Tags
blessed, discipline, inheritance, judgment, Righteousness, the LORD, trouble
I will praise Him!
Photo courtesy of Liz Kranz
The Blessings of Discipline
02 Saturday Sep 2017
Author Archives: davidkitz
I Stand Accused
01 Friday Sep 2017
Posted in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 35, Psalms
Tags
Absalom, abuse, accuser, beaten, David, demonic, God, Green's Creek, Jesus, Judas, lies, messianic, prophetic, Roman soldiers, Satan, Savior, sins, the cross, victory
Reading: Psalm 35
(Verses 11-16)
Ruthless witnesses come forward;
they question me on things I know nothing about.
They repay me evil for good
and leave me like one bereaved.
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
and humbled myself with fasting.
When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother.
I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.
But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.
They slandered me without ceasing.
Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;
they gnashed their teeth at me (NIV).
Reflection
There is a prophetic, messianic element to today’s Psalm 35 reading. This psalm is attributed to David, and historically on several occasions, close friends viciously turned on David. During Absalom’s rebellion David was betrayed not only by his son, but also by his confidants, who repaid his kindness with evil. He was openly mocked and tormented by Shimei, son of Gera, as he fled Jerusalem. See 2 Samuel 16:5-14. Though this is part of David’s experience, this psalm portion also has its prophetic fulfilment in the slanderous betrayal of Christ.
The muddy waters of Green’s Creek — photo by David Kitz
Matthew records that, “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward” (Matthew 26:59-60).
After being betrayed by Judas, his own disciple, Jesus was mocked, stripped and beaten by Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:27-31). While nailed to a cross the crowd hurled abuse at him. In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him (Matthew 27:41-44).
The shrieking crowds of hell heaped abuse onto our Savior. Those same demonic crowds are ready to hurl their accusations at us when we stumble. Satan, our accuser, delights in tormenting us by bringing up the sins of our past. He mocks our efforts at change, insisting that it can’t be done. But he is wrong—dead wrong. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
The Accuser only has power over us if we listen to his lies. Our victory is in the risen Christ!
Response: Jesus, you are my victory when the enemy accuses me. I put my trust in your redeeming blood. Help me to stand firm against the taunts of the enemy. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you put your trust in Jesus? He can change a wayward heart.
REVIEW OF: The Soldier Who Killed a King
31 Thursday Aug 2017
Posted in Books by David Kitz, Psalms
Tags
author, Barabbas, Bible, Canadian Bible Society, centurion, Christian, crucifixion, David Kitz, Easter, gospel, historic novel, historical research, Jesus, Passion Week, plot, Roman centurion, terrorist, The Soldier Who Killed a King
REVIEW OF: The Soldier Who Killed a King
SUB-TITLE: A True Retelling of the Passion
PUBLISHER: Kregel Publishing, 2017, 285 pages 
CLASSIFICATION: Historical Christian fiction
ISBN: 978-0-8254-4485-2
AUTHOR: David Kitz
BY: Wilf Wight, Director, (retired)
Eastern Ontario District
Canadian Bible Society
Maybe it is because I am left-handed, or maybe it demonstrates impatience, but when I first pick up any book, I invariably flip to the concluding pages. Call me a cheater if you will, but I am looking for a conclusion worthy of the time required to read the book! When I turned to the back of The Soldier Who Killed a King, the concluding pages of this story accomplished what every well-written book should do. The author reached back into the plot for a brief review and then projected the reader toward the future. In this case, the plot obviously had elements of violence and suffering which were being transformed through forgiveness and healing. And the future held promise of hope and excitement.
My attention next is concentrated on the first couple of chapters. Has the author grasped my attention in the opening paragraphs? Was sufficient detail given to introduce the plot, while only hinting at more intrigue to follow? Were the characters being carefully introduced in a way that begged my investigation? Yes, the author passed the basic tests. He had been successful in reaching out to me and I wanted to read this book!
Our western world has had major exposure to the Christian Gospel and most readers know at least something of what has come to be known as Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. However, the Bible makes only passing reference to two of the main characters in the story, the Centurion (military officer) who carried out the crucifixion and Barabbas (the convicted murderer) released by the authorities. The author seizes upon this opportunity to give them personalities, develop their thoughts and articulate their opinions. This proved to be a clever and effective tool to experience the unfolding of the drama in a fresh perspective.
