The Doctrine of the Open Door. Part 10

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The Doctrine of The Open Door. Part 10.

We are now ready to complete our tenth point in the doctrine of the Open Door.

The eighth principle concerning the type of open doors that God will use as a part of the His guidance and direction deals with times of disaster. We begin with a very simple biblical principle: Any effort that has self-glorification as its final endpoint is bound to end in disaster.

Psa 119 is a song or poem that many scholars, especially Jewish scholars, believe was written by the scribe Ezra dealing with God’s plan and solutions for the greatest disasters in life. Psa 119 is also an acrostic Psalm which by definition is a thesis, usually a poem, in which the first letter of each line spells out a hidden word or message.

In Psalm 119, all 22 stanzas, each numbering 8 verses each are made up of the Hebrew alphabetical verses in their proper sequence.

Psa 119 shows us how he could take shock, torture, abuse and be victorious because of the doors God opens up even in times of disaster.

For example; the first eight verses in Psalm 119 all begin with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet aleph which basically refers to true prosperity.Therefore, the first 8 verses describe what true prosperity is in the ancient world. Since Psa 119 is basically a Psalm dealing with the subject of both personal and collective disaster, we are to translate these verses from the point of view concerning disaster.

Verse 1, How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. (Psa 119)

The first word is the sentence is Ashreey which is translated “Blessed” and it begins with aleph. So the writer is saying to us that one of the means of true prosperity, especially in times of disaster is the blessedness or happiness that comes from walking in the law or the doctrine of Jehovah or the Lord.

In verse 2, How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all {their} heart.

The first word is the sentence is also Ashreey which is translated “Blessed” and begins with the letter aleph.

So, under the aleph file “true prosperity” in time of disaster is being able to observe our Lord’s testimonies.

In verse 3, They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways.

The first word is the sentence is 'Ap which is translated “Also” and it begins with the letter aleph.

In verse 4, Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep {them} diligently.

The first word is the sentence is 'Ataah which is translated “Thou” and it begins with the letter aleph.

We can be content in time of disaster this Psalm says because  Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep {them} diligently.

In verse 5, Oh that my ways may be established To keep Thy statutes!

The first word is the sentence is 'Ach-lay which is translated “Oh that” and it begins with the letter aleph.

In verse 6, Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Thy commandments.

The first word is the sentence is 'Aaz which is translated “Then” also begins with the letter aleph.

Then in verse 7, I shall give thanks to Thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn Thy righteous judgments.

The first word is avdk which is translated “I shall, and again it begins with the letter aleph.

Finally in PSA 119:8, I shall keep Thy statutes; Do not forsake me utterly! The first word in this sentence is the word ayth,however, this is what is known as a phonetic sound which is untranslatable, it’s almost like a sigh meaning as we would say in the English language “Ahhh...” = “Oh your statues.” Notice that every verse talks about the means of true prosperity which is perception, metabolization or application of the word of God. So that in the aleph file, we have the means of handling the disasters of life through the open doors provided by God which are mentioned in this file as being in verse:

1 - His law
2 - His testimonies
3 - His ways
4 - His precepts
5 - His statutes
6 - His commandments
7 - His judgments
8 -His statutes

This is followed by the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet which is Beth and has the connotation of a house, or a dwelling. In time of disaster, says Psalm 119 concerning disaster, where is the believer’s house, or home or dwelling? It is found in PSA 119:9-16.

In verse 9, the believer can be at home with God by keeping his way pure or being real and not a hypocrite according to The Word.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping {it} according to Thy word.

In verse 10, the open doors in time of disaster will cause the believer to being at home with all their heart seeking God and not wandering away from God’s commands.

In verse 10, With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments.

In verse 11, the open doors in time of disaster will cause the believer to have a house where they treasure the word of God more importantly than gold or silver.

Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.

In verse 12, the open doors in time of disaster will cause the believer to be at home while enjoying +H as you're being taught the principles of disaster testing.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord; Teach me Thy statutes.

In verse13, the open doors in time of disaster will cause the believer to be at home by speaking and living in the Word of God.

With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Thy mouth.

In verse14, the open doors from God means a door where you will have your home built upon rejoicing in the way of God’s testimonies, As much as in all riches.

I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.

In verse15, being at home while meditating on God’s  precepts, And regarding His ways, is another manifestation of the open doors from God.

I will meditate on Thy precepts, And regard Thy ways.

In verse16, the open doors in time of disaster will cause the believer to be at home with a house that delights in God’s will and not forget His word.

I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word.

Now, all of these verses are classified and filed under the Hebrew letter beth which has the connotation of a house, or a dwelling.

