We Need Jehovah Too

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Category: General | Jul 1979

Ropheka

Not many things disrupt family life more than serious illness. It seems to cast a pall over everything. Rest and sleep become disrupted; routine gives way to disorganization; and nothing appears to be normal during the crisis. Does anything help? Andrew and Peter found one effective answer when they were confronted with this situation, and that was to bring the Lord into their home at Capernaum. Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever. Her condition must have been a cause for great concern for them to entreat the Lord's help. He responded immediately as Jehovah Ropheka, the Lord who heals, restores. He took hold of the lady's hand and raised her up to full health and strength. And what did she do? She waited on them all, no doubt providing a suitable meal (Mark 1:29-31). Anxiety was changed into joyous fellowship by His presence in the home. Sometimes we need His help in bodily healing; other times we need Him to restore the soul (Psa. 23:3). Jehovah Ropheka can accomplish both for us.

Shalom

The arrival of death, that unwelcome visitor, had a shattering effect on the tightly-knit family at Bethany. Sickness overcame Lazarus, and when he died quiet Mary retreated into seclusion with her grief; Martha the practical went to meet the Lord to seek His comfort and help. How wonderfully the picture changes when Lazarus is raised by the spoken word of the Resurrection and the Life! Death vanquished; grief put to flight; the family reunited; and peace reigning. John paints for us a beautiful word picture of the calm setting of the Bethany home at the time of the great reunion (John 12). Jehovah Shalom, the Lord our Peace, is the centre of the tranquillity which prevails. Contentedly Lazarus occupies his recognized place at the table, sitting, no doubt, where he can silently adore the One who made the great occasion possible. Mary quietly takes her flask of fragrant oil and pours it upon the feet of Jesus. As the odour fills the house she delicately wipes His feet with the long tresses of her hair. Busy Martha has kept the table supplied in her dedicated way. An attractive picture is presented here of the ideal Christian life with the Lord in the midst: the contentment of Lazarus, the adoration and worship of Mary, and the service of joy of Martha. Not to be overlooked is the changed scene in the home from grief and sorrow to happy fellowship because Jehovah Shalom is the centre of the family circle. When given His rightful place the Lord shows His power to change circumstances; tears to joy, distress to peace.

Nissi

A paradox in the Christian's life is the possibility of sorrow in times of joy, doubt when assurance is evident, or defeat when victory is assured. We are complex individuals, yet no different from the early disciples. Although the Lord told them He would die and rise again, and they later remembered His words (Luke 24:8), the women were perplexed by the empty tomb (v.4), the apostles treated the report as idle talk (v.11), Peter went home bewildered, amazed (v.12). The two journeying to Emmaus were discouraged, dismayed, and despairing. They walked and talked as though in a state of shock. It was only the arrival of Jesus as their Companion in the way that enabled them to get things into their true perspective. Here is a lovely word that should comfort us at all times on life's journey: "... Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them" (v.15). Enjoy the truth of the words, but enjoy the spiritual experience even more. His Presence not only reassured the heavyhearted pair, but their very beings glowed with the warmth of the enlightenment which His opening of the Scriptures brought to them. Oh how they constrained, pressured, entreated Him to remain with them! Was their extreme persuasion manifested by each one taking an arm to guide Him determinedly into the home? And there the Guest became the Host. As He dined with them, as He took the bread, blessed, and broke it, they would see the unmistakable wound prints in His hands. The Lord was indeed risen! The flag no longer needed to fly at halfmast; it must be run up to the top of the pole again to fly victoriously in the breeze. The King was not just in a humble home with two people, but He was in His banqueting house with beloved ones, and His banner of love was flying victoriously overhead (S. of S. 2:4). Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is our Banner! This is how we need to know Him. Our times of despair, defeat, and discouragement may continue, but Jehovah Nissi never changes. He is ever victorious. Praise His Name!

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Jul 1979
General