FOLLOWING CHRIST IN A HOSTILE WORLD
Psalm 2, 3 and 4
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”
It is easy to miss the fact that the world is hostile to God; after all, we are a part of the world and grew up assimilating its values and culture. But the bible is clear that the world is on the side of sin and darkness and we are warned not to love the world nor the things of the world.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2: 15-17)
Once this is clear in our heads, then it makes sense that following Christ in such a hostile world will bring to us its share of difficulties.
How does the Psalmist respond to this truth?
Firstly, he rests on the sovereign God and trusts that His will will ultimately be established. The world is no match for God. Those who stand with God will be blessed.
Secondly, he calls on God for his protection. He looks to God for his sense of worth and does not allow the taunts of the world to get to him. It is this closeness with God—being affirmed by him, loved by him and approved by him—that allows him to sleep well every night.
Finally, he understands and accepts that God’s treasures are not what the world treasures. Wealth and prosperity, power and status, popularity and acclaim—these are not what God is about. God offers himself, his love and his faithfulness. In the light of his blessing we find peace, joy and security.
All of these will shield us from the hostility of the world and draw us into his peace.
“Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”