What are we really like?

John 2:24-25 NLT

But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.

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One of the biggest lies spread around these days is that people are essentially good.
People are evil, lustful, greedy, selfish, liers! All of them. Given the chance they'd stab you in the back.

(Read Matthew, Luke, John chapter 2)

One of the first things each of the Gospel writers establishes is the mortal danger Jesus is in, even as a baby. When we look in the mirror we have to be honest, we are part of a vicious, thoughtless race that kills just for entertainment. We glory in war. We well up with emotion and pride when we consider our military power.

Secretly we want more. We desire wealth, luxurious comfort and are willing to judge the poor, the weak, and the lonely as having brought their troubles on themselves.

We are basically selfish and full of pride. We want to be first, we want the larger portion, we want a break, we want recognition, and we want it even at the expense of others comfort.

Jesus knows the heart of every human. And he knows I've not described the grim state of the human condition with nearly enough abhorrence.

And yet Jesus can change hearts. His gracious work in the hearts of people can turn things completely around.

Although the earthly story of Jesus' life starts and ends with lies, betrayal, and murder. Jesus is more than human and as the God/man he is able to give life. He is able to change hearts. He is able to save, not because he lies and denies our nature but rather because he tells us the ugly truth about ourselves and offers to remake us completely new.

Whose view of mankind do you ascribed to?

Can you see how desperately we need a saviour?

Apart from God's rescue we're destined to destroy ourselves and everyone else in the process.

The Lord keeps me alive!

Psalms 54:1-7 NLT

Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Interlude But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them. I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord , for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.

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You can call out to God. You can ask him to rescue you. God will listen. God will answer. God will pay attention.

Have you found that there are people who ignore God? Are they the same people picking on you?

Although the writer of this Psalm is being attacked by evil people who act as if there is no God, he knows God is his helper.

Do you feel oppressed? Are you confident that God can give you victory?  Do you have faith in God?

See the situation was bad. The Psalmist is being oppressed, attacked for his faith, plotted against, troubled, and they are attempting to murder him.

Notice faith in God and trust in His rescue doesn't mean you won't have troubles!

It does mean you know you are not alone. It does mean you know there is justice from God. It does mean you can cry out in confidence that you are being heard.

Look at the difference between the psalmist and his enemies.

They care nothing for God.
He looks to God as a great defender.

They plan to take life.
He knows God keeps him alive.

They have evil plans.
He had plans to trust and voluntarily sacrifice.

Are you trusting the Lord with your life?