It's good to think more deeply about the mercies of God in times of crisis. To help guide us in this effort, we'll consider Paul David Tripp's collection of meditations from Psalm 27 called "A Shelter in the Time of Storm." You can get your own copy on Amazon here.

Give me not up to the will of my aversaries;
for falsewitnesses have risen against me,
and they breath out violence.

Psalm 27:12

I can think of little I hate more than being falsely accused. It's infuriating and it's hurtful. When we are falsely accused, nothing matters more to us than clearing our name - we want justice restored! It seems like one time when prioritizing concern for self (selfishness) seems justified. After all, we were falsely accused!

We hardly tolerate these situations and we certainly would not willingly choose them. But what about for the sake of another? Would we endure false accusations willingly and silently if it was for the good of another? Maybe? I'm not sure.

In this meditation Tripp considers Jesus' incarnation, life, and death through the lens of the false accusations he experienced. These too were a part of the Father's plan for him (and for us). 

Jesus knew the plan...He knew false witnesses would seal his death. 

But there's more to it than that, and this is that part that can help us. We do not believe in a random universe. We believe in an ordered universe, purposefully maintained by a sovereign God. And so, of Jesus' accusers, it can rightly be said,

They didn't know that they weren't in charge. They didn't know that they were part of a greater plan.

As we endure these kinds of events we need to remember what's true. When they get the best of us it looks like they're in charge. It looks like they're exercising control over our lives. But they aren't. God is still in control and even our accusers are doing his good will. 

Questions to Consider

The questions are Tripp's. I included my answers in case they're helpful to read.

1. Are there places in your life where you tend to feel that you are alone and that your trouble is unique.

- I feel, not individually alone, but that our session is alone and with unique "troubles" among churches. Often, figuring out what we need to do as a church is so easy, but it's hard to actually do it. Then we look around and see other churches doing (what seems to us) easier alternatives. 

2. Read Hebrews 4:14-5:3 and thank Jesus that he was willing to suffer what you and I suffer so that he would be able to offer us grace that is appropriate to our time of need.

- Good idea.