Read Psalm 44:1-8. 1O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old: 2you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free; 3for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them. 4You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob! 5Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. 6For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. 7But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. 8In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.
Psalm 44 begins in the light with this glorious declaration of God’s past deeds in Israel’s history and David’s homage to God as his personal King. David takes no credit and gives all praise to God for all that he has done – In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.
What is the secret of your success? What is your boast? Your bow? Your sword? If you are anything like me, it is not just the ministry and personal successes that you take credit for, but also the ministry and personal failures. O how easy it is to think that WE must drive out the enemy, that WE must bring about our own freedom, that WE push down our foes, that WE must shame those who hate us.
But it is God alone who has done this work through Christ.
Colossians 2:15. [God] disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in [Christ].
And it is God alone doing this work in us by Christ’s indwelling life; the same work he did through our spiritual ancestors. The same work he did through Christ’s cross. The same work he has been doing through the church for 2,000 years. Every time we turn to Jesus in remembrance and repentance he once again pushes down the already crushed head of our enemy. He drives out deception. He shames our shame. He sets free the captive heart. He delights in our trust in him.
To live is Christ is to boast continually in the victory of Christ. His ancient victory. His present victory. His victory yet to come.
Prayer. Jesus, my only boast is you. Amen.
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To Live is Christ 