Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
8/25 Reading Portions: 1 Samuel 17; Romans 15; Lamentation 2; Psalm 33
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. Psalm 33:10
HEATHEN
The Hebrew word גּוֹיִם (go-YEEM) can be translated “heathen” (KJV) or “nations” (ESV). Certainly, the psalmist brings our attention to unbelievers, whether they are a coalition of peoples in an empire or country, or simply those who oppose YHVH God and His Christ. It conveys the same truth: God will bring their counsel to nothing and confound their plans or plots (devices, KJV).
All worldly plans are stained in the light of Christ’s splendor and marred in the light of His majesty. Nationalism and patriotism are temporary fixes at best— a band-aid on a bullet hole, if you will. The wisdom and philosophies of the best of fallen men are foul and futile when void of Christ. In fact, they are even more insidious when they invoke the name of Jesus in order to fuel their own worldly lusts and agendas.
Worldly counsel will fail because only the LORD’s counsel stands forever (Psa 33:11a). His counsel is based upon the eternal truth of the person and work of Jesus Christ; that’s because the gospel of Christ is central to the plans of God’s heart to all generations (Psa 33:11b). Paul says that God…
…lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ Ephesians 1:8-9
We need not fear the plans, plots, devices, or thoughts of the ungodly. Religious leaders plotted to murder Christ (Matt 27:1); and Christ’s death and resurrection became our salvation. The Jews plotted to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12); and their vow came to nothing. Satan constantly accuses the brethren, you and me, before God (Rev 12:10); yet it gives opportunity for Christ, our Advocate, to be glorified by defending us because of His righteousness (1 Jn 2:1) and His holy sacrifice (1 Jn 2:2). Hallelujah! What a Savior!
The worldly plots of wickedness
Will only come to naught;
The counsel in God’s Christ are blest
In all that Christ has wrought.
HAPPY 6️⃣3️⃣RD BIRTHDAY, PASTOR JON!🎈🎉🎁🎂