The Pilgrim Path---Psalm 44: 1 – 8

O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old;

You with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free;

For 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.

You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob!

Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.

For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me.

But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us.

In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.

“WHAT DEEDS YOU PERFORMED…”

Years ago, I was a graduate assistant at a Christian College. My time there was decent. The only trouble came about when a dear colleague of mine gave me a copy of the London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689). Turns out, much of this is almost “word for word” with the Westminster Standards. This was eye-opening. I found out that Spurgeon said, “The London Baptist Confession is the Body of Divinity for our Church---and our Pastor’s College.” Well, the College where I served “claimed” to love Spurgeon---but had an adversarial stance toward Reformed Theology. Hmmm…the more I studied Scripture---and historical theology, the more reformed I became. I had to leave (or be summarily dispatched).

Right before we made our way to a “new” state (where I hoped to eventually enter seminary), I met the pastor of a local PCA Church. He had been in the first graduating class at Westminster Seminary. Had Machen for New Testament Professor. He said, “The Academic Dean at RTS Jackson was converted under my ministry---I’ll call him and let him know you are coming. Now Jason---I’d love to see you at Westminster---but RTS will do more for you financially---so head on up. It may take a while. God Bless You!” Well---I must tell you that a guy with a Master’s in Biblical Studies, who wants to be in seminary---is not a “likely” hire for many employers. But some folks took a chance on me anyway. Mostly janitorial work (evenings). Some supervision (which means you are responsible for all the problems). The LORD worked it out. After about a year---the Academic Dean (Dr. Watson) called me and said, “Jason---we have a Board Member at RTS---who has many homes close to the seminary. He would love for you and your family to move into one---rent free---so you can get ready to start seminary. AND--- I want you and your wife to travel up close to Johnson City, TN. Mr. Sam Sells gives money to students for tuition---to complete seminary. The only condition---is that he meet you and your wife! Are you ready to go?” As the story goes---it was more than tuition each semester (it was also help with expenses). Thanks be to God…

This was the LORD’S hand in our lives. I continued to work in the evenings (5 pm ---home around 10 pm / Monday through Friday). My employer kept up the health insurance…The Living Christ worked it out. By my own “bow or sword”---I would have never accomplished these incredible things. We tell these stories to our children and their children. I have to mention that I struggle with doubt and wrestle with fear at times---But Jesus Christ is with His Own. We ask the Holy Spirit to topple these “enemies” of our soul---and He uses the Word to cast down our shameful worries--- and worldly ways. Help me Spirit of God---I do not always use the Word well…

From John Duncan: We do not speak to a dumb any more than to a deaf God. He is a speaking as well as a hearing God.

From John Flavel: If you would but sit down and review, from the beginning, what God has been to you, and done for you. Consider the special manifestations and out-breakings of his mercy, faithfulness, and love in the conditions you have passed through…

From Samuel Rutherford: Be humbled, walk softly; down with your topsail. Stoop, stoop! It is a low entry to go in at heaven’s gates.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason