Dec 1990 - Editorial

Abraham's response to the call of God resulted in Him becoming associated with a tent and altars which marked him out as a pilgrim and a worshipper. He was content to be a stranger and a pilgrim on earth because he had something better in view that lay beyond this life. God had long-term purposes in the call of Abraham that led to His having a people among whom He could dwell and who were privileged to worship Him in a divinely given pattern of divine service. Our contributor to the main series on the Psalms this month reviews the elements of the collective worship that Israel were privileged to render and considers also such worship in the present time and in the future.

The pilgrim character demonstrated in the life of Abraham has its counterpart in the lives of Christians today who like Abraham seek to be well-pleasing to God in their lives. The Christian has privileges and responsibilities associated with earthly citizenship as one who should be subject to the powers that be in all things that are not in conflict with his Christian character, but like Abraham he has something beyond this life in view. "For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we wait for a saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20). Some of these issues are discussed in the current article on "The Disciple Life".

"Focus" reviews some of the dramatic changes that have taken place in the world scene during 1990, but reminds us that our God is in overall control, and no purposes of His can be restrained (Job 42:2). The Saviour for whom we wait is also the One who is coming to give to this troubled earth peace. That day may not be far distant.

unknown | Dec 1990
Editorial