Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2617 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’ll be your guide as we journey along the ancient pathways of wisdom found in God’s Word. Together, we’re exploring timeless truths that strengthen our faith and provide practical wisdom for everyday life.

Today, we’re diving into Psalm 62—a powerful and heartfelt declaration by King David, a psalm that beautifully blends confidence and trust with an honest look at life’s uncertainties. In this Psalm, David reveals where he places his hope, especially when life’s storms threaten to overwhelm him.

So, let’s begin by reading Psalm 62:1-12 from the New Living Translation. Listen closely as we explore David’s insights verse by verse:

for my victory comes from him.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will never be shaken.

3 So many enemies against one man—

all of them trying to kill me.

To them I’m just a broken-down wall

or a tottering fence.

4 They plan to topple me from my high position.

They delight in telling lies about me.

They praise me to my face

but curse me in their hearts.

5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken.

7 My victory and honor come from God alone.

He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

8 O my people, trust in him at all times.

Pour out your heart to him,

for God is our refuge.

9 Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,

and the powerful are not what they appear to be.

If you weigh them on the scales,

together they are lighter than a breath of air.

10 Don’t make your living by extortion

or put your hope in stealing.

And if your wealth increases,

don’t make it the center of your life.

11 God has spoken plainly,

and I have heard it many times:

Power, O God, belongs to you;

12 unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.

Surely you repay all people

according to what they have done.

Quiet Trust and Confidence in God (Verses 1-2)

David begins Psalm 62 with profound calmness and assurance:

David’s imagery here is deeply comforting. He speaks of quietly waiting before God—a posture of stillness, rest, and deep trust. Ancient Israelites understood waiting not as passive inactivity but as confident anticipation. Waiting was actively trusting God’s timing and promises, knowing God always acts faithfully in His perfect timing.

David describes God as a “rock," “salvation,” and “fortress.” These powerful images represent strength, stability, and protection. For ancient Israelites, a towering rock or fortress symbolized safety from enemies, a refuge beyond reach. David clearly anchors his security not in military strength, human ingenuity, or personal abilities but solely in God Himself.

Imagine a ship captain at sea during a fierce storm. Rather than panic, he calmly stands at the helm, quietly confident, trusting his sturdy vessel to withstand the raging waves. David’s trust in God mirrors this calm, steadfast assurance amidst life’s storms.

Confronting the Threat of Deception (Verses 3-4)

Next, David openly acknowledges threats against him:

David faced betrayal, deceit, and danger from people close to him. He felt vulnerable—like a “broken-down wall” or a “tottering fence.” Walls symbolized strength and protection in ancient Israel, so describing himself as a damaged wall indicates David’s sense of vulnerability and the relentless pressure from adversaries.

Notice David’s description of their deceit—openly praising him but secretly cursing him. He’s highlighting the destructive nature of hypocrisy. David knows clearly that hidden motives and dishonest flattery are profoundly destructive, threatening trust, relationships, and leadership.

Consider a sturdy fence weakened over time by termites—externally appearing strong, yet dangerously unstable. David feels exactly this way—outwardly still holding position, but inwardly pressured and vulnerable.

Restating Confidence in God’s Strength (Verses 5-8)

David reaffirms his quiet trust, calling others to the same confidence:

David repeats similar themes—rock, fortress, refuge—but here it’s a passionate personal recommitment. Notice he instructs himself first—“Let all that I am wait quietly.” David realizes true security demands his whole being committed wholly to trusting God alone.

Then David turns outward, urging all Israel: “trust in him at all times,” encouraging everyone to openly “pour out your heart” to God. Pouring out one’s heart implies complete transparency, holding nothing back. David knows true refuge comes when we bring everything—fears, disappointments, dreams—to God openly.

Imagine seeking shelter from a sudden thunderstorm beneath a sturdy rock formation. Initially, you might hesitate, but once inside, the rock shelters you completely, allowing you to breathe easily. David’s invitation mirrors this security—inviting us to pour our hearts freely to the only safe refuge.

Recognizing the Limits of Human Reliability (Verses 9-10)

David contrasts God’s reliability with human frailty and misplaced trust:

Here David vividly portrays humanity’s temporary, unreliable nature—“lighter than a breath.” Status, power, and wealth seem significant but offer no lasting security. David wisely warns against putting confidence in human influence or accumulated riches.

For ancient Israelites, “scales” symbolized evaluation and judgment. Weighed on God’s scales, human strength proves inadequate. David wisely counsels not to rely on unethical means (extortion or stealing) nor trust increased wealth as life’s foundation.

Imagine carefully collecting handfuls of fog—momentarily present but impossible to hold permanently. Wealth and power are similarly elusive and unreliable as life’s foundations.

Trusting God’s Unfailing Love and Justice (Verses 11-12)

David concludes Psalm 62 affirming God’s essential character:

David summarizes two core attributes of God: sovereign power and unfailing love (Hebrew: chesed). God’s character combines absolute strength and deep, covenantal compassion. God isn’t distant or indifferent; He is intimately involved, faithfully judging with fairness and compassion.

David confidently rests, knowing God always rightly repays each person’s deeds. Ultimately, only God holds ultimate authority, justice, and grace perfectly balanced.

Think of a wise and just judge—firm yet compassionate—fairly administering justice while tenderly offering mercy. God perfectly embodies this balance: infinite strength combined with unfailing love.

Conclusion:

Psalm 62 encourages quiet confidence in God alone, recognizing human limitations, honestly facing life’s threats, yet continually resting in God’s power, justice, and faithful love.

Whatever pressures, uncertainties, or disappointments you face today, confidently pour your heart out before God. Find lasting stability, security, and hope in His sovereign strength and unwavering compassion.

Thank you for joining today’s Wisdom-Trek. Until next time, may God’s wisdom guide your steps and His peace fill your hearts completely.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2616 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

Today is the 53rd lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “When Angels Do Time.”

Most Bible study resources describe fallen angels as demons who joined Lucifer in his rebellion against God. But what if I told you that the only place in the New Testament that describes angels sinning does not call them demons, has no connection to Lucifer, and has them in jail? Welcome to the world of 2 Peter and Jude.

2 Peter 2:4: “For ... God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment.”

Jude 6: “And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day.”

Second Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 are nearly identical in their description of angels doing time, but there are differences that help us figure out “what in the spiritual world is going on.”

Jude 6 defines what 2 Peter 2:4 means by the angelic sin. These sinning angels “left their proper dwelling.” Second Peter doesn’t say they were in cahoots with Satan, or that they did anything in Eden. It tells us they left their designated realm of existence and did something in another realm. But what did they do?

Both 2 Peter and Jude compare the sin of these angels with the Sodom and Gomorrah incident, where the sin involved sexual immorality (2 Pet 2:7; Jude 7). Second Peter also connects it to the time of Noah. There is only one sin involving a group of angelic beings in the entire Bible, and it coincides with Noah and is sexual in nature. That incident is Genesis 6:1-4, where the “sons of God” leave heaven, their normal abode, and come to earth and father children (the nephilim giants) by human women.

Two features in these passages in 2 Peter and Jude point to Genesis 6:1-4. First, “sons of God” is a specific phrase used elsewhere in the Old Testament of angelic beings (Job 1:6; 2:1; 3 8:7; Psa89:6; Peut 32:8 V Second, both 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 explicitly tell us that these angels are imprisoned in chains of gloomy darkness—in “hell” until judgment day.

While it is true that Genesis 6:1-4 never tells us what happened to the sons of God who sinned, Jewish writings from between the Testaments do. All Jewish writings that comment on Genesis 6:1-4 agree that it was angelic beings who sinned and who were bound and thrown into the Netherworld (e.g., 1 Enoch 18:14-19:3).

