Remarks From the Reverend

Author’s Note: This is the third of a series of devotionals from Psalm 146.

“Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; . . .” – Psalm 146:6a

From Psalm 146, verses 3-6, we learn putting our hope and trust in a “prince,” or a “son of man” or “we the people,” merely offer temporary, self-defeating and oftentimes, self-destructive help. There is only one person that we can put our trust and hope in; that is, the “God of Jacob,” the “LORD”; that is, YHWH; the self-existing, eternal living personal God, who took on the very nature of man and became Jesus of Nazareth to save and redeem a people freed from the penalty, power and by defeating death in His resurrection, all who are in Him will be free from the presence of sin.

Beginning with verse 6 we read the works of the God of Jacob, the LORD God. His works give evidence He is who He says He is and is worthy of our complete trust and hope. We can trust Him and rest our hope in Him, not only because of who He is, but also because He has proven Himself to be trustworthy, faithful, powerful and mighty in 12 different ways, as we read in verses 6-10, which we will consider over the next few articles.

First, as the Creator of “heaven and earth, the sea, and all this is in them,” He is powerful and mighty not only to keep His promises toward His Elect, but to also execute His righteous justice against the wicked, casting them into the eternal pit of hell. He has the authority and ability to create and to destroy. This is all understood in the first part of verse 6. His power and might are seen not only in the fact He created all that there is in six ordinary days by the power of His word (Genesis Chapter 1; cf. John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 5:11; Psalm 33:6); He also upholds all that He created by His authority and might. His creation is totally dependent on Him for all things. From the very beginning of creation, the Lord God of Jacob demonstrates to all creation, including all mankind, that He is worthy of our total and complete trust. Therefore, we ought not to look to anyone, except Him alone for our help; He is our only hope; He is our Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Redeemer and Deliverer. Even when He sends someone to help us in our time of need, it’s God’s mercy and grace sending that person.

When the LORD God of Jacob spoke all things into existence, all that He created was “very good” (Genesis 1:31), including making man in His image on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-27; Mark 10:6-8). However, not long afterward, Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s commandment, resulting in sin entering the world; and with sin, death as the consequence (Romans 6:23); not just physical death, but also spiritual death, eternal separation from God our Creator in the torment of hell. Further, with sin came suffering; not to mention the rebellion, hate, selfish ambition, and self-serving vile affections that reflect the sin nature that was passed along to all mankind as descendants of Adam and Eve, our first parents (Romans 1:18-32; 3:9-20; 5:12).

However, there is comfort in knowing the LORD God of Jacob is our Creator; for He is the only One who is powerful enough to rescue sinners from their sin and misery by grace alone through faith alone, with the washing and regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, who makes the sinner alive from being dead in his or her trespasses and sins. He also humbles the sinner’s heart that leads to the repentance of his or her sins and by faith alone rest their salvation in Jesus Christ’s one atoning sacrifice on the cross 2,000 years ago for the forgiveness of his or her sins. This powerful work of God will also be evidenced as by faith the redeemed sinner looks to Christ’s righteousness for his or her righteousness before God and looks to Him alone, as his or her living hope, for everlasting life. Whom He has rescued (helped) will He not also provide for the redeemed sinner’s every need, especially in times of trouble? Yes - with the same might and power (Romans 8:28-39; Hebrews 4:14-16)! Won’t you this day put your trust and hope in the LORD God of Jacob for your salvation and help? Jesus Christ won’t disappoint or bring you to shame; He will ALWAYS rescue you in your time of need, both in this life and the life to come, according to God’s good purposes for you, demonstrating the riches of His mercies and the fullness of His grace; God’s abounding, overflowing grace.

Rev. Richard Stetler, of Hartley, is the CEO and founder of Reformation Gospel Ministries. Visit http://www.reformationgospelministries.org for more information.