For readers who have the mistaken idea that the biblical account is far removed from reality, here is fiction that will help them discover truth. As the author effectively paints the picture of the process of first century justice, political influence and compromise become realities. We cringe as the sentence is carried out by the most cruel and violent method. This is the most gripping account of the crucifixion that I have ever read! One could almost hear the hammer fall, feel the pain, sense the dishonor and share the guilt of that scene. After reading the description of the crucifixion of the first two victims, I hesitated, in fact halted. I was not sure if I wanted to tackle the third one—that of the Christ. And yet, despite the graphic description of this horrible experience, the author accomplished his goal without resorting to gross descriptions of the mangled human body.
We are confronted with the enigma of the Christ. He is the one who has demonstrated miraculous power to heal the lame and restore sight to the blind. He is the one who gently took children on his knee to teach them. Yet he set aside the exercise of his powers to submit to the terror of the Cross. The terrorist, Barabbas, was released—set free from prison and back into society—as the peoples’ alternative choice. And the sentence was carried out under Pilate’s orders by the Soldier. Through the eyes of these two characters we see another perspective, which does not usually come to the mind of the worshiper during Passion Week.
One device the author uses effectively is the introduction of each chapter with a day and time orientation. In this way the unfolding of the drama is situated on the calendar. Those who know the biblical account realize that Friday is coming but that is not the end of the story because Easter Sunday will be the revelation of the resurrected Christ.
As we approach the chapter dealing with Easter Sunday, the reader is rewarded with the hope and excitement of an amazing new day. The darkness of the crucifixion is not forgotten but rather dims in the light of the resurrection. The despair of death is replaced by the hope of new life. The willing submission of Jesus, the Donkey King, to the soldiers is now recast as the power of the One who can forgive and restore.
The concluding pages of the story bring us to a climax, so well-crafted and tensioned that I dare not give it away.
The epilogue provides further details of the main characters of the plot, gleaned from historical research. The endnotes reference biblical and other texts, which document the main course of events. The author has done his homework. His account of these events is well researched and credible.
Help in the Battles We Face
31 Thursday Aug 2017
Posted in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 35, Psalms
Tags
armor of God, authorities, David, devil, devil's schrmes, escape, Green's Creek, Jesus, New Testament, Old Testament, Ottawa River, resurrection, salvation, sin, spiritual forces, spiritual warfare, St. Paul, sword of the Spirit, the cross, the LORD, victory, word of God
Reading: Psalm 35
(Verses 7-10)
Since they hid their net for me without cause
and without cause dug a pit for me,
may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and delight in his salvation.
My whole being will exclaim,
“Who is like you, LORD?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them” (NIV).
Reflection
Paul the apostle reminds us that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are engaged in spiritual warfare. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Green’s Creek Point on the Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz
The conflicts that David experienced in the Old Testament, reflected in the words of this portion of Psalm 35, are mirrored in the spiritual warfare experienced by New Testament believers. Make no mistake—the devil and his cohorts have dug a pit to trap you; they spread their nets to ensnare you in sin and degradation. But as was true for David, the LORD has also provided a way of escape for you and me. Once again Paul reminds us of this: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The LORD has equipped us with the armor of God and He has provided a way of escape, so then with David we can rejoice in the victory the LORD will bring.
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
Satan is a thief and a robber, who robs us of victory, peace and joy. But like David and Paul we can overcome. Victory is possible because the victory has already been won for us at the cross, and it was confirmed on resurrection morning at the empty tomb. “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).
Response: Heavenly Father, I thank you that you have provided armor so that I can stand against the wiles of the devil. I praise you for the power of your holy word. I have victory through your blood, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: In your battle against sin are you using “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God?”
Is God on my side?
30 Wednesday Aug 2017
Posted in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 35, Psalms
Tags
armor, enemies, fight, God's help, heart attitude, humble, justice, my side, Ottawa River, Prayer, Righteousness, salvation, sheild, truth, warfare
Reading: Psalm 35
Of David.
(Verses 1-6)
Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid.
Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.
Say to me, “I am your salvation.”
May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.
May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the LORD driving them away;
may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them (NIV).
