S) "1 'Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up,'
Let Israel now say,
2 'Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.'"
Psalm 129:1-2 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 129
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 129
O) This is a prayer to overthrow the enemies of Zion. Like many of the Psalms, this is asking for God to show His faithfulness to Israel by destroying the enemies of His people. This song opens with a testimony about the persecution they have endured. Notably, they mention that their persecution has been long, but unsuccessful. There is a significant note of violence in v.3, also. Even still, despite the violent, persistent hostility, they persevered in the LORD. It is from that testimony, that they prepare their prayers for vindication.
A) There are a few things that need to be clarified, before this verse can be applied. First, is the reminder that my battle is not against flesh and blood (see Ephesians 6:12). Second, that Jesus made it clear we are to pray for our enemies and love them. In the Old Testament, God's people would pray for an end to evil, by asking for the wicked to be destroyed. In the New Testament, we ask for an end to evil, by asking for the wicked to be redeemed. That is the start of my story (a wicked young man being redeemed), and so I should pray that it is the start of every person's testimony. Ultimately, I rest assured that there will be a final judgment for any who refuse the free offer of redemption. So, while I patiently await that day, I should be praying for the reconciliation of every enemy of God, to their Creator. Third, I need to remember that everything God does is by His grace, not by some obligation to me because of my righteousness. The righteousness I have is not even my own, it is given to me through Christ Jesus, alone.
Having said all of that, the first thing that came to mind, when I read this verse, was the importance of perseverance through hostility. In my youth, I sought to serve God in obedience. I was persecuted for it. Sadly, I slacked in my obedience to Christ, living a completely unfruitful and selfish life of sin for several years. Then, when I realized the risk of spiritual death I faced, by the grace of God I was led back to Him. Since then, I have faced persecution, but it did not prevail against me. Even still, it is not always the persecution that will become the pitfall. For me, it was a life of comfort and self-indulgence. In any case, I must remain on the alert to serve the LORD my God completely, whether in the face of persecution or temptation.
P) Father, I can never boast about perseverance, because everything I have comes from You. In Your grace, I am made to be strong. In Your grace, I am trained to resist temptation. Even still, I know I am obliged to obey what You command. So, I commit myself to overcome persecution. I know that the world has been hostile against Your Word forever. The world hated Jesus, so I cannot expect to live without strife, if I am living for His name. Do not let hostilities prevail against me, God. Not for my own sake, but for the sake of Your name and the gospel, that others would see, the life I am given in Jesus Christ, through my obedience. To Your name be all praise, glory, and honor. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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