Most English translations say the angels were thrown into “hell”—the most frequent translation of the Greek word “Hades.” However, 2 Peter has the angels chained in “Tartarus” (Táptapoç). This is the name of the prison of the divine giants in the classical Greek story, Hesiod’s Theogony. Jewish writers also used this word for the dark, gloomy Netherworld.

While these passages are certainly strange, they telegraph that angelology and demonology are more complex than we might think. They are also the key to understanding Genesis 6:1-4—and the New Testament doctrine of baptism.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

 

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2615 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’ll be your faithful guide as we journey along the paths of wisdom, insight, and understanding found within God’s Word. Together, we’ll explore Scripture verse by verse, digging deeply to uncover wisdom for life’s daily adventures.

Today, we’re venturing into Psalm 61—a beautiful and heartfelt prayer written by King David. Psalm 61 offers a profound glimpse into David’s relationship with God, capturing moments when life’s trials seem overwhelming, and yet David confidently seeks refuge in God’s unchanging faithfulness.

Let’s dive into Psalm 61:1-8 from the New Living Translation, carefully exploring its truths together:

Hear my prayer!

2 From the ends of the earth,

I cry to you for help

when my heart is overwhelmed.

Lead me to the towering rock of safety,

3 for you are my safe refuge,

a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.

4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary,

safe beneath the shelter of your wings!

5 For you have heard my vows, O God.

You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.

6 Add many years to the life of the king!

May his years span the generations!

7 May he reign under God’s protection forever.

May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.

8 Then I will sing praises to your name forever

as I fulfill my vows each day.

A Cry from an Overwhelmed Heart (Verses 1-2)

David begins Psalm 61 with an earnest plea, expressing an urgent and honest cry to God:

Here David pours out his vulnerability—his heart deeply overwhelmed by life’s struggles. Notice his honesty and directness: “Listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!” David’s prayer isn’t reserved or polished; it’s sincere, raw, and genuine. He boldly reaches out for God, knowing only God can bring relief to his overwhelmed soul.

David mentions crying out “from the ends of the earth.” This phrase suggests deep emotional distance or isolation he felt—perhaps physically far away from Jerusalem, or symbolically feeling far from God’s presence. It captures how distress often makes us feel distant from comfort, security, and even from God Himself.

Yet David immediately asks God to “lead me to the towering rock of safety.” For ancient Israelites, a high rock or cliff symbolized strength, protection, and security. David knows only God provides solid stability amidst turmoil.

Consider a hiker lost in dense forest terrain, anxious and disoriented, suddenly spotting a high rocky outcrop ahead. Climbing this towering rock offers perspective, security, and clarity—exactly what David asks spiritually from God.

A Refuge and Fortress in God’s Presence (Verses 3-4)

David now vividly describes God’s trustworthy protection:

David transitions from overwhelmed vulnerability to confident recognition of God’s reliable shelter. He calls God a “safe refuge” and “fortress”—terms highlighting security, stability, and protection. Ancient Israelite fortresses were sturdy structures designed to withstand enemy attacks—safe havens offering security in dangerous times. For David, God Himself provides this solid, impenetrable security.

David’s desire to “live forever in your sanctuary” shows his deep longing for continual intimacy with God. Sanctuary, in Israel’s history, was the sacred dwelling place of God’s presence—the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. It symbolizes communion, protection, and closeness with God Himself.

The beautiful phrase “safe beneath the shelter of your wings” invokes tender, compassionate imagery. Like a bird shelters her young, so God tenderly cares for and protects His people.

Imagine a small child caught outdoors in sudden, drenching rain. Instinctively, the child runs quickly under a large tree, finding refuge beneath thick branches, safe and dry from pounding rain. David describes God similarly—a protective refuge in life’s unexpected storms.

An Assured Inheritance (Verse 5)

David continues confidently, remembering God’s faithfulness:

Here David recalls his personal commitment—his vows of obedience and trust made during distressing times. He knows clearly that God hears and honors genuine promises of devotion.

David celebrates an “inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.” For ancient Israelites, inheritance was more than physical possessions; it symbolized belonging, provision, and future blessing. It was deeply relational, rooted in covenant promises from God.

David confidently recognizes that God has given him—and all who revere God—an assured, sacred inheritance. This inheritance isn’t temporary or fragile; it’s eternal, secure, and unchanging.

Imagine someone receiving notice of an inheritance—a guarantee of future provision, security, and blessing, carefully reserved for them personally. David sees God’s promises similarly—already secure, dependable, and awaiting those who faithfully honor God.

Prayer for the King’s Longevity and Blessing (Verses 6-7)

David now transitions into a prayer specifically focused on Israel’s king—himself:

Here David boldly asks for longevity, generational impact, and divine protection over his kingship. Ancient Israelites understood a king’s life as intimately tied to the nation’s welfare. A prosperous king meant stability, blessing, and peace for Israel.

David’s request for a reign that “spans generations” shows his concern beyond immediate circumstances. He seeks lasting impact—blessings extending to future generations.

David specifically asks for “unfailing love and faithfulness” (Hebrew: chesed and emet)—central themes expressing God’s covenant loyalty and dependability. He understands a successful kingship relies fully on God’s constant love and reliable faithfulness.

Imagine a wise community leader whose influence benefits generations after his own lifetime, because of integrity, wisdom, and trustworthiness. David desires this same lasting impact—possible only through God’s enduring faithfulness.

Continual Praise and Daily Obedience (Verse 8)

Finally, David concludes Psalm 61 with determined praise and daily devotion:

David clearly sees the connection between prayerful requests, God’s faithful responses, and his own responsibility of praise and obedience. Notice he emphasizes daily commitment—fulfilling vows each day. He knows lasting trust and gratitude require intentional, ongoing dedication.

For ancient Israelites, making vows was serious—promising lifelong devotion to God. David commits clearly: “I will fulfill my vows each day.” This daily commitment transforms occasional moments of gratitude into lasting obedience and continual praise.

David doesn’t merely promise occasional worship; he pledges lifelong praise—responding faithfully to God’s unwavering love.

Think of marriage vows, solemn promises made at a wedding. These vows aren’t one-time commitments; they’re continual—daily fulfilled through faithful devotion. David sees his vows to God similarly—a lifelong daily commitment to faithfully worship and obey.

Conclusion:

Psalm 61 beautifully captures the journey from feeling overwhelmed to confidently finding refuge and purpose in God’s faithful care. David reminds us clearly that God offers refuge, eternal inheritance, lasting purpose, and continual protection. Our response, like David’s, should be daily devotion, grateful praise, and faithful obedience.

Whatever challenges overwhelm you today, remember: God remains your secure fortress, compassionate shelter, and faithful provider. Find refuge and confidence in Him, fulfilling daily vows of trust, praise, and obedience.

Thanks for journeying with me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until our next adventure together, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His perfect peace fill your heart completely.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Putnam Church Message – 04/20/2025

Last week, we explored The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. We answered the question, How do we respond to Jesus’ Triumphal Entry today? 1) Believe that Jesus is the Messiah. 2) Serve him as King. 3) Proclaim his praises.

This week is the third and final Easter message about The Road to Jerusalem. Today, ask the question, Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? The passage we will cover today is Luke 24:1-12, pages 1642-1643 of your Pew Bibles.

INTRODUCTION: Today is Easter, Resurrection Sunday. We have followed Jesus and his disciples on the road to Jerusalem in the last two weeks. Last week, we witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But a lot happened in that one week between Palm Sunday and Easter, this week that we often call Holy Week.

