Scripture

Though the ropes of the wicked were wrapped around me, I did not forget Your instruction.

~Psalm 119:61, CSB

Quote

There is no success without sacrifice. If you succeed without sacrifice, it is because someone has suffered before you. If you sacrifice without success; it is because someone will succeed after you.

~Adoniram Judson

Psalm 119:61 is translated a lot of different ways. The KJV translates it, “The bands of the wicked have robbed me.”  John Phillips bases his entire commentary of this section on the KJV which is not wise and I like John Phillips but evidently he is more preacher than scholar. I think the NKJV got it right, “The cords of the wicked have bound me.” Some of the modern translations make it even clearer, “The wicked try to drag me into sin.” I think David wrote the Psalm and he certainly has the testimony of a man who felt the intense pressure of the world to conform to its ways. David was resolved not to be dragged into sin but to cling to and stand firm on the word of God. Any form of persecution drives us to sincere prayer and to Christian fellowship. David said, “I am a friend to all that fear YOU.” Birds of a feather flock together. Where did Peter and John go after being flogged by the Sanhedrin? Straight to the fellowship of the believers. I do love the fellowship of believers. I have nothing is common with those in rebellion against God and no desire to be in their company.

In researching the verse above I came across the story of Adoniram and Ann Judson. They were congregational missionaries to Burma which is now Myanmar. It is in Southeast Asia, between India and China, Laos and Thailand. Judson was persecuted, beaten multiple times, imprisoned and on one occasion, he was driven across a desert, after being beaten, barefooted and bleeding, he finally collapsed in total exhaustion and prayed for the LORD to end his misery. He was then imprisoned and had all his belonging taken leaving his wife Ann with nothing, not even a chair. She almost starved and lost all her hair but when Adoniram was released two years later, they resumed their mission work although both looked like walking skeletons. If I understand correctly, toward the end of their life, revival brought out in Burma and thousands accepted Christ. Even before reading this, I had been thinking about sacrifice and the fact that I have made none. Ignorant me thought that surrounding to preach was a sacrifice, saying goodbye to my Limestone County family was painful at the time but looking back, I can hardly call it a sacrifice. You can look at me and tell I am not deprived. I live in absolute luxury compared to the Judsons. After reading that story, I would be embarrassed to talk about sacrifice.

I do admire David resolve: he was determined not to allow the world to rope him, to tie him up, to enslave him. He was resolved to serve the Savior. So let us follow his example and not allow the world to tie us up. Those who get tied up by this world are enslaved to the world and not free to serve Christ.

Extra

Mrs. Virginia Penney’s COLS will be Saturday. I think today may be a travel day for the Guatemala team; not sure. Sorry to hear about the Pastor in jail there and was wondering, can we raise enough money to bribe him out of jail? Is this ethical? Should it be given consideration? I don’t know–passing it along to the experts: Teddy and Eddy. That story will make you thankful for Morgan County.

Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.