Pastor's Corner - October 2011
September 11, 2011 marked ten years since the horrific events at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and of Flight 93 over Pennsylvania. Some impressive memorial services were held at all three locations to honor those who lost their lives on that memorable day in 2001.
At the ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City, President Obama read from Psalm 46:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
“Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts.
“The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
“Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations He has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
“The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
These were the only public words spoken by the President during the ceremony; stirring words, but words more descriptive of a cataclysm caused by “natural disaster” than that of a terrorist attack. As Adventist believers we know that before the return of the Lord the words of David will be a reality, and as frightful as it is to see the description of the earth giving way, the promises contained in the passage inspire courage and hope. The opening promise is that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Through whatever lays ahead, the strength of the Almighty will sustain His people. He is always available, always present, and always accessible. In His presence we know that we can be still and trust Him for He is God. There is a peace that can live in our hearts when we give all fear and concern to Him, for He is our fortress.
Martin Luther penned those words in his encouraging hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” while living in a castle named Wartburg. It was in that castle that Luther was protected from the attacks of Charles V; there Satan tried to overwhelm and attack Luther as he sat at his desk translating the New Testament into German. Fortresses and castles were built by kings for protection from outside attack; so our God is a fortress to protect His people not only physically, but most importantly spiritually.
I love the middle phrase of this passage in Psalm 46 which describes the habitation of our God: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts.” I like how the New Living Translation puts them; “A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!” Do you recognize the scene David is describing here? It is when the New Jerusalem descends to the earth with the redeemed within her walls and the earth is cleansed of all sin, including those who chose to live in rebellion against the Lord. In that city of refuge there is a river of life and a tree of life which all who have put their daily and complete trust in Jesus the Son of God will have access to for all of eternity.
There is a “season of calamity” coming. A “time of trouble” will follow it but friends, we do not need to fear the future if we are strengthening our relationship with our Friend and Saviour Jesus today! We can thus insure our place in that city of refuge, and we can invite others to be our neighbors in that city.
On the last weekend of October, our church will hold a weekend revival with Pastor Bill Liversidge in a series entitled “Victory in Jesus.” Pastor Bill will inspire us to find victory in Christ and strengthen our relationship with Him. I know you will be blessed as you participate in this revival time. If you have ever heard Pastor Bill speak or read any of his books, you know what I mean. Keep your eyes open for more information regarding this revival weekend and make sure you register ahead of time.