For Christian Sisters

Compensations are consoling

09 February 2020 AnneT Blog, Consolations An ordered list of links for each blog series is on the Archive page. (0)

The consolations of God - Fourteenth in a series

In the beginning God was the only king, priest and prophet and he was the only judge. He made man to bring him into these roles and ultimately to make men a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:6 , 1 Peter 2:9) and we will judge the angels (1 Cor 6:3). We need to learn God's ideas on justice and for this post we will only look at his righteous acts of compensation.

As Judge over all, God compensates his children and many others under the sun when he sees that they have not been fairly treated. He ensures they are compensated by justice and by gifts that make up for their deprivation. His compensations are wonderful consolations.

When Eve gave birth to Seth, he was named "Substitute" because "God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel; for Cain slew him." (Gen 4:25) Seth was her recompense because he would have a heart for the Lord just like Abel's, whose sacrifice showed he honored and loved God.

Sarah was so sure that God would compensate her husband for his lack of progeny that she gave him her maidservant, Hagar, to bear in her place (Gen 16:1-3). Her long wait for a child of her own was compensated by a miraculous birth and a lenient ruling that the first son would be sent away. God understands our frame, and he also compensated Hagar and Ishmael by promises and miraculous and great provisions.

Tamar, who was deprived of progeny by her husband's death and then by her father-in-law's empty promises, was not upbraided for her deceitful manipulation of Judah but rather rewarded by the birth of twins, one who became an ancestor of Christ. (Mat 1:3) This story seems to indicate that women have a rightful expectation of children. If this expectation is disappointed, God will compensate in some way; of course, we should not produce or seize upon our own compensation, but wait on the Lord.

Leah was given children since she was unloved by her husband. Esau seems to have been recompensed for the loss of his blessing by wealth (Gen 33:9). Joseph was made vice ruler of Egypt to make up for all his sufferings.

And, to echo the words of the "Faith" chapter, "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of…" (Heb 11:32) the many examples of God's compensations that prove he is a God of justice and love. His very character is a great consolation.

Consoled by Praise

02 February 2020 AnneT Blog, Consolations An ordered list of links for each blog series is on the Archive page. (0)

The consolations of God - Thirteenth in a series

When Leah gave birth to her fourth son, she was thankful and named him Praised, or Judah. (Gen 29:35) Thus, the branch that grew from Jesse, The Lord, (Isa 11:1), was prophesied in his name as a Word of Praise. Israel's consolation (Luk 2:25) is the perfect Word.

Perhaps when we feel in need of being consoled, praising God does not occur to us. We want him to stoop to our need as he characteristically does. (Phil 2:6-8) Yet, praise is a great consolation: It fills us with truth, we are uplifted and our hearts are settled. So, at those times when we feel a deep need for God's succoring, seeking it through praise is wise.

First, that is the way of obedience. Paul reminds us to think on what is praiseworthy. (Phil 4:8) In Hebrews, we are encouraged to praise continually. (Heb 13:15)

Next, we know that disappointments and trials are temporary: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God. (Ps 43:5) Let's not "take up housekeeping" in the valley.

Also, it is a beautiful thing to do: Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright. (Ps 33:1) Comely means beautiful.

And, it's good and pleasant to praise God. We then feel better. (Ps 135:3)

God comes to our rescue as we praise: Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I shew the salvation of God. (Ps 50:23)

We know we can trust that his works are wonderful (Ps 107:8, 15, 21, 31) and all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. (Rom 8:28)

If he answers before we call (Isa 65:24), why should we not praise before we groan?

Why let rocks take our place? "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." (Luke 19:37-40)

Jesus was sent… to give us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness so that we may be known as God's own, to glorify him. (Isa 61:1-3)

Praise the Lord!

The consolaton of hymns

24 January 2020 AnneT Blog, Consolations An ordered list of links for each blog series is on the Archive page. (0)

The consolations of God - Twelfth in a series

For this post, I had planned to select five hymns as the most consoling ones ever written. I began my research at HymnTime.com, but did not quite make it through the “A’s”! There are too many consoling hymns to select only five. However, here are my candidates for the most consoling ones whose titles start with “A” along with the verse I vote for as Best Consoling Stanza.

1. Abide with Me - lyrics, Henry Lyte, 1847
Fourth stanza:

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea—
Come, friend of sinners, and thus bide with me.

Jesus, our friend and intercessor, is moved by our pleas.

2. All the Way My Savior Leads Me - lyrics, Fanny Crosby, published 1875
First stanza:

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

Jesus, divine comforter by His Spirit, makes no mistakes.

3. Almighty Father of Mankind - lyrics, Michael Bruce (1746-1767)
Fifth stanza:

Thou wilt not cast me off when age
And evil days descend;
Thou wilt not leave me in despair
To mourn my latter end.

Jesus is with us always, to the end of the age, or the end of our days.

4. And Can It Be That I Should Gain - lyrics, Charles Wesley, pub. 1738
Sixth stanza:

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

5. Arise, My Soul, Arise - lyrics, Charles Wesley, pub. 1742
Fifth stanza:

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7) As God and His Word console us, we naturally are led to compose hymns and to sing.

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