says that ALL THE GREEKS AND JEWS heard the word. Imagine each of those passing on this knowledge to their families...
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