Psalm 146:7-9

Psalm 146 is a wonderful proclamation of hope for you and I in Christ Jesus. In verse 5 we are told, "Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God." This promise is fulfilled in Christ Jesus who is our hope.  The psalm goes on to describe some of the attributes and characteristics of Christ we will see lived out by Him:

"He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked." Psalm 146:7-9

Jesus fulfills all these prophesies when He is born to Joseph and Mary.  He encompasses all these things that are counter to what the world does or believes.  In Matthew 10:5-8, He gives you and I the same power:

"These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." Matthew 10:5-8

This passage says Jesus, "sent out" is the word apostellō (ἀποστέλλω) which means to order (one) to go to a place appointed.  What an empowering moment; Jesus appoints you and I to go out, proclaim the message that the kingdom of heaven has come near and to be His representative in the ways listed.

What does that look like?

• ...upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry = spreads the gospel and feeds the homeless.
• ...sets prisoners free = guides those in bondage of sin to freedom in Christ.
• ...gives sight to the blind = heals the sick.
• ...lifts up those who are bowed down = lifts up his neighbor when times are hard.
• ...loves the righteous = love your brothers and sisters.
• ...watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow = takes care of strangers and those who can't take care of themselves.
• ...frustrates the ways of the wicked = speaks out against heresy and religion and invites those into relationship with Christ.

Do you believe that Christ now rules your life now and you are now the conduit for these things to happen?  Christ has called you and I to die to ourself and allow Him to rule; we can only do these things listed about with Him in control.  

What are you waiting for? 

What are you still holding on to or trying to control?

"It's not about you." Rick Warren says, in my opinion, best line in the book.  Put your hope in Him. Allow Him to rule. Know that you are appointed to do His work and be blessed.

God Bless.