MLC Sermon Notes Note 0409

Psalm 94

Reading: Psalm 94

The cry of millions of sufferers through the ages has been "Where is God? What is He doing about the evil, sickness, sorrow and death currently swamping humanity? If He exists and is all-powerful, as we are constantly being told He is, then why doesn't He do something to stop earth's ills?"

1. Vengeance belongeth unto God

The Psalmist had similar queries. But he was an spiritual analyst who arrived at amazing answers. Let us examine his questions and answers which he recorded for our benefit. His first point is:

Vengeance belongeth unto God.

Yahweh exacts vengeance against all unrepentant sinners in direct proportion to their guilt. But He has set a time for His vengeance. He never acts hastily but first waits to see if the sinner requests pardon. His method is to offer mercy; then if sin persists - to punish. Last of all He deals out vengeance. The following Bible verses prove that Yahweh has and will punish evildoers.

These are sobering facts which the enemies of Christ would do well to consider; because a day of terrifying vengeance is approaching.

2. How long O God?

Still, the inevitable question is: How long do we have to wait for Yahweh to act? Why does He take so long to do things? Why is evil on the upsurge and God so silent? The world is crying out for action - soon!

In Psalm 94 the same questions are asked.

The answer is: till Yahweh's time of grace is ended: for the fact is, He is allowing plenty of time for evil men to repent and be saved. He doesn't want any one to die if there is even a small chance that they might repent. That is why He doesn't act straight away. The Bible says:

Yahweh is patiently waiting for people to repent and accept His free gift of salvation through Christ. His love compels Him to hold back his frustration and anger at mankind's unwillingness to change its ways. But when He finally decides that 'enough is enough' then this universe will witness a display of vengeance beyond all imagination. So let us all stop questioning Yahweh's reluctance to punish iniquity. It is because of His enormous patience that all of us alive today have obtained mercy and salvation. Had He acted in vengeance years ago, I for one would never see the kingdom of heaven.

3. Yahweh knows

Yahweh knows absolutely everything. If He wanted to He could look into every secret of your life. But He respects your privacy and doesn't pry into men's minds unless He has to. Then he is able to measure and analyse every motive, every thought, every word and every deed.

4. Yahweh Punishes / Teaches

The Most High disciplines all those whom He loves. But do not mistake His discipline or mild punishment for vengeance. Discipline is applied as a means of instruction. Vengeance is another matter.

• Divine vengeance is the unrestrained, final retribution of God on the ungodly. It will come unmixed with mercy and will end in the death of the sinner.
• Divine chastisement is a different matter. It is the lot of all the sons and daughters of Yahweh. We are all in need of correction, discipline and instruction from Yahweh's law. These measures improve one's character. Like reward, discipline and punishment are instructional tools.

5. Yahweh is always with us

The Lord will never abandon His children. Though the enemy may scheme a million schemes, and though at times it may appear as though our feet are slipping, yet in the end Yahweh's people will be victorious. The reason for absolute victory is because "The Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge." Bear in mind that under Jesus Christ the Son of God, the righteous are being groomed to rule the entire universe.

6. Who will stand up against evil?

The world is sick. Evil is apparently overwhelming good: and the forces of righteousness appear almost paralysed. Resistance to evil is weak. Like the deadly disease of AIDS, spiritual apathy is devastating many churches. It is at this apparently hopeless time, when truth seems to be on the way out, that the Almighty asks this challenging question:

Yahweh asks a similar question in the prophecy of Isaiah. Let me quote it:

Who is willing to expose error? Who will stand up and speak for the truth? Who is willing to enter the spiritual battle against unrighteousness? If you are unwilling to fight in the good fight; if you are not interested in defending the church - which is the body of Christ - then you may well have that fearsome problem - spiritual AIDS!

But if your soul is being stirred at this very moment, then repeat Isaiah's answer with me:

Then said I, "Here am I send me."

7. The Attack & Defence

Satan and his team are very active in fighting truth. And one of their targets are those who proclaim it. In fact the more you present the truth, the more hatred you will arouse in the hearts of the wicked. Sad to say, that is fact that every preacher and follower of God has to learn

Our divine commission is to proclaim the Everlasting Gospel of salvation to a sin-sick world standing at the very brink of eternity. The nearer we get to the Saviour's return, the more earnestly we should proclaim it. No matter how daunting that duty may appear to be and no matter how strong the opposition, always remember that Yahweh and His Son are with us - even to the end of the world. That is the divine promise which cannot fail.

Amen.

MLC Sermon Notes