23/08/12

The oppression faced by Christians

Psalms 106:42 - Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.


I have mentioned before that the book of Psalms were previously divided into 5 parts each reflecting a book of Moses and that is the reason the Psalms of David are not listed in order they were written. Psalm 106 comes in the book of Numbers and 107 onwards in book of Deuteronomy.

In the book of Numbers we see when the people walked according to the instructions of the Lord not even one soldier was lost in any battle, but when they went against the instructions of the Lord running after the gods of Egypt or fornicating after the desires of their flesh they experienced great human loss. It was the same soldiers who fought indestructible being when they were with God and like normal earthly being prone to destruction when they were away from God.

In today's message the Lord is exposing something through Psalms which is not seen clearly in the book of Numbers. The enemies were not the only ones who oppressed the Israelites. The scripture says 'their enemies also oppressed'. If the enemies also oppressed then who along with the enemies oppressed the people. When we read the book of Numbers we see the other things that caused many to dies were the plagues, forces of nature and human stupidity (of people). These happened due to the wrath of God was on them and God loathed their inheritance (Ps 106:40).

In yesterday's message the Lord spoke about how our boldness in Christ leads us to receive the promises (inheritance) of the Lord and in today's message the Lord talks of why we do not receive it.

Christians are not made to struggle and experience difficulties in life but since we struggle with our flesh and fornicate with the powers of darkness we face problems and calamities. God know we will take time to grow in Him that is why He has warned us about persecutions coming our way.

When we are new in Christ like a Good Shepherd carries the lambs in His arms, but no shepherd carried any sheep other than the one which was lost and he brings back to the sheepfold (for sheep have the tendency to sit put in a place and bleat when they realize they are lost, even when danger comes in its face, the shepherd needs to carry the sheep to its flock and then only it behaves normal).

The Lord is telling us not to take His grace any sacrifice for granted. As we grow in Him let us also start to walk more upright and let the world know our God is God.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, we Christians have the usual tendency to blame Satan for everything that we do not like. We do not realize we ourselves are of greater danger for ourselves than Satan is for us. Satan plays with us so that we do not overcome ourselves for he knows the day we grow from hope to faith and faith to authority his days are over. Lord, we pray your people grow stronger in faith and do not just stay there but have authority, the authority You gave us...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]
Psalms 106:40-45
40 Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Mark 4:16-17
16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)