“KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME!”

I ponder how it is as believers many place more trust in the knowledge of the physicians and pharmacists than in God’s promises.

Then I read 2Tim. 4:18
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

It is here the Holy Spirit begins to unveil what and how those professing to follow and speaking God’s words show their true color and why.

Fear is a harsh task master. And in Matthew Henry’s Commentary of 2Tim 4:18 it exposes this weakness as we are shown.

There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open enemies. It is dangerous having to deal with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. Here truth is brought forward.

The Christians at Rome were forward to meet him, (Acts 28), but when there seemed to be a danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them.

Our observation reveals the same fear which separated the Roman Christians from Paul is the same fear why many forsake the gifts God offers.

Pondering this dilemma of how those professing belief in Yeshua and His promises.

We must see all our help in God; from him we must expect it, in his own way and time. This psalm teaches us to comfort ourselves in the Lord, when difficulties and dangers are greatest.

It is almighty wisdom that contrives, and almighty power that works the safety of those that put themselves under God’s protection. It becomes visible to discern many fear being distinct and separated from the world as even knowing God is a wakeful, watchful Keeper; he is never weary; he not only does not sleep, but he does not so much as slumber. The fear of being seen as distinct or walking outside of socially accepted beliefs allows individual’s to set aside the following truth.

He will preserve the soul, that it be not defiled by sin, and disturbed by affliction; he will preserve it from perishing eternally. He will keep thee in life and death; going out to thy labour in the morning of thy days, and coming home to thy rest when the evening of old age calls thee in. It is a protection for life. The Spirit, who is their Preserver and Comforter, shall abide with them for ever. Let us be found in our work, assured that the blessings promised in this psalm are ours.

Under God’s shade they may sit with delight and assurance. He is always near his people for their protection and refreshment. The right hand is the working hand; let them but turn to their duty, and they shall find God ready to give them success. He will take care that his people shall not fall. Thou shalt not be hurt, neither by the open assaults, nor by the secret attempts of thine enemies. The Lord shall prevent the evil thou fearest, and sanctify, remove, or lighten the evil thou feelest. All because it is an unseen protection based on faith. Whereas, the visual assistance is recognized as acceptable even though noted as inferior. Here is where many like Peter when he saw the storm in its fury took his eyes off Yeshua and began sinking.

When we even for a moment take our eyes off of Yeshua we forsake the following.

The Divine counsels are complete; they have not only depth and height, but breadth and length, Ephesians 3:18, and that passing knowledge.

There becomes a vast distance and disproportion between God and man, between the Creator and the creature, which for ever shuts us from knowledge of his ways.

What man shall teach God how to govern the world? The apostle adores the sovereignty of the Divine counsels. All things in heaven and earth, especially those which relate to our salvation, that belong to our peace, are all of him by way of creation, through him by way of providence, that they may be to him in their end.

By keeping our eyes on Yeshua at all times, we would seek all our mercies by prayer. God is the God of peace, fully reconciled to believers; who has made a way for peace and reconciliation between himself and sinners, and who loves peace on earth, especially in his churches.

He is the Author of spiritual peace in the hearts and consciences of his people. How firm a covenant is that which has its foundation in the blood of the Son of God!

The perfecting of the saints in every good work, is the great thing desired by them, and for them; and that they may at length be fitted for the employment and happiness of heaven.

There is no good thing wrought in us, but it is the work of God. And no good thing is wrought in us by God, but through Christ, for his sake and by his Spirit.

The question then, will many come to understand how the fear of how Society may perceive them as a believer, standing on their faith and trusting God is not a liar keeping their eyes on Yeshua. Or sitting in a waiting room playing games on their phone having societies approval. And their eyes diverted to their cell phone.

I encourage all like Paul to recognize by encouraging Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know not what help we may need ourselves. Paul in his day asked help for one that had been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

As did Paul we pray our Lord place His forgiveness upon those who in fear turned from His unseen promises and accepted those worldly promises taking their eyes off of Him.

We are here taught our duty to God in our principles and our practices. We must fear the Lord our God. We must love him, and delight in communion with him. We must walk in the ways in which he has appointed us to walk. We must serve him with all our heart and soul. What we do in his service we must do cheerfully, and with good will. We must keep his commandments.

There is true honour and pleasure in obedience. We must give honour to God; and to him we must cleave, as one we love and delight in, trust in, and from whom we have great expectations.

Robert