In Psalms 73 - 75, there is inner turmoil, as the Psalmist
wonders what to make of the success of the wicked who oppose the Lord
and His people. There are times of great confusion - “But when I tried
to understand this, it was too difficult for me” (Psalm 73:16). There
are times when the Psalmist is on the edge of despair - “Why, O God,
have You rejected us forever? Why does Your anger smoulder against the
sheep in Your care? ... How long, O God, will the enemy insult us? Will
the enemy despise You forever?” (Psalm 74:1,10). Despite all that runs
counter to God, the Psalmist remains strong in faith. He triumphs over
all that opposes the purpose of God in his life - “God remains the
foundation of my life and my inheritance forever ... From long ago, God
has been my King, the One who has been victorious throughout the earth
... We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks. You are present, and
Your miracles confirm that ... I will speak about Your miracles forever.
I will make music to praise the God of Jacob” (Psalm 73:26; Psalm
74:12; Psalm 75:1,9).
"The Son of Man came to save the lost" (Matthew 18:11). In Matthew 18:12-13, Jesus speaks about sheep. He's really speaking about us. He is the Shepherd. We are His sheep. Sheep wander away from the shepherd. We wander away from the Lord. The shepherd looks for the lost sheep. Jesus has come to seek for us and find us. He brings us home to God, our Father. Through His saving grace, we receive new life - a life in which we rejoice in our great Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He delivers us from the condemnation, which our sin has brought upon us. He brings us into the knowledge of His forgiveness. This Gospel of salvation changes us. It teaches us to live in the power of God's love. Jesus speaks about "the Kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:12,23), "the Kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:14,24) and "eternal life" (Matthew 19:29). Jesus' way of thinking and living is so very different from the world's way of thinking and living. He chall...
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