Page 4 - Niyog2021_US

4
“We Will Not Fear” Psalm 46:1-3 by Rev. Dr. George Chavanikamannil, Founder of New Theological College
For many years it has been our tradition in NTC to choose a theme and med-
itate on it all through the year. When the Lord led us to choose Psalm 46:1-3 as the theme of the year, we had no idea how full of “trouble” the year would turn out to be! Of course, the Lord knew and He was prepar- ing us with the assurance that He is with us and He is our ref- uge, strength and “well-proved” help in the midst of trouble.
John Wesley identified the theme of Psalm 46 as “the safety of the Church under God’s care .” In our time of turmoil and danger, this Psalm is a Psalm of consolation that prom- ises safety for God’s children . That is the reason the Lord has given us this Scripture as the theme of the year for our ministry family .
Let’s take a quick look at “the Sons of Korah” to whom this Psalm is attributed:
Psalm 46 is one of eleven Psalms ti- tled “Of the Sons of Korah .” Korah was the great grandson of Levi and was the first cousin of Moses and Aaron (Num .16:1 and Exod . 6:16-21) . In other words, he was a Levite . He was called to ministry like many of us . He had a great family heritage . Yet, because of his rebellion against Moses, stemming from his pride, not only did he perish, but he also led hundreds to destruction . One who was called to be a blessing to his community became the cause of de- struction for many . How tragic!
The first lesson from the example of Korah must be a very sobering warning for all of us who are called to ministry: a call to ministry, and even a great her- itage, do not guarantee a good end.
Though their father perished as Numbers 26:11 says, “the sons of Korah did not die .” Korah was able to influence scores of others, but he could not influ- ence his own sons by joining in the re- bellion of their father . What prevented them from following their own father? The only possible answer is God’s sov- ereign grace protected them .
From then on in biblical history, the phrase “Sons of Korah” stand as an ex- ample of the grace of God teaching the truth that each of us is responsible for our own actions, the truth graphically and beautifully expressed by Jeremiah 31:29-30 centuries after Korah’s death:
“In those days they shall no longer say: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge .’ But everyone shall die for his own in- iquity . Each man who eats sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge .”
The second lesson from the example of Korah is that, each of us is respon-