THE LORD SPOKE (May 11)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Samuel 20-22

II Samuel 22 (= Psalm 18)

David's magnificent song of praise has been preserved for us in both the book of psalms and in this historical record because it is so central to understanding not just David's heart for the Lord but also how we should relate to Him. Every verse throbs with David's love for God. This is David speaking to the Lord (II Sam. 22:1). Soon, the Lord will be speaking to him again (II Sam. 23:2).

Notice the basic outline and recurring themes of what David says:

1. When our times are tough, we must find our security in the Lord (II Sam. 22:2-20).
2. When our days are dark, we must find our light in the Lord (II Sam. 22:21-30).
3. When our walk is weak, we must find our strength in the Lord (II Sam. 22:41-46).

Then comes a great doxology (II Sam. 22:47-51) as David concludes that, indeed, the Lord is there just when I need Him most. He is a solid rock. I have an anchor for the soul. We join David in saying, "I will sing praises to your name!" What song will fill your day today?


New Testament: Romans 14

What should you do when strong brothers disagree? You respect both; you see the validity of the arguments of both; but they don’t come down on the same side in their conclusions. How about if you’re one of the strong brothers and your convictions or understanding of the sacred text takes you in a different direction? This passage provides five principles to folks in such cases.

1. Learn to distinguish between matters of command and matters of freedom. Preferences are okay as long as they’re understood as preferences. Examine the Scriptures carefully to determine what they say and what they don’t say.
2. On debatable matters, cultivate your own convictions. Use great caution in following the crowd or even in adopting some strong individual’s example. Be sure in your own mind.
3. Allow your brother to determine his own convictions even when they differ from yours. Remember, we’re talking about debatable matters. Anything that the Bible clearly addresses is in another category. But when God’s Word doesn’t give an authoritative answer to an issue, neither should you.
4. Let your liberty be limited, when necessary, by love. Imposing a conviction - whether negative or positive - is no more wrong than insisting on your own “right” to do something. If your action is offensive to someone else, back off.
5. Follow Christ as the model and motivator of servanthood. “Though He was reviled, He reviled not again” (I Pet. 2:23).

The result will be “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by man” (Rom. 14:17-18).