Let me recap the events of Holy Week for you. On Monday and Tuesday, the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders escalated as he drove out the merchants in the Temple Court of Gentiles. On Wednesday, Judas met with the religious leaders and arranged for Jesus’ betrayal. On Thursday, Jesus met with his disciples in the Upper Room and shared the Last Supper with them. Later that night, Jesus was arrested while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Early Friday morning, Jesus was tried before Pilate and sentenced to death. By Friday evening, Jesus was crucified, dead and buried. Saturday was a Sabbath day of rest.

And so, at last, we come to Sunday morning. Only seven days had passed since the triumphal entry, but so much had happened in between.

Imagine how the disciples felt at this moment. They were in shock from the events of Thursday and Friday. They were in mourning over the death of their Lord and friend. And they were hiding in fear for their own lives. Jesus had warned them that the road to Jerusalem was the road to suffering and the cross, but somehow, they did not understand. But now Sunday morning had arrived, and everything was about to change. (Read Luke 24:5-8 and pray.)

“Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?  (Luke 24:5) That is a great question! We do not typically look for the dead among the living. Would you go to a cemetery to look for a person who is alive? That is the question the divine messengers posed to the women who came to Jesus’>tomb that first Easter morning. This is the question I would also like us to consider this morning.

 

Looking for Jesus among the dead(1-3) Bulletin Insert

The women on Easter morning

So, let’s get started. In verse 1: But very early on Sunday morning[a] the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. (Luke 24:1) On Good Friday, right after Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathea received permission to bury Christ’s body in his own tomb. Nicodemus and the women joined him in the initial burial on Friday evening. Israelite women were primarily responsible for the preparation of dead bodies for burial. Backing up, let’s read Luke 23:55-56 55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

It is Sunday morning, and the women have returned to the tomb. Luke tells us it was very early in the morning. I am sure some of you have gotten up early on Easter Sundays to attend an Easter Sunrise service. You can relate with these women! Sometimes, it’s still dark, and getting out of bed is not easy. But you obviously feel there is something of greater value than sleeping in on Easter morning. So, you get up early and go to the sunrise service.

Well, these women also felt there was something more important than sleeping in that first Easter morning. And so, they got up. They took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. Why did they bring the spices? Out of love and respect for their crucified Lord, they were going to anoint his body in the grave. In other words, they went fully expecting to find Jesus dead and buried in the tomb.

Instead, we read verses 2-3, which states that They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. I like that. They found the stone rolled away, but they did not find Jesus. They were looking for Jesus among the dead, and they did not find him.

Many people are still looking for Jesus among the dead. I think of biblical scholars who study the words of Jesus and the gospel manuscripts but do not believe in Christ’s resurrection. I think of the archaeologists who, two thousand years later, are still trying to find Jesus’ body and bones in the tomb but keep coming up empty. I think of people who finger the sculpted body of Christ on their crucifixes but do not know the reality of the living Christ. These people all have one thing in common. They are all looking for Jesus among the dead. But if you are looking for Jesus among the dead, you will not find him because he is not there.

Frank Morison (Who Moved the Stone?)

There was a British Journalist who lived in the early twentieth century named Frank Morison, a man who went looking for Jesus among the dead. He was not a Christian. Although he admired the person of Jesus, Morison was a skeptic who felt that these stories about Jesus were nothing more than a myth or legend, especially the story of the resurrection.

So, Morison had a brilliant idea. Why not prove that the resurrection never happened? Why not use his own research skills as a journalist to dig into history and prove that Jesus never rose from the dead? He would do his research and then write a book presenting the historical facts about Christ and the events surrounding his death. And so Frank Morison went looking for Jesus among the dead.

And you know what? He never found him. What he did find is exactly what Luke says in our passage this morning. He found the stone rolled away, but he did not find the body of Jesus. Instead, he found the risen Christ, and he put his faith in him as Lord and Savior.

Morison wrote up his research in a famous book called, Who Moved the Stone? I especially love the title of the first chapter. The first chapter is “The Book that Refused to Be Written.” Here is what Morison says in the preface:

Frank Morison set out to write a book disproving the resurrection of Christ. Instead, he ended up writing what has become a Christian classic, presenting the evidence for the resurrection of Christ.

Morison went looking for Jesus among the dead. But he did not find him there. And you will not find him there either. If you want to find Jesus this morning, you can’t go looking among the dead. You must go looking among the living! For you and I, that brings us to the good news of Easter.

The good news of Easter(4-8)

Let’s read verses 4-5 with me now: 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

These were clearly not ordinary men. They appeared out of nowhere. Their clothes are dazzling robes. The other gospels confirm to us that these were indeed divine messengers. These were messengers sent from God with their clothing still burning bright with the glory of heaven.

I have never met a divine messenger, which we call angels – at least not knowingly; but divine messengers have been known to travel in disguise. In the Bible, one thing always happens whenever a divine messenger appears in a glorified image. People fall on their faces in fear. It is an instinctive reaction. Divine messengers sometimes appear as majestic and glorious beings, and we fall down before them. Several times in the Old Testament, these divine messengers looked like regular humans. The women at the tomb were no different. In fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground.

The divine messengers asked the women in verses 5-8: Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[b] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” 8 Then they remembered that he had said this. 

We have reviewed this several times in our short study on “The Road to Jerusalem.” Jesus repeatedly told his followers what would happen to him when they got to Jerusalem. He told them that he would suffer. Jesus told them that he would be crucified. He told them that he would rise from the dead on the third day.

So, Jesus’ arrest should not have been a surprise to his followers. Jesus’ crucifixion and death should not have been a surprise either. And even Jesus’ resurrection should not have been a surprise. Jesus told them about all these things in advance. And yet, somehow, the meaning of these things escaped them. Humans have the innate ability to believe only what we choose to, regardless of the facts. Only after these things had happened did they remember his words and put all the puzzle pieces together.

And so it was that these women showed up with spices at Jesus’ grave on Easter morning looking for a dead man. The angels rightly asked them: “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!

That is the good news of Easter. Jesus Christ has conquered sin, death, and the grave. He rose from the dead on Easter morning. He is alive and well today. You will not find him among the dead, for he is among the living. And he offers new life to us. The Bible tells us that those who, through believing loyalty to God and trust in Christ, will share in his resurrection. The fear of death and judgment is taken away./ That’s good news when we’re amid political and global unrest. That’s good news anytime! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

What is Your Response?(9-12)

That is the good news of Easter. And so, only one question remains. How will you respond? We see several responses highlighted in our passage this morning.

The women’s response: Believe and share(9-10)

First, there was the response of the women. We see the women’s response in verses 9-10:  9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 

The women returned from the tomb and told all these things to the apostles and everyone there with them. Now, they must have been frightened. They must have been confused. They certainly did not understand all that had happened. But there was one thing they could do. They could share what they knew. They could share that Jesus’ body was no longer in the grave. They could share that the divine messengers said he had risen from the dead. The women believed, and they shared their faith with others.

Are you a believer in Jesus’ resurrection this morning? 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) If so, then we need to share our faith with others, just like the women at Jesus’ tomb did. Jesus died, but he rose again from the dead. He is alive forevermore. That is good news! And good news is for sharing.

Don’t keep the good news of Easter all to yourself. That would be selfish! Please share it with other people. There are so many great tools to share with today. The BibleProject.com, for instance, has hundreds of excellent animated videos you can share with everyone for free. Bible.com (YouVersion) has hundreds of Bible Plans that can be shared. BibleGateway.com has many tools. There are so many ways to share the Kingdom of God with others today. Share with everyone you know the astonishing good news that God sent his Son to die for sinners, and that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. What better way to respond to the good news of Easter than to share it with others! That’s our first response this morning. Believe and share.