Reflection
David was a man acquainted with warfare. Throughout his life, Israel was in a prolonged struggle with its neighbours, even as it is today. From time to time this struggle would flare into open combat. Quite naturally in those times David would turn to the LORD in prayer. Psalm 35 is David’s call for help against his enemies—enemies that may be external or internal.
Sailboat on the Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz
Who doesn’t want God on their side? The answer is obvious; we all want God’s help when we find ourselves in trouble. Therefore, David cries out: Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
But there are some questions we should ask ourselves before we enlist the LORD’s help. Am I being truthful? Is my cause just? Am I in the right? Do I know all the facts in this matter? Am I seeing this issue solely from a narrow personal perspective? Finally, we should ask ourselves if our heart is right. One can be totally right about a matter, but have a heart that is full of hate, bitterness, jealousy and anger.
God always stands on the side of truth and justice. He knows the full extent of a matter. He sees all sides, not just our perspective. We can’t fool Him or hide from His searching eyes. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion (Psalm 11:5). Therefore, we need to come before Him humbly with hearts opened wide.
David asks this of the LORD: Say to me, “I am your salvation.”
The LORD will be our salvation—He is on our side—if our hearts are open and humble before Him. David’s confession in Psalm 51 confirms this truth. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise (Psalm 51:17). In other words, God is on our side when we move to His side in honest, humble contrition.
Response: LORD God, give me a humble heart that sees beyond my narrow interests. Help me to stand for righteousness, justice and truth. First, I want to align my heart and my spirit with you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Has the LORD fought on your side? Did you need to get your heart right first?
A Trouble Free Life?
29 Tuesday Aug 2017
Posted in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 34, Psalms
Tags
adversity, affliction, confession, danger, David, deliverance, faith, faith in God, hardship, oppression, overcoming, Redeemer, rescue, the LORD, trouble, trouble-free, unfailing love
Reading: Psalm 34
(Verses 19-22)
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned (NIV).
Reflection
This final portion of Psalm 34 reflects David’s faith in a God who saves. He began this psalm with praise because he experienced the saving power of God. Now David states that the LORD delivers, protects and rescues. But for these words to be meaningful, the LORD must deliver, protect and rescue from various forms of trouble and adversity. There is no rescue if there is no danger. There is no deliverance if there is no oppression.
Sunset photo courtesy of Liz Kranz
If you choose to follow the LORD, you are not guaranteed a trouble-free life. Jesus told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Many of us believe that if we do our best to lead a good life, following the commandments as found in the Bible, God will exempt us from hardship and trouble. But Jesus, the sinless Son of God, did not have a trouble-free life. Why should we expect our lives to be trouble free? God has not promised me a trouble-free life; He has promised to be with me when trouble and adversity comes.
About three years ago a close friend of mine suffered a debilitating stroke. He lost his position as a teacher, his finances took a hit and he struggled mightily to get his mobility back. In an instant every movement became much more difficult for him—every step a monumental effort. Last week he made a startling confession. He said, “If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t go back. I wouldn’t return to my pre-stroke days. God has drawn me so much closer to Himself through this. I wouldn’t wish this on any man. But God has changed me and used me in new ways that wouldn’t have been possible unless this happened.”
All of us desperately try to avoid the furnace of affliction. It’s too hard—too unpleasant—full of things we cannot bear. But God meets us there. He bears us up on eagle’s wings. When our resources and abilities run out, He takes over. He becomes our help and our deliverer in ways we cannot fathom. God is present in times of trouble.
His promises are tried, tested and true: The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Response: Heavenly Father, I can’t always see what is genuinely in my best interest, especially when that involves adversity. Be my sure help and protection in troubled times. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Has God met with you in a time of trouble? Do you know Him as your strength and rescuer in times of hardship and difficulty?
What does God look like?
28 Monday Aug 2017
Posted in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 34, Psalms
Tags
Ark of the Covenant, brokenhearted, Creator, David, Gatineau, God, human body, image of God, Jacques Cartier Park, Jesus, Mercy Seat, picturing God, righteous, seeing God, seeking God, Sistine Chapel, the LORD
Reading: Psalm 34
(Verses 15-18)
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the broken-hearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit (NIV).