We could go on with verses 19-the next letter in the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet, the Gimel File in verses 17-24, referring to a camel which was used for traveling with great gifts or blessings referring to the intense wisdom that comes through the experience of disaster.

Our next file, the Daleth file represents a door which is  entrance into the plan of God. Once you go through the door or entrance into the plan of God, God has provided for every need you will ever have.

The reason why I wanted to give you all of this information is so when we get to 119:65, which deals with the open doors that God provides in times of disaster. So Psalm 119 is really a Psalm about disaster and it is designed to give us some insight and divine revelation concerning the open doors that God displays in times of disaster.

Verse 65 is the ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet which is teth, and the meaning of this Hebrew file which is called the teth file which reveals the principle of relationship or being knit together. Here it refers to the relationship between the Lord and this man taken into captivity. Also interesting is the fact that the letter teth has at one of its main definitions the coiling of a serpent, which represents potential power, like a serpent just before striking. It means that the power has been built up, is contained, and then is released.

The power we are speaking of here is spiritual awareness which builds up in man, and is then released to create a heightened awareness in order to remind him of his divine origin.

Under this teth file dealing with the disasters of life and the fact that God will even open up doors for us in times of  disaster, we read in;

PSA 119:65, Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word.

The word “well” is the first word in the sentence which is the Hebrew word “towb” meaning You (Lord) are producing divine good in me during this time of disaster.

When you study the original language you have principles of doctrine revealed like PSA 119:65 being an Old Testament version of ROM 8:28.

And we know that to those who love God, (He) God causes all things to work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose. (ROM 8:28)

Under horrible disastrous conditions, through the open doors that God provides, God manufacturers divine good. God is perfect, His plan is perfect and so on when a believer enters into the open door of God’s plan, everything will work together for the good.

Sooner or later, if not now, you are going to run into some maximum disastrous conditions. The only way you will be ready for it is by living and remaining inside of the divine plan of God for your life.

So, out of disaster, PSA 119:65, Thou hast dealt well [produced divine good] with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word.

This is the “teth” file or the relationship between the Lord and this man. He is saying in effect, “Lord, You have taken these disastrous conditions and you have made something good out of them.” The principle: Only God can do this.

In PSA 119:66 we read, Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Thy commandments.

Notice in verse 66 he asked for discernment.
Verse 67, Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Thy word.

Notice the phrase in the second half of verse 67, “But now.” Meaning under pressure and disastrous conditions, I keep Thy word. God in wisdom always deals with us as perfectly as He can. He allows the world to afflict us to bring us back to Him. God allows people and circumstances to handle you roughly, if need be. Like the prodigal son seeing all forsake him, we all need to come back.

God says to the storm, shipwreck them! ISA 4:6 He will be a shelter to {give} shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.

To the fire, burn them! ISA 43:2, When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

To the friends, forsake them! DEU 31:6, Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.

To the riches, melt away! PHI 4:19, And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

To the wind, toss them! PSA 112:3, Wealth and riches are in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.

Wind, toss them? MAT 8:26, “Why are you timid, you men of little faith?” Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and it became perfectly calm.

These Storms, Fires, Friends, Riches, are all God’s servants and ultimately must obey His will.

Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word. (PSA 119:65)

If we knew what was best for us we would realize that it’s just what God is doing for us. It’s simply asking God as the Psalmist did in verse 18 of 119.

Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Thy law. (PSA 119:18) 

Before he was afflicted he wandered away from God and doctrine, but now through affliction he is back, why? Many times our disastrous, trials and afflictions act like thorns and a hedge to keep us in the right path and before the open doors of living the spiritual life. Many times prosperity is an open door through which we go astray.

David did this in 2SA 11:1, Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem.

This word astray is also used for the sin of ignorance, LEV 5:18. Many times our own ignorance is our worst enemy.

In PSA 119:66 Ezra writes, Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Thy commandments.

The Hebrew says teach me good discernment along with knowledge. Knowledge is something we use under normal circumstances. Discernment is the ability to think correctly while under pressure.

When PSA 119:66 says teach me, it is the imperfect Piel stem of the Hebrew verb “lamadh” meaning to learn the hard way. Many people will only learn one way. Piel stem = learning under intense situations.

Imperfect tense = command - he is ready to learn his lesson the hard way. Now, God has finally got his attention.

PSA 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray

This describes his condition before his capture. He had gone astray from God. He was wholesome, healthy, he wasn't captive and in chains but he was astray from God.

So notice the first thing he begs for in the teth file is teach me. So he says teach me good judgment = taam - discernment and also it means and signifies the word - taste. Through affliction he has developed a craving for teaching.

Verses 73-75, Thy hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments. May those who fear Thee see me and be glad, Because I wait for Thy word. I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.