In the Meantime
Why, O LORD, do You stand far away? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
PSALM 10:1
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In the Meantime
We find those mournful laments in the psalms, such as “Arise!” in Psalm 7:6 and "Why does Thou stand afar off?" in Psalm 10:1. Similar words are spoken by hearts that are in doubt as to whether we have a God and ask: "Where is your God?" (Psalm 42:10). "We do not have to believe in Him who conceals and withdraws Himself from us, do we?" . . . But we have nothing from God except the pure Word, namely, that the Lord Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and is the Judge of the living and the dead, and that through Him we are kings and priests (Revelation 1:6). But where can this be discerned? Not in the indicative mood, but in the imperative and the optative. Why He hides Himself in this way we shall see on that Day, when all enemies will have been put under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25). Meanwhile we should believe and hope. For if one could see it now before one's eyes, there would be no need of faith.
From Lectures on Genesis (Luther's Works 4:356-57)
February 21
PSALM 10:1
+
In the Meantime
We find those mournful laments in the psalms, such as “Arise!” in Psalm 7:6 and "Why does Thou stand afar off?" in Psalm 10:1. Similar words are spoken by hearts that are in doubt as to whether we have a God and ask: "Where is your God?" (Psalm 42:10). "We do not have to believe in Him who conceals and withdraws Himself from us, do we?" . . . But we have nothing from God except the pure Word, namely, that the Lord Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and is the Judge of the living and the dead, and that through Him we are kings and priests (Revelation 1:6). But where can this be discerned? Not in the indicative mood, but in the imperative and the optative. Why He hides Himself in this way we shall see on that Day, when all enemies will have been put under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25). Meanwhile we should believe and hope. For if one could see it now before one's eyes, there would be no need of faith.
From Lectures on Genesis (Luther's Works 4:356-57)
February 21
Posted in Daily Devotions
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