This picture is from the 'March for Jesus' event in Brazil June 2018 when hundreds of thousands of people turned out to profess their faith in Christ.
It would appear colourful demonstrations in the streets are not a new thing.
Writing around a thousand years BC, King David describes a celebration parade in Jerusalem in Psalm 68:
‘Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines…’
Commentators think this was probably the occasion recorded in 2 Samuel 6 when their national treasure, the ‘Ark of the Covenant’ dating from Moses’ time four centuries earlier was brought to reside in the new capital Jerusalem. After years of conflict to establish their presence in this land promised to their ancestors Abraham and Jacob, the people were enjoying a period of peaceful respite.
Fierce enemies had been defeated, huge difficulties overcome. It was time for a party!
What is interesting is the focus of David’s pride.
He doesn’t exult in his or his people’s own achievements, though they were considerable.
He gives the glory to God.
God releases from slavery. God gives victory over enemies. God brings His people safely through the wilderness. He humbles the proud but as ‘a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows…God sets the lonely in families…he leads forth the prisoners with singing;’
A problem with many of our human celebrations is that we leave God out of the picture, imagining that we triumph by our own charisma, determination or skill. We are encouraged to take pride in ourselves.
I’m reminded that pride was the original mistake made by archangel Lucifer, leading to his expulsion from heaven. Proudly rebelling against the Creator turned him into an outcast devil destined for eternal suffering. The tragic irony is that so many human beings these days seem intent on joining him!
We don’t have to. Trendy as it is, no-one is forcing us to rebel. Christ invites us to repent from any and all wrongdoing, believe His good news and be saved!
First century Apostle Paul refers to this Psalm in Ephesians 4 and claims Christ in His resurrection from death and ascension to glory is the real occasion for celebration, especially as He generously pours out the Holy Spirit with gifts for His Church! In Him, we are becoming a victorious, loving and holy people.
And so, despite many challenges, we rejoice in our God.
Our pride is in Him.
It would appear colourful demonstrations in the streets are not a new thing.
Writing around a thousand years BC, King David describes a celebration parade in Jerusalem in Psalm 68:
‘Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines…’
Commentators think this was probably the occasion recorded in 2 Samuel 6 when their national treasure, the ‘Ark of the Covenant’ dating from Moses’ time four centuries earlier was brought to reside in the new capital Jerusalem. After years of conflict to establish their presence in this land promised to their ancestors Abraham and Jacob, the people were enjoying a period of peaceful respite.
Fierce enemies had been defeated, huge difficulties overcome. It was time for a party!
What is interesting is the focus of David’s pride.
He doesn’t exult in his or his people’s own achievements, though they were considerable.
He gives the glory to God.
God releases from slavery. God gives victory over enemies. God brings His people safely through the wilderness. He humbles the proud but as ‘a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows…God sets the lonely in families…he leads forth the prisoners with singing;’
A problem with many of our human celebrations is that we leave God out of the picture, imagining that we triumph by our own charisma, determination or skill. We are encouraged to take pride in ourselves.
I’m reminded that pride was the original mistake made by archangel Lucifer, leading to his expulsion from heaven. Proudly rebelling against the Creator turned him into an outcast devil destined for eternal suffering. The tragic irony is that so many human beings these days seem intent on joining him!
We don’t have to. Trendy as it is, no-one is forcing us to rebel. Christ invites us to repent from any and all wrongdoing, believe His good news and be saved!
First century Apostle Paul refers to this Psalm in Ephesians 4 and claims Christ in His resurrection from death and ascension to glory is the real occasion for celebration, especially as He generously pours out the Holy Spirit with gifts for His Church! In Him, we are becoming a victorious, loving and holy people.
And so, despite many challenges, we rejoice in our God.
Our pride is in Him.
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