The apostles’ initial response: Don’t believe, and do nothing(11)

Secondly, there was the response of the apostles, or at least their initial reaction. The women’s response was to believe and share. The apostles’ response was don’t believe, and do nothing! Look at verse 11: 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. The women believed the good news of Easter, and so they shared their faith with others. The apostles did not believe, and so they did nothing. Men can be pretty hard-headed at times.

Now, I am happy to report that the apostles later changed their minds about this, but their initial response mirrors the response of so many people today. They don’t believe in all this Jesus stuff. It all seems like so much nonsense to them, and so they do nothing. They dismiss the story of Jesus outright. They continue living as though nothing happened that first Easter morning.

Is that the reaction of your family, friends, co-workers, or acquaintances? Have they heard the Easter story before but never really done anything about it? Have they thought, “Well, that’s okay for those people at church, but it has nothing to do with me?” If so, then they are missing out on the most wonderful news in all the world. It is up to us to share the excellent news that Jesus is alive! And if Jesus rose from the dead, that means that if we put our faith in him, then one day we will rise from the dead, too.

This may all sound as if it is nonsense to some, but it is true. Anyone who has ever buried a loved one in the ground has that hope that it is true. Believing does not always come easy for some people. The apostles’ initial response to the report of Jesus’ resurrection was to reject it completely. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.  (Luke 24:11)

Peter and John’s response: Check it Out (12)

So, are those your only two options? Either believe that Jesus rose from the dead or don’t believe? At first, it would seem so. But you know, there is one other option. We find this third option illustrated by Peter and John’s response. In verse 12, we read:  However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

If someone is unsure what to make of Jesus’ resurrection, there is a third option>they can take rather than simply rejecting it as nonsense. They can do what Peter and John did. You can check it out for themselves, maybe with a bit of help from a friend like you.

Peter and John ran to the tomb. We are told in John’s Gospel that John outran Peter but stopped at the tomb’s entrance, but Peter chose to investigate further. Peter examined the evidence. He saw the stone...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2613 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’ll be your guide on this insightful journey through the timeless truths found in God’s Word. Together, we’ll explore the depths of Scripture to uncover wisdom for everyday life. It’s a joy to have you join me again today as we continue our meaningful journey through the Psalms.

Today’s trek brings us to Psalm 60, a unique and powerful Psalm. Psalm 60 is intriguing because it addresses a time of national crisis in ancient Israel—a time when King David’s military campaigns faced unexpected setbacks, leaving Israel feeling vulnerable and abandoned. Yet even amidst these disappointments, Psalm 60 shows how the Israelites wrestled with their circumstances, honestly lamented their confusion, and ultimately placed their hope in God alone.

Let’s journey together through Psalm 60:1-12 from the New Living Translation. Listen closely as we unpack its truths verse by verse:

You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor.

2 You have shaken our land and split it open.

Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.

3 You have been very hard on us,

making us drink wine that sent us reeling.

4 But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—

a rallying point in the face of attack.

5 Now rescue your beloved people.

Answer and save us by your power.

6 God has promised this by his holiness:

“I will divide up Shechem with joy.

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh, too.

Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors,

and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.

8 But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant,

and I will wipe my feet on Edom

and shout in triumph over Philistia.”

9 Who will bring me into the fortified city?

Who will bring me victory over Edom?

10 Have you rejected us, O God?

Will you no longer march with our armies?

11 Oh, please help us against our enemies,

for all human help is useless.

12 With God’s help we will do mighty things,

for he will trample down our foes.

A Heartfelt Lament: Feeling Abandoned (Verses 1-3)

David opens Psalm 60 with raw honesty about Israel’s crisis:

These words capture the Israelites’ deep sense of abandonment and confusion. David and the nation experienced surprising military defeats—losses they never expected. Notice how directly David speaks to God—he does not soften his words or hide his pain. In the ancient Israelite worldview, national victories indicated God’s favor, while defeats suggested divine displeasure. David understands clearly that God has allowed these difficulties, yet he boldly asks God to restore them, recognizing only God can heal their wounds.

He uses vivid images—a shaking land, cracks that need sealing, and intoxicating wine—to describe how deeply destabilizing these setbacks were for Israel. This is profound language of national lament. Israel felt unsteady, vulnerable, and disoriented—much like someone losing balance after drinking too much wine. It was a moment of national dizziness and turmoil.

Think of experiencing a sudden, violent earthquake. The ground splits beneath you, your home trembles, and stability vanishes instantly. That’s how David describes Israel’s crisis—a national earthquake, leaving everyone desperately reaching out for stability.

A Banner of Hope in Distress (Verses 4-5)

Yet, even in despair, David finds a glimmer of hope:

In ancient times, banners or flags signaled armies where to gather, especially when scattered or confused during battle. David sees clearly—despite confusion and fear—God’s banner of hope remains raised, rallying Israel back to trust and obedience. God Himself is the rallying point, reminding Israel they belong to Him, no matter the circumstances.

David’s prayer “Now rescue your beloved people” reveals deep relational intimacy. “Beloved” highlights God’s covenant relationship with Israel. Despite current setbacks, David knows God’s love remains constant and dependable.

Picture soldiers on a battlefield disoriented by confusion, smoke, and chaos. Suddenly, they see their army’s banner raised high, signaling clearly: “Rally here!” Confidence and courage return, focusing scattered troops into unity and strength again. David knows God provides this rallying banner for Israel’s scattered hearts.

God’s Promise of Sovereignty (Verses 6-8)

David then recalls God’s powerful promises:

These verses express confidence in God’s sovereignty over territories and nations. Notice God names specific regions—Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah, Moab, Edom, and Philistia—indicating comprehensive control over Israel and surrounding nations.

The ancient Israelites deeply understood God’s sovereignty. God’s power wasn’t limited geographically; He ruled everywhere. Judah, described as God’s “scepter,” symbolizes royal authority. Moab, Edom, and Philistia—traditional enemies—are depicted as humbled servants beneath God’s feet.

Think of a master builder confidently claiming each part of his project—every brick, beam, and tool belongs clearly under his careful authority. Likewise, God claims all nations clearly under His sovereign authority, reminding Israel of His limitless power.

Human Weakness vs. Divine Strength (Verses 9-12)

David concludes Psalm 60 by candidly admitting human weakness while declaring confidence in divine power:

David questions openly whether God still supports Israel, not hiding honest confusion. Yet he concludes emphatically, “all human help is useless.” This statement powerfully acknowledges human limitations. David clearly knows victory can come only through God’s strength, not human ability.

He finishes confidently—despite confusion and defeat—with ultimate trust in God’s victory. This is faith in action. David chooses trust, knowing human strength ultimately fails, but God never does.

Imagine attempting to cross a vast, treacherous ocean in a small, inadequate raft. Soon, you recognize your human limitations and turn desperately toward a powerful, seaworthy vessel nearby. David recognizes clearly that human strength—like that inadequate raft—cannot guarantee safety. Only God’s strength, like that sturdy ship, ensures true victory.

Conclusion:

Psalm 60 vividly portrays honest lament during national setbacks while teaching essential lessons—acknowledging human limitations, choosing to rally around God’s unchanging promises, and confidently trusting in His ultimate victory.

Whatever setbacks, fears, or confusion we experience, may we, like David, clearly acknowledge our weaknesses yet confidently rally around God’s sovereign power and unfailing promises. In Him alone, victory is sure.

Thank you for journeying with me on today’s Wisdom-Trek. Until we meet again, my friends, may God’s wisdom always guide your steps, and His perfect peace fill your hearts completely.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2612 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’ll be your guide along the paths of wisdom and truth as we journey together through God’s Word, exploring its timeless insights for everyday life. It’s always a privilege to have you join me, and today, we’re continuing our exploration through Psalm 59, focusing specifically on verses 11 through 17.

Psalm 59 is deeply personal—a powerful prayer penned by David when he faced terrifying danger from King Saul, who had sent men to assassinate him at his own home. David, hiding in fear, yet filled with confidence in God, offers profound lessons about dealing with opposition, injustice, and fear. Today, we explore how David’s prayer turns from urgency and fear toward deep trust, faith, and praise.

Let’s begin by reading Psalm 59:11-17 from the New Living Translation:

stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees,

O Lord our shield.

12 Because of the sinful things they say,

because of the evil that is on their lips,

let them be captured by their pride,

their curses, and their lies.

13 Destroy them in your anger!

Wipe them out completely!

Then the whole world will know

that God reigns in Israel.

14 My enemies come out at night,

snarling like vicious dogs

as they prowl the streets.

15 They scavenge for food

but go to sleep unsatisfied.

16 But as for me, I will sing about your power.

Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.

For you have been my refuge,

a place of safety when I am in distress.

17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises,

for you, O God, are my refuge,

the God who shows me unfailing love.

God’s Justice as a Teaching Moment (Verse 11)

David begins this section with an unusual prayer request:

Here, David expresses a deep insight rooted in his concern for God’s people. He asks God not to immediately eliminate his enemies. Instead, David prays God would visibly demonstrate His power—humbling these proud enemies rather than instantly destroying them.

Why this unusual request? Because David understood human nature profoundly. He knew immediate victory—quick removal of trouble—often led people to forget God’s intervention. David desires a deeper lesson: a visible display of God’s strength to remind everyone that God alone is protector and shield of Israel.

In the ancient Israelite worldview, visible displays of God’s power were essential. They reinforced the people’s memory, reminding them to remain faithful to Yahweh. When God showed His mighty hand—like in Egypt during the Exodus or at the walls of Jericho—Israel remembered and trusted. David desires that same enduring lesson.

Consider a child who repeatedly disobeys. A wise parent doesn’t instantly remove consequences, because instant relief often fails to teach lasting lessons. Instead, the parent patiently guides the child through understanding the consequences of actions, helping them internalize wisdom. David asks God to do similarly with Israel’s enemies—not quick removal, but a lasting lesson in God’s power and justice.

How often do we pray for quick relief rather than enduring growth? David teaches us here: sometimes God allows difficulties to linger, not out of neglect, but to deeply imprint His lessons into our hearts and memories.

Exposing Evil and Pride (Verses 12-13)

David continues by specifically naming his enemies’ sins, urging God to act accordingly:

David identifies his enemies’ primary weapons: their words—filled with pride, curses, and lies. He recognizes the destructive power of evil speech. Words weren’t mere noise; in ancient Israel, words held deep significance, revealing character, intention, and heart condition.

He asks God to use their own evil words against them, causing their pride and deceit to trap them. David calls for complete justice, not merely for personal vindication, but to publicly display God’s sovereignty to the whole world.

Imagine someone spreading malicious rumors, eventually trapped in their own deceit. Their lies circle back, causing them humiliation and exposing their character clearly. David prays similarly—that wicked enemies would experience their own destructive words and behaviors, demonstrating clearly that God sees and judges evil justly.

When unjustly attacked or misrepresented, do we trust God’s justice, knowing evil ultimately defeats itself? David’s prayer reminds us: we don’t need to personally retaliate. God, who sees clearly, handles justice perfectly.

Enemies Like Scavenging Dogs (Verses 14-15)

David vividly describes his enemies again:

Repeating imagery from earlier verses, David compares enemies to vicious scavenging dogs prowling at night. Dogs, in ancient Israel, symbolized wildness, danger, uncleanness, and desperation—animals surviving by scavenging leftovers. David sees enemies driven by unfulfilled desires, prowling endlessly, never satisfied.

This vivid imagery shows evil’s ultimate futility. Wickedness never satisfies—it prowls hungrily, restlessly searching for fulfillment it never finds.

Think of predators scavenging desperately yet continually empty-handed, wandering the streets hungry and exhausted. This powerful imagery captures the emptiness of evil pursuits—always consuming but never satisfied.

Do we recognize evil’s ultimate emptiness and futility? David’s imagery reminds us clearly—only in God do we find true fulfillment, rest, and peace.

Joyful Trust and Confident Praise (Verses 16-17)

Finally, David shifts dramatically toward confident, joyful praise:

Notice David’s emphatic words, “But as for me”—highlighting deliberate contrast. Regardless of enemies’ relentless evil, David firmly chooses praise. His words overflow joyfully, declaring God’s power, love, and protective refuge.

David emphasizes “each morning” praise, reflecting Israelite tradition—starting each day acknowledging God’s new mercies, presence, and protection. David’s praise isn’t dependent on circumstances; instead, it’s rooted deeply in God’s unchanging character.

He specifically celebrates God’s “unfailing love” (Hebrew: chesed)—God’s covenantal, steadfast, enduring love. David confidently sees God’s faithful love already protecting him, guaranteeing future deliverance and ultimate victory.

Imagine waking daily to brilliant sunrise after a fearful night. Each dawn renews your heart, filling you with gratitude and joy. David’s morning praise captures this precisely—celebrating God’s daily renewal, faithful love, and protective care.

Regardless of current struggles, can we deliberately choose joyful praise each new day, confidently trusting God’s unfailing love?

Conclusion:

Psalm 59:11-17 guides us beautifully from desperate cries for justice toward confident, joyful trust. David’s prayer encourages us profoundly—to patiently endure struggles, trusting God’s wise timing, to recognize evil’s emptiness, and confidently choose daily joyful praise.

May David’s experience inspire you deeply today: trust God patiently, live faithfully, and praise confidently, knowing His unfailing love never fails.

Thanks for journeying with me today on Wisdom-Trek! Until our next adventure, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and His peace fill your heart.

 

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2611 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

Today is the 52nd lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “Jesus Is God: Jude and Peter Tell Me So.”

The epistles of Peter and Jude are often overlooked in preaching and Bible study. Not only are they nestled among the more popular letters of Paul and the book of Revelation, but portions of these epistles sound odd to our modern sensibilities. That wasn’t the case in the first century. We can better grasp the meaning of these letters if we understand what they have in common with influential ancient Jewish and Christian writings that were circulating at the time. One of those literary works is known to us today as 1 Enoch, a book Peter and Jude draw upon in their letters.

Jews and Christians of antiquity considered books such as 1 Enoch important resources for understanding biblical books and their theology. Peter and Jude were no exception. For example, Jude 14-15 draws directly from 1 Enoch.

All of the ideas found in 1 Enoch 1:9 can be found in three Old Testament passages (Jer 25:30-31; Isa 66:15-16; Zech 14:5). Rather than quote all three, Jude quotes the verse in 1 Enoch that combines them. But the real point of interest isn’t Jude’s succinctness; it’s his interpretation of 1 Enoch, as well as the Old Testament. In 1 Enoch 1:9 it is the “Great Holy One” (God) who is “coming with myriads of holy ones” from Sinai (1 Enoch 1:4) and who has promised to come to earth in the day of the Lord for final judgment. For Jude (as well as Mark and Paul; compare Mark 8:38; 1 Thess 3:13) this event is transformed into the return of Jesus Christ (Jude 17-18). By naming Jesus as the one coming with the holy ones, Jude equates Jesus with the God of Israel. Jude’s citation of 1 Enoch is his efficient strategy for declaring that Jesus is God.

Peter also draws freely upon 1 Enoch; his first letter contains roughly 20 allusions to 1 Enoch 108. First Peter 1:7-18 illustrates how Peter uses 1 Enoch to teach and encourage his audience.

These similarities show how both 1 Enoch and 1 Peter encourage the faithful to persevere. Their love for God is an earthly drama watched by angels. But like Jude, Peter turns the object of this love in 1 Enoch—the God of Israel— to Jesus. Peter is encouraging those of Jewish heritage to continue following Christ.

