Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 35:11-16
Ps 35:11-16
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. But I, when they were sick—I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning. But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth. (ESV)
Luke 23:33-34
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (ESV)
Did you ever feel like the whole world has turned against you, and for no reason at all? Jesus certainly felt that way when Pilate tried to release him and execute Barabbas (a known terrorist). Pilate knew that it was out of envy of the religious leaders that they wanted Jesus to be crucified. David (on several occasions) felt this way when people were hunting him and calling for him to be murdered.
When we study the Bible for ourselves and actually think about what we are studying, we will inevitably come to some conclusions that do not fit the norm (accepted interpretations). It may be on some very minor point, and nobody really cares, or it may be on something that is considered by some as major, so they really get upset with us. Jesus faced this as well as Peter and Paul.
Where the real problem comes in is, that too often the ones who disagree seem to get their feelings hurt because you challenge their thinking or even worse, they get mad about it. Anger is usually a sign that they cannot answer your argument by using scripture. When this happens, instead of a reasonable, godly discussion, they attack you and your character. Again, enter Jesus, Peter, and Paul.
Our response should be to pray and ask God to give them understanding and to give you strength and patience. Then forgive them and ask God to forgive them.
O Lord God, thank you for the many spiritual blessings you have given me in Jesus Christ! Thank you for the physical blessings that have abounded in my life from birth until this day! Thank you for my families, both physical and spiritual, and for the many friends you have given me along the way! Fill me every day with your Spirit so that I will allow his fruit to grow in me and I will be molded into the likeness of Jesus. Help me show his love in my life. In his name I pray.
Robert