It's Provoking!

The dictionary says the word "provoke" has four meanings; 1.) To incite to anger or resentment; vex; irk: 2.) To stir to action or feeling, 3.) To give rise to; evoke: [provoke laughter] 4.) To bring about deliberately; induce: [provoke a fight]. Synonyms include; incite, excite, stimulate, arouse, rouse, elicit, evoke, kindle, enkindle, fire, raise, create, make, and stir. Provoke is a verb; provocation noun, provocative adjective, provocatively adverb.

We need to consider what the Bible says. There is a negative side to provoke and God identifies it clearly. This kind of provoking has serious consequences - in families... "And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) and in God's people... The children of Israel provoked God to wrath continually. "How oft did they provoke Him in the wilderness, and grieve Him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel." (Psalm 78:40-41) For further reference, see, Numbers 14:11,23; 16:20; Deuteronomy 31:20; 32:21; Psalm 78:56; 106:33; Isaiah 65:3; Jeremiah 44:8; & Zechariah 8:14. In the New Testament church we still find this potential for provoking God... "Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than God?" (I Corinthians 10:22) and we are warned about repeating Israel's folly. See Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 3:15-19.

But provoke also has a positive side. The Bible says...
"And let us consider on another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

"For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. (II Corninthians 9:2)

"I say then, Have they [the Jews] stumbled that they should fall? God forbid! but rather, through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy... If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are of my flesh, [the Jews] and might save some of them. ...blindness in part is happened unto Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." (Romans 11:11, 14, 25b)

In each of these instances, provoking is a good thing. Something good, something wonderful, something that reveals the hand of God is at work in salvation's plan, in history, in the hearts of His chosen people, to the end that He will bring both Jews and Gentiles into reconciliation and right relationship with Him throughout eternity. It's God's Plan for the Ages!

We Gentiles received the Truth in part because of the Jews faithfulness in recording the Word of God throughout their generations. We found mercy through their unbelief! Now, they, in turn, through our mercy and faithfulness are also going to obtain mercy. No wonder our message is - "Be ye reconciled to God."

Let us be about the business of provoking... of inciting... inviting... enlightening... ambassadors for Christ, and of the increase of His Kingdom, may there be no end!

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out... For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:33, 36)  

Praiseworthy Works

Text: Psalm 111

"Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." From the outset, the psalmist encourages himself by taking the best of positions. Verse by verse, he describes God's wonderful works and provides indisputable evidence as to why we should praise and worship our God. If you're looking for some praiseworthy reasons, meditate on Psalm 111. You'll come away with a song in your heart and praise on your lips. He alone is worthy!

• The works of the LORD are great (verse 2) - Seek them out. [Look for them.] Take pleasure in them. [Songs: "I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord For Ever" and, "Bless the LORD, O My Soul"]
• The works of the LORD are honorable and glorious (verse 3) - His righteousness endures for ever. [Songs: "God is Great and Greatly to Be Praised" and, "Giving Glory and Honor to Jesus"]
• His works are to be remembered (verses 4-5) - The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He gives meat to them that fear Him. He is ever mindful of His covenant. [Songs: "When I Think on the Goodness of Jesus" and, "Think About His Love"]
• He shows His people the power of His works (verse 6) - He gives His people the heritage of the heathen. [Songs: "Victory, Victory Shall Be Mine" and, "Shout with the Voice of Triumph" and, "The LORD is My Light and My Salvation" (Psalm 27:1)]
• The works of His hands are verity [truth] and judgment (verses 7-8) - His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness. [Songs: "Battle Hymn of the Republic" - (verse 3 and chorus,) and, "Standing on the Promises"]
• He sent redemption to His people (verse 9) - He hath commanded His covenant for ever. Holy and reverend is His Name - Jesus! [Songs: "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" and, "There is No Other Name"]
• The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (verse 10) - Doing His commandments [obeying them] brings good understanding. His praise endures for ever! [Songs: "Trust and Obey" and, "Trust in the LORD with All Thine Heart" (Proverbs 3:5-6)]

Be blessed and encouraged as you meditate on His Word.

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8)

"Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to usward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declate and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." (Psalm 40:5)

"We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done." (Psalm 78:4)

"He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion." (Psalm 111:4)