These parallels show us that both Peter and Jude want to strengthen the resolve of their readers to follow Jesus, the God of Israel revealed for them. By reading texts such as 1 Enoch, we can better understand the cultural background of the Bible. We can also see how the biblical writers engaged texts that shape their theology.

QUICKBIT: First Enoch is placed in a collection of ancient Jewish and Christian writings known as the “pseudepigrapha.” This term is often misunderstood to mean “false writings,” but it actually describes literature that bears the name of a biblical figure who did not write the book named after him. (Think of the term “pseudonym,” meaning “pen name.")

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2610 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’ll be your guide on this exciting journey through the Scriptures, seeking timeless truths and practical wisdom for everyday living. Thank you for joining me again as we continue our exploration through the profound poetry, prayers, and songs found within the Book of Psalms.

Today, we’re stepping into Psalm 59, a heartfelt plea written by David during one of his darkest and most fearful moments. Specifically, David wrote this Psalm when King Saul sent men to his house to assassinate him. Picture David hiding, watching through a window as powerful enemies close in, his life in immediate danger. Yet even in this terrifying moment, David turns confidently toward God. Let’s dive into Psalm 59:1-10, reading from the New Living Translation:

Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.

2 Rescue me from these criminals;

save me from these murderers.

3 They have set an ambush for me.

Fierce enemies are out there waiting, Lord,

though I have not sinned or offended them.

4 I have done nothing wrong,

yet they prepare to attack me.

Wake up! See what is happening and help me!

5 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,

wake up and punish those hostile nations.

Show no mercy to wicked traitors.

6 They come out at night,

snarling like vicious dogs

as they prowl the streets.

7 Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths;

their words cut like swords.

“After all, who can hear us?” they sneer.

8 But Lord, you laugh at them.

You scoff at all the hostile nations.

9 You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,

for you, O God, are my fortress.

10 In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.

He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.

An Urgent Plea for Protection (Verses 1-2)

David begins Psalm 59 by urgently asking for God’s intervention and protection:

Notice immediately the sense of urgency and seriousness in David’s prayer. He’s not exaggerating or speaking metaphorically—he literally faces death. King Saul, driven by envy and fear, sent his soldiers to kill David during the night. David’s cry is desperate yet focused entirely upon God’s power to deliver him.

David calls his enemies “criminals” and “murderers,” emphasizing their injustice and violence. From an ancient Israelite perspective, killing someone innocent violated God’s sacred law. David highlights this injustice, confident that God—the righteous judge—will intervene.

Imagine waking in the night to find armed intruders circling your home, intent on taking your life. That fear and vulnerability perfectly capture David’s reality. His first instinct isn’t panic or despair, though; it’s immediate and complete reliance on God.

Have you faced circumstances where danger or threats—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—made you feel deeply vulnerable? Like David, our best response is always to urgently and confidently cry out to God, trusting Him completely as our protector and rescuer.

The Innocent Under Attack (Verses 3-4)

Next, David highlights the unfairness of his situation:

David emphasizes his innocence here. He isn’t facing consequences from personal wrongdoing; instead, he’s suffering unjust persecution. He vividly describes enemies hiding in ambush, eagerly waiting to attack.

David’s bold call—“Wake up!”—isn’t disrespectful but passionately pleading for God’s immediate attention. It shows deep trust in God’s justice. He knows God sees all things, yet in desperate moments, it’s natural and honest to plead urgently for divine intervention.

Consider someone wrongly accused, perhaps facing unjust legal charges, desperately pleading for a fair judge to wake up, see clearly, and act justly. This illustrates David’s situation. He needs God’s immediate justice to prevail.

Have you been misunderstood, falsely accused, or unjustly treated? David’s passionate plea encourages us to openly express our need for justice to God, confidently trusting His righteous judgment.

Calling on God’s Justice and Power (Verse 5)

David then invokes the powerful, covenant name of God:

David addresses God as “Lord God of Heaven’s Armies”—Yahweh Sabaoth. For ancient Israelites, this title was significant, emphasizing God’s infinite power, authority, and strength over all forces—both earthly and spiritual. David knows God commands countless heavenly armies, infinitely stronger than human enemies.

He also asks boldly for God to judge “hostile nations” and “wicked traitors,” emphasizing their betrayal not only of David but of God Himself. David sees his struggle within a bigger spiritual context, understanding the cosmic battle between God’s righteousness and human wickedness.

Imagine calling upon a powerful general who commands massive armies, knowing this commander’s strength vastly exceeds any enemy. This picture vividly portrays David’s confidence in God’s infinite power.

In our battles—personal struggles, relational conflicts, spiritual challenges—do we recognize God’s absolute power, confidently calling upon Him as our ultimate defender and advocate?

 

Enemies Like Vicious Dogs (Verses 6-7)

David vividly describes his enemies again:

He uses striking imagery—vicious, prowling dogs snarling in darkness, mouths full of destructive, cutting words. These enemies speak arrogantly, believing no one sees their actions or hears their threats. But David knows that God hears everything clearly.

In ancient Israel, dogs weren’t domestic pets—they were wild, scavenging, and dangerous animals. This powerful imagery reinforces the threat David feels, emphasizing enemies’ cruelty, viciousness, and arrogance.

Picture a pack of wild, dangerous dogs prowling dark city streets at night, growling fiercely. Their threatening presence evokes fear and vulnerability—exactly what David experienced emotionally and physically.

Have hurtful, harmful words attacked you, spoken secretly or openly? David’s vivid description reminds us God hears every word clearly. We’re not alone; He sees, hears, and ultimately defends.

God’s Confident Response (Verses 8-10)

Yet, in verses 8-10, David confidently declares God’s sovereign response:

David shifts dramatically here, moving from fear and threat to confident assurance. God isn’t intimidated or threatened—He laughs, knowing human threats can’t undermine His authority. David declares God as his strength and fortress, confidently waiting for rescue.

He beautifully describes God’s “unfailing love” (Hebrew: chesed), signifying steadfast, covenantal love. God stands firmly beside David, ensuring ultimate victory over enemies. David confidently sees future triumph through God’s faithful protection.

Imagine being safely sheltered inside a fortified tower during a storm, completely protected. Though winds howl fiercely outside, you’re secure within sturdy walls. David trusts God exactly like that—a secure fortress amid chaos.

When threats surround us—fear, anxiety, conflict—can we, like David, confidently see God as our strength and fortress, knowing His unfailing love guarantees victory?

Conclusion:

Psalm 59:1-10 beautifully guides us from urgent cries for help through injustice, danger, and fear toward confident assurance of God’s ultimate justice, strength, and steadfast love. David’s experience encourages us profoundly: in times of fear or threat, trust God urgently, confidently, and expectantly. He stands with us, our ultimate protector and fortress.

Thank you for journeying with me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until we meet again, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and His peace fill your heart.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Putnam Church Message – 04/13/2025

Last week, we explored Jerusalem: The End of the Road or Just the Beginning. It was about the parable of the Ten Servants and their investment in what the King had given them.

This week is the second of three Easter messages about The Road to Jerusalem. Today, we will explore The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The passage we will cover today is Luke 19:28-40, pages 1631-1632 of your Pew Bibles.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout the ministry of Jesus set his face towards his eventual arrival into Jerusalem. His disciples followed him as he walked the long road towards the cross, although they did not fully comprehend what Christ would have to go through./ It was on this day, what we call Palm Sunday, that he finally reached his goal. This is the week that Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem to suffer and die for our sins. But you would hardly know it from the amazing reception he received as he entered the city. (Read Luke 19:36-38 and pray.)

Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”[a]

This event we are looking at today in Jesus’ life is often called the Triumphal Entry. We all know the scene well: Jesus entering Jerusalem accompanied by waving palm branches, /cheering the crowds, /and great anticipation. If you were a visitor to Jerusalem on this day and were unfamiliar with Jesus’ life and teachings, you would probably be wondering what this was all about.

Well, let’s take a closer look at this passage and find out for ourselves. There are three things we see happening in our passage this morning. First, Jesus presents himself as the Messiah./ Secondly, the people proclaim Jesus as the Messiah./ Finally, Jesus accepts their praise of him as Messiah. (Bulletin Insert)

Jesus presents himself as Messiah (28-34)

So, first of all, Jesus presents himself as Messiah. The Messiah was the coming Deliverer God had promised the Jewish people many years before. For much of the later part of the Old Testament and during the intertestamental period, the Israelites looked forward to the coming of Messiah. Messianic expectation ran high among the people of Jesus’ day. There were many false messiahs between the Old and New Testaments. Jewish history was one long cycle of freedom and then captivity to other nations. The Jewish people were currently under Roman occupation, and they longed to be free again. They believed that when the Messiah came, he would deliver them from the Romans and set them free.

This was also a significant week in the Jewish calendar. This was Passover week, when the Jewish people celebrated God’s miraculous deliverance of Israel from the Egyptians under the leadership of Moses. Crowds of traveling pilgrims journeyed to the holy city of Jerusalem for this annual event. The religious fervor and zeal were off the charts.

Part of the Messianic hope was that God would send a prophet like Moses to deliver his people. And so, here comes Jesus – a prophet – widely known for his miracles and teaching, walking the road to Jerusalem along with his disciples and this growing crowd of fellow pilgrims.

There was already wide conjecture among the people that Jesus might be the Messiah. Jesus had already revealed that he was to his disciples. Now, as he prepares to enter Jerusalem – at the beginning of this holy week – Jesus presents himself as Messiah to all the people of Jerusalem.

So, how does Jesus do this? How does he present himself as Messiah? Jesus presents himself as Messiah in three ways, which we find in these opening verses.

He approaches from the Mount of Olives(28-29)

– Ezekiel 11:23, 43:1; Zechariah 14:4

The first is he approaches from the Mount of Olives. Look at verses 28-29: 28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. (Luke 19:28-29)

The phrase “after telling this story” refers to the parable we looked at last week. But right now, I want us to focus on the Mount of Olives, because the Mount of Olives is more than just a geographical marker here. The Mount of Olives has Messianic implications.

 

When Ezekiel in the Old Testament prophesied to the Jewish exiles,/ who were held captive in Babylon,/ he prophesied about the restoration of Israel to the land even as he beheld in a vision the glory of the Lord departing from the temple and then from Jerusalem. We read in Ezekiel 11:23: 23 Then the glory of the Lord went up from the city and stopped above the mountain to the east. This was the Mount of Olives. It marked the departure of God’s glory from Jerusalem. Later in Ezekiel’s vision, he sees the glory of the Lord returning to Jerusalem from the east (Ezekiel 43:1), implying that God’s glory would re-enter Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives even as it had left.

Zechariah was another Old Testament prophet. He prophesied to the group of exiles who returned to Jerusalem>after the exile was over/ and encouraged them in the rebuilding of the temple. In the final chapter of his vision, he prophesies about the Day of the Lord, which is when the Lord will return to fight for his people. We read in Zechariah 14:4: On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west. Half the mountain will move toward the north and half toward the south.

Some scholars think this verse applies to Christ’s second coming, not his first, but the people expected that when Messiah delivered them, he would come from the Mount of Olives. And so, whether this verse applies figuratively or literally, it is no accident that Jesus begins his entry into Jerusalem from the east at this very location. He is intentionally, /deliberately presenting himself as Messiah.

 

He sends for the tethered colt(30)

– Genesis 49:10-11

A second way Jesus presents himself as Messiah is by sending for the tethered colt. Look at verse 30: He sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. You might wonder, “What does a tethered colt have to do with the Messiah?” One of the earliest prophecies about the Messiah comes from Jacob in the book of Genesis in chapter 49. In chapter 49, Jacob is an old man who is dying. He gathers his sons around him and prophesies about each one and their descendants. Of particular interest is his prophecy about Judah. King David came from the line of Judah, and later, Old Testament prophecy made it clear that the Messiah would also come from Judah through the line of David.

So here’s Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49:10-11: The scepter will not depart from Judah,

nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants,[a]

until the coming of the one to whom it belongs,[b]

the one whom all nations will honor.

11 He ties his foal to a grapevine,

the colt of his donkey to a choice vine.

He washes his clothes in wine,

his robes in the blood of grapes.

For the Jewish person in Jesus’ day, steeped in the Old Testament as they were, this tethered colt here in Luke’s gospel would evoke associations with this prophecy in Genesis and provide yet another reason to see Jesus as the Messiah.

The fact that the donkey had never been ridden is also significant. Animals that were meant for sacred or royal use were not used for ordinary tasks. They were set apart for their greater purpose. This young donkey that had never been ridden had been set apart by God for the sacred and royal task of carrying the Messiah into the holy city on this first Palm Sunday.

And so, that’s the second way Jesus presents himself as Messiah in these verses. He sends for the tethered colt.

He calls himself “Lord”(31-34)

– Psalm 110:1; Luke 20:41-44

And then the third way Jesus presents himself as Messiah is when he calls himself “Lord.” Look at Luke 19:31-34 now. He told his disciples whom he sent on ahead: 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

This word “Lord” had several meanings in Jesus’ day. It could refer to God, or a master, or even just to the owner of something. When Jesus first instructs his disciples to say, “The Lord needs it,” he could have meant something as simple as saying, “His owner needs it.” However, Luke is careful to point out that the donkey’s actual owners are the ones who ask the disciples why they are untying the colt. And so, the word “Lord” then takes on a deeper meaning, when they reply to the owners, “The Lord needs it.”

The name “Lord” was a title that was used for the coming Messiah. For example, Psalm 110 is a messianic psalm. It begins with these words:

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

until I humble your enemies,

making them a footstool under your feet.”

After Jesus enters Jerusalem, Jesus will use this very psalm to engage the Pharisees concerning the title of “Lord” as it applies to the Messiah. (Luke 20:41-44)

So, how does Jesus present himself as Messiah at the Triumphal Entry? 1) He approaches from the Mount of Olives. 2) He sends for the tethered colt. 3) He calls himself “Lord.”

 

 

The people proclaim Jesus as Messiah(35-38)

Jesus not only presents himself as Messiah at the Triumphal Entry. The people also proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. We see this in several ways.

They place him on the donkey(35)

– 1 Kings 1:38-40; Zechariah 9:9

First of all, they place him on the donkey. We read verse 35: So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. So, you might wonder, why is this detail so important? Well, there are several reasons.

First, the people proclaimed him king by placing Jesus on the donkey for his entry into the city. Not everyone who rides a donkey into town would be considered a king. But placing someone on a donkey and following that person into town in a triumphal procession was an unmistakable sign of kingship.

For example, in the Old Testament, we find a similar scene when Solomon becomes king. We read in 1 Kings 1:38-40 38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the king’s bodyguard[a] took Solomon down to Gihon Spring, with Solomon riding on King David’s own mule. 39 There Zadok the priest took the flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon with the oil. Then they sounded the ram’s horn and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound. Solomon’s procession in the Old Testament is almost a preview of Jesus’ procession here in the New Testament.

Secondly, it is significant that Jesus rides into the city on a donkey rather than a horse. The horse was a military animal, and when the king rode into the city on a horse, it signaled military victory. The donkey was used for civil ceremonies and peaceful occasions. By choosing a donkey rather than a horse, Jesus showed he was coming in peace. This should have been a sign to the crowd and the disciples that he was not entering Jerusalem to overthrow the Roman government at this time.