Reflection
In the previous post on Psalm 34 I asked the question, “How do we God?” Remember David invites us in Psalm 34:8 to “Taste and see that the LORD is good.”
Wooden horses, Jacques Cartier Park, Gatineau, Quebec — photo by David Kitz
As this psalm continues David again invites us to take a closer look at God. He reminds us that, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil to blot out their name from the earth.”
In this passage David depicts the LORD as having eyes, ears and a face. I always have trouble picturing God. This inability does not stem from a lack of imagination. It comes from the knowledge that God is a spirit. How do you picture something that has no physical substance or form?
But picturing God comes with further difficulties. We are specifically forbidden to create an image or likeness of God. The God of the Hebrews sat on the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant between two cherubim. But there was no image or statue there. To create an image or statue would be blasphemous. For that reason I find Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel offensive. I am not offended by the depiction of a naked Adam. I’m offended by the portrayal of an old grey-haired man as God. How dare he create an image of God? I am similarly troubled by any artistic rendering of God the Father. God is so far beyond human that to render Him as having a human form demeans His Majesty.
But that’s what makes the incarnation so spectacular. This God of no fixed form took on material reality. In the person of Jesus, He became a man with eyes, ears and a human face. The God who sees all and hears all limited himself to a human body. The Creator took on the form and limitations of a creature—limitations that encompass betrayal, pain and death. In the body of Jesus, the Creator God, who sees and hears, experienced our reality—our humanity.
The psalmist, David declares, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
The LORD is close to the broken-hearted because in the form of Christ his heart was broken. He experienced the pain that touches you and more. His eyes are on you. He is listening when you cry out.
Response: Hear my prayer, Lord. I seek your face. Be my healer, my redeemer and deliverer. In Jesus’ name, who defeated death, I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you have a picture of God? How does God look to you?
The Seas Lifted Up
27 Sunday Aug 2017
Tags
God's house, God's voice, holiness, Lake Ontario, mighty, sea, seas, the LORD, thunder, waves
I will praise Him!
Lake Ontario surf – photo by Eric E. Wright
The seas have lifted up, LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.
(Psalm 93:3-5, NIV)
Robed in Majesty
26 Saturday Aug 2017
I will praise Him!
Photo courtesy of Liz Kranz
The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
(Psalm 93:1-2, NIV)
How Do I Taste God?
25 Friday Aug 2017
Posted in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 34, Psalms
Tags
blessed, blood, body, body and blood, C.S. Lewis, cat and mouse, fear, fearing God, five senses, flesh, God, Green's Creek, Jesus, John Ortberg, Know Doubt, Lion of the tribe of Judah, refuge, sacrifice, taste, the LORD, touch
Reading: Psalm 34
(Verses 8-14)
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it (NIV).
Reflection
What a strange command! David begins this portion of Psalm 34 by urging us to “Taste and see that the LORD is good.”
Green’s Creek Point on the Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz
One can logically argue that of the five senses taste is the most intimate. I can see, hear, and even smell someone at a distance. Touch of course requires direct contact, but to taste someone or something, I must take it or them into my mouth. That’s intimate.
How then do I, “Taste and see that the LORD is good?” If I can’t see, hear, smell or touch the LORD, how can I possibly taste Him? David goes on to state, “Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him [the LORD]. Notice David did not say we are blessed if we take refuge with the LORD. We are to take refuge in Him. That requires a higher level of intimacy—a marital kind of intimacy.
Do I taste and see that the LORD is good? Do I take refuge in Him? Do I actively seek God? John Ortberg in his book Know Doubt tells us that C.S. Lewis said that speaking of man’s search for God always sounded to him like speaking of the mouse’s search for the cat. The mouse hides from the cat because he fears the cat may require his life. We avoid God for the same reason. If you find God, He may ask for your life. Are you willing to give it up to Him?
But Jesus was willing to give his life for you. He willingly suffered, bled and died on a cross so that you might have eternal life. The big cat—the Lion of the Tribe of Judah—lay down his life for the mouse, even a mangy mosacriuse like me. That’s real love. Now Jesus invites us to come and dine. Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them” (John 6:54-56).
Response: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you, Jesus for laying down your life for me. Through the sacrifice of your body and blood I can truly taste and see that the LORD is good. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you seek God or avoid Him? Why?
I love the Psalms 