In Front of a Crowd

Crowds. Are you one of those people that is drawn to a crowd? Or do you much prefer to run in the opposite direction? Do you like to blend in? Or stick out - - be in the spotlight in front of the crowd? Does getting in front of a large group of people and sharing a story excite you or scare you to death? There's usually not much gray area here. You don't often hear someone say, "Ah, it doesn't really bother me." Or "I don't mind." You are either comfortable with being in front of a group or you're clearly not.

I don't think it necessarily comes naturally to all of those that are willing to be in the spotlight, have their voice be the only sound in a quiet room, and have all eyes on them alone. For some of us it takes lots of practice getting over the fear of being in front of a crowd. I remember a time way back when I was asked to serve in my church by doing some scripture readings. I didn't even think about my answer or pray a quick prayer for direction. I reacted with an immediate response of "No!" I wasn't gracious or humble or anything that a "good church going gal" should have been. I then said, "Please put me in the kitchen or the nursery or anything, just not in front of the entire congregation." I was afraid and didn't possess the faith in God to take that fear away from me at that time in my life.

Our next verse of thanks speaks of these crowds. This verse comes in the middle of a psalm appealing to the heavenly King to come to the defense of his servant who is being maliciously slandered by those whom he had shown only the most tender friendship. It describes the terrors of life in the midst of people who have no fear of God but also testifies to the security of those who fear the Lord and trust him, relying on his love and righteousness. The psalmist promises to thank and praise the Lord if only He would deliver him from his attackers.

"I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you." Psalm 35:18

Here I go again with Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. It's just really been speaking to me lately, I hope it speaks to you as well.

  Though the people of God are, and study to be, quiet, yet it has been common for their enemies to devise deceitful matters against them. David prays, My soul is in danger, Lord, rescue it; it belongs to thee the Father of spirits, therefore claim thine own; it is thine, save it! Lord, be not far from me, as if I were a stranger. He who exalted the once suffering Redeemer, will appear for all his people: the roaring lion shall not destroy their souls, any more than he could that of Christ, their Surety. They trust their souls in his hands, they are one with him by faith, are precious in his sight, and shall be rescued from destruction, that they may give thanks in heaven.

In light of this commentary, and in studying the psalm that includes today's verse, makes my mind think of the angry throngs that shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" (John 19:15) at the assembly before Pilate on the day Jesus was handed over to His enemies to be hung on the cross at Calvary. Perhaps I already have these ideas on my heart because tomorrow is Good Friday - the day Jesus gave His life for ours and paid the penalty for all of our sins with His blood offering.

Recently, while worshiping with my family at my father's church, I was drawn deeply into this old hymn, "O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken." In verse 4 there is a line that talks about Jesus dying for sheep that loved to wander - that's us. We are the sheep that are wandering away from the protection of our loving shepherd, Jesus. We fall away, in sin, and still He is there, lovingly waiting for us to realize our wrong, repent and return to His side in His forgiveness and grace.

What punishment so strange is suffered yonder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him,
Who would not know Him.

Along with the psalmist (from Psalm 35) I, too, feel compelled to give thanks in the great assembly for my Lord rescuing me from my attackers. I'm still not completely comfortable in front of a crowd, but the passion that God has placed in my heart for the great things He has done for me is now stronger than my fear of man. My fear of being judged. My fear that I lack wisdom and grace and purpose. My fear of failing.

God is good - - all the time. He gave His only Son as a substitute for us. As you prepare your heart for Easter, remember all that He has done for you. Thank Him, worship Him, and tell someone (or a crowd) about His greatness!

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b