Thirdly, the donkey figures are prominent in another one of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. We read this in Zechariah 9:9:

Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!

Look, your king is coming to you.

He is righteous and victorious,[b]

yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—

riding on a donkey’s colt.

And so, the donkey here is highly significant. By placing him on the donkey and then processing before him into the city of Jerusalem, the people clearly proclaim Jesus as the Messiah and king.

They spread their garments before him(36)

– 2 Kings 9:13

Another way the people proclaim Jesus as Messiah is when they spread their cloaks before him. We read in Luke 19:36: As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. Interestingly, Luke does not mention the waving of palm branches, just the spreading of the cloaks. Luke is the only gospel that does not mention the branches. So here we are on Palm Sunday, and we are reading the only gospel that doesn’t even mention the palm branches!

Now, the palm branches are significant. Palm branches were used in celebrations. They were also used as symbols of military victory, which shows that the people still thought that Jesus was coming to deliver them from Rome.

However, the spreading of the cloaks is also significant. The spreading of the cloaks was a sign of respect for the king. For example, in the Old Testament, when Elisha the prophet anointed Jehu as king, we read that: Then they quickly spread out their cloaks on the bare steps and blew the ram’s horn, shouting, “Jehu is king!” (2 Kings 9:13)

Spreading your cloaks under the feet of the king was a sign of submission. It indicated your willingness to bow before the king and yield the right of your possessions to him and his rule. This is the second way the crowd proclaims Jesus as Messiah and king. They spread their cloaks before him.

They shout his praises(37-38)

– Psalm 118:24-26; Luke 2:14

Thirdly, they proclaim Jesus as the Messiah by shouting his praises. In verses 37-38 now: 37...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2608 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’ll be your companion and guide along the trails of life, exploring the timeless wisdom found in God’s Word. It’s such a privilege to have you join me again today as we continue trekking through the rich landscape of the Psalms.

Our journey today brings us to Psalm 58—a passionate and vivid Psalm that directly confronts injustice, evil, and corruption. Penned by David, this Psalm boldly addresses human authorities and rulers who misuse their power, turning their backs on justice and righteousness. As we study this Psalm, we’ll discover deep insights about God’s unwavering justice, His response to evil, and our role in trusting His righteous judgment.

Let’s start by reading Psalm 58:1-11 from the New Living Translation:

Do you judge the people fairly?

2 No! You plot injustice in your hearts.

You spread violence throughout the land.

3 These wicked people are born sinners;

even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.

4 They spit venom like deadly snakes;

they are like cobras that refuse to listen,

5 ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers,

no matter how skillfully they play.

6 Break off their fangs, O God!

Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord!

7 May they disappear like water into thirsty ground.

Make their weapons useless in their hands.

8 May they be like snails that dissolve into slime,

like a stillborn child who will never see the sun.

9 God will sweep them away, both young and old,

faster than a pot heats over burning thorns.

10 The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged.

They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 Then at last everyone will say,

“There truly is a reward for those who live for God;

surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”

Confronting Unjust Rulers (Verses 1-2)

David begins Psalm 58 by confronting corrupt leaders directly:

Immediately, we sense David’s passionate outrage at injustice. He is specifically addressing those who had authority and responsibility—those who were supposed to uphold justice, fairness, and truth, yet instead plotted injustice and violence.

From an Ancient Israelite perspective, rulers held great responsibility before God to administer justice impartially and compassionately. God’s law commanded rulers to defend the poor, protect the innocent, and uphold integrity. But here David calls them out for the opposite—abusing their power, spreading violence, and ignoring fairness completely.

David’s words cut straight to the heart of the issue: justice is fundamentally a matter of character and integrity. These leaders, rather than using their authority to build up and bless, were corrupting society through their greed and injustice.

Imagine judges in a courtroom, entrusted to decide impartially between right and wrong. Now, picture these same judges accepting bribes and twisting justice. Such corruption causes deep pain and outrage because justice is essential for a peaceful, stable society. David felt this outrage strongly, compelling him to speak boldly against corruption.

Today, do we pray regularly for leaders and authorities to govern with justice, integrity, and wisdom? When we witness injustice or corruption, do we courageously and compassionately speak out, trusting God’s ultimate justice?

The Root of Wickedness (Verses 3-5)

David continues vividly describing the nature of the wicked:

Here, David poetically emphasizes the deep-rootedness of human wickedness. This isn’t casual wrongdoing; it’s deep-seated rebellion and dishonesty from birth—a vivid picture of humanity’s inherent sinful nature.

The powerful imagery David uses—snakes and cobras—underscores the deadly, deceitful, and dangerous nature of such wicked people. Cobras refusing to respond to snake charmers illustrate the stubborn unwillingness to listen, respond, or change. Ancient Israelites would recognize the snake metaphor as representing deceit, danger, and defiance, vividly capturing the essence of these unjust rulers.

Imagine a dangerous cobra, aggressively resisting its handler, refusing to be calmed or controlled. This image perfectly illustrates how these unjust leaders behaved—dangerous, resistant, unwilling to listen or repent.

Do we recognize clearly the depth of human sin and rebellion? Understanding this reality helps us appreciate more fully God’s transforming grace, continually drawing us toward truth, humility, and righteousness.

David’s Appeal for God’s Justice (Verses 6-9)

David now boldly asks God to take decisive action against injustice:

These verses contain some of the strongest language found anywhere in the Psalms. David vividly and forcefully prays for God’s intervention—removing the wicked’s power, rendering them harmless. The imagery David uses—broken fangs, smashed jaws, dissolving snails, or rapidly burning thorns—reflects his confidence in God’s ability to decisively remove evil.

In the ancient worldview, such vivid, intense language was common to emphasize seriousness. David isn’t merely seeking revenge; he’s appealing passionately to God for justice, trusting completely in God’s righteous character to bring about rightful judgment.

Think of dangerous animals suddenly disarmed, becoming completely harmless. David prays similarly—that evil’s weapons become useless, danger neutralized, threats removed. His prayer represents profound trust in God’s ability to handle injustice powerfully, fairly, and swiftly.

Do we confidently trust God’s ultimate justice? When confronting evil or injustice, can we release bitterness or revenge, leaving judgment entirely in God’s capable hands?

God’s Justice Affirmed (Verses 10-11)

David concludes Psalm 58 affirming God’s certain justice:

These verses express confident anticipation of justice fulfilled. “Washing feet in the blood” is graphic, symbolic language representing complete victory over evil. While the imagery may seem harsh, it vividly portrays justice fully executed—evil completely conquered, righteousness fully vindicated.

David envisions a moment when everyone will recognize unmistakably that living rightly and trusting God truly matters—because God judges justly on earth. This promise would profoundly reassure ancient Israelites, confirming their faithfulness wasn’t futile—God sees, God cares, God acts.

Imagine a courtroom where justice finally prevails clearly and unmistakably after years of wrongdoing. Those suffering injustice celebrate not from revenge, but from deep relief and reassurance—justice truly exists, evil doesn’t triumph.

In our struggles with injustice, can we trust confidently that God sees every wrong, cares deeply, and will act perfectly in His timing? David’s Psalm calls us to unwavering confidence in God’s certain justice.

Conclusion:

Psalm 58 powerfully reminds us of God’s justice. Corruption and evil deeply offend God, and He promises to ultimately right every wrong. David’s bold prayer challenges us to confidently trust God’s righteous character, appealing earnestly yet leaving ultimate justice entirely in His capable hands.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until next time, my friends, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and His peace fill your hearts abundantly.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!