Tuesday Tea-ology today continues our exploration of the work of Christ, looking now at His temptation in the wilderness. How awesome is the mighty strength of our Redeemer, who resisted the devil and overthrew his power, to bring life to the lost.
“For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar” (Psalm 138:6, ESV).
In Psalm 138, we read David’s gratitude and confidence in God’s delivering power. He worships the Lord (vv.1-2), who has heard his prayer (v.3). God’s greatness will be acknowledged by the mighty (vv.4-5); but it is the humble who will know His mercy (v.6). The contrast in this verse turns on the attitude of our hearts before the Most High. He is great, and those who know His greatness and their own smallness may take refuge in the graciousness of God.
In humble faith we find hope. Remember that God is greater, and higher, and more glorious than we can ever grasp or imagine. Remember that we are just His little creatures; but remember also that God loves us, that He is kind and compassionate, and that He saves those who turn to Him. Take courage, and hope in the greatness of God.
“It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:23, ESV).
Psalm 136 consistently proclaims the steadfast love of the Lord, displayed in creation (vv.4-9) and redemption (vv.10-25). This twenty-third verse highlights the grace of God, who in His greatness reaches down to us in our lowliness. His redeeming mercies are shown to His people, not because of our worthiness but because of the vastness and persistence of His love.
God knows how small we are. God knows our frailty and our limits. He sees our struggles and griefs. We can trust in the power of His enduring love, for our hope is not based on our own strength, but on the glory of our Redeemer. May the steadfast love of the Lord be your confidence today.
Ah, another Tuesday Tea-ology is at hand. Enjoy a nice cup of Scottish Breakfast Tea, and let’s look together at the narrative of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Jesus has accomplished the life of perfect righteousness that you and I have failed to live, and so we may have life in Him.
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1, ESV).
All twenty-six verses of Psalm 136 have the same second part: “for his steadfast love endures forever”. I’d say that’s a theme! From this opening verse on God’s goodness, the psalm declares God’s utter supremacy (vv.2-3), as shown in His mighty work of creation (vv.4-9) and redemption (vv.10-25), before concluding on a similar note to the beginning. God is the Maker of all, and Savior of those who turn to Him. His love is steadfast and eternal.
When we think of God’s wonderful acts of creation and salvation, we should stand in awe before the Lord and have faith that He will see us through our troubles. God’s nature and character, His might and mercy, are our unfailing hope. He is able, and He is loving. May the steadfast love of the Lord sustain you today.