Psalm 13 is a brief psalm of King David. In it he cries out asking how long God will forget him, how long his enemies will defeat him? Then he closes with a quick affirmation of his love for God, his trust in Him, and how God has shown him favor. As we read the psalm we can either think, “Wow! David had a split personality.” Or we can realize David was being honest. How many times in our own lives do we know in our hearts God’s love is sure, His presence is real, and yet we feel as if we are losing the battle and our enemies are going to win? In psalms such as this one, whether short or long, the common theme is praising God whether in the midst of struggle or in times of victory. Here the struggle was quite real to King David, but he started and ended with the premise that God was worthy of praise.
King David started Psalm 14 with the vital truth: The fool says in his heart there is no God. He continued by noting the foolishness of turning away from God or denying His existence. He acknowledged the evil often thwart the plans of the poor. Then he concluded, as always, with an acknowledgment of God’s power and in this case a call for God to exert His presence among the people of Israel.
In Psalm 15 King David asks a powerful question, “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?” The answer is brief but equally as powerful: those who are blameless and righteous; those who keep their oaths even when it hurts; those who lend money without charging interest; and those who won’t accept a bribe against the innocent. In a word, those of integrity will dwell with God.
Psalm 16 is another brief psalm of King David. In this one he affirms God’s presence, help, and power in His life. He affirms the goodness of God and the blessings he has received at God’s hand. As we read the psalm, we are reminded of how good God has been to us. We are reminded that in general, when we obey God the result is favorable.
As we return to Matthew 28, we see the power of God at work in the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew’s account tells us an angel caused the earthquake that moved the stone outside Jesus’ tomb. That action caused the soldiers posted outside the entrance to freeze in fright. The women, on the other hand, went inside the tomb and found it empty. They were told by the angel that Jesus had risen. They met Jesus as they returned to tell the disciples what had happened. They worshiped Him, and then returned and told the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. When the disciples went to Galilee they found Jesus and worshiped Him, but some doubted. I have always appreciated that statement. Even with Jesus alive and standing in front of them, some of the disciples doubted. Rising from the dead is an extremely uncommon feat, and even though Jesus was the Son of God, His return frightened the group, and caused some of them to wonder how it was possible. Jesus gave the group what we call the Great Commission, reminding them He was transferring His absolute authority to them, and they were to make disciples as they went throughout the world. The discipleship process would include water baptism, and teaching the disciples to do everything Jesus commanded them. He then promised to be with them always, even to the close of the age. As we reflect on this sequence of events, remember the significance of them. Jesus who was dead was not alive. Jesus called the first believers to evangelize the world. That’s an incredible task, but it started with an even more incredible reality–their Master and Friend rose from the dead. When you find yourself frustrated or down about your call as Jesus follower, remember this moment in history, and remember you, too, have been given Jesus’ authority to carry out His work.