Vindication and justice - qualities in short supply in our world. The wealthy and powerful are often ruthless and arrogant; exploiting and defrauding the weak and powerless. Such realities necessitate an important reminder, and plea:
"The wicked will return to Sheol, Even all the nations who forget God. For the needy will not always be forgotten, Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever. Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged before You. Put them in fear, O LORD; Let the nations know that they are but men." (Psalm 9.17-19)
Wicked abusers will be punished, as well as ungodly nations. The underprivileged and the suffering will be vindicated. Such is the ultimate reality to come. Little wonder, then, that the Psalmist would plea, "Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged before You. Put them in fear, O LORD; Let the nations know that they are but men." Bring justice soon. Instill fear of future judgment. Humble arrogant nations.
None are unscathed in a fallen world. Each of us can tell our story of unjust treatment and suffering. But, our example is that of the Psalmist who penned the words of Psalm 9. It is a Psalm of thanksgiving for God's justice. Although often elusive in his mortal circumstances, he was fully confident of future justice, and thankful for instances of justice. Such is the ideal perspective. Fixation on present injustice leads only to bitterness and disillusionment. There are rays of hope where justice shines through; foreshadowing kingdom vindication to come. This is our encouragement today.
The phrase our Lord Jesus taught us to pray - "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6.10) - is rich with meaning on so many levels. It is the only possible heartfelt response to extreme injustice, tragedy, and suffering on the part of believers. It as an appeal for the ultimate justice of the kingdom. It is an expression of commitment to participate in the kingdom plan that is the perfect remedy for all that is wrong.
May the injustice and suffering that pervades our daily lives prompt us, not to bitterness, but to greater resolve for kingdom work.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
"The wicked will return to Sheol, Even all the nations who forget God. For the needy will not always be forgotten, Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever. Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged before You. Put them in fear, O LORD; Let the nations know that they are but men." (Psalm 9.17-19)
Wicked abusers will be punished, as well as ungodly nations. The underprivileged and the suffering will be vindicated. Such is the ultimate reality to come. Little wonder, then, that the Psalmist would plea, "Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged before You. Put them in fear, O LORD; Let the nations know that they are but men." Bring justice soon. Instill fear of future judgment. Humble arrogant nations.
None are unscathed in a fallen world. Each of us can tell our story of unjust treatment and suffering. But, our example is that of the Psalmist who penned the words of Psalm 9. It is a Psalm of thanksgiving for God's justice. Although often elusive in his mortal circumstances, he was fully confident of future justice, and thankful for instances of justice. Such is the ideal perspective. Fixation on present injustice leads only to bitterness and disillusionment. There are rays of hope where justice shines through; foreshadowing kingdom vindication to come. This is our encouragement today.
The phrase our Lord Jesus taught us to pray - "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6.10) - is rich with meaning on so many levels. It is the only possible heartfelt response to extreme injustice, tragedy, and suffering on the part of believers. It as an appeal for the ultimate justice of the kingdom. It is an expression of commitment to participate in the kingdom plan that is the perfect remedy for all that is wrong.
May the injustice and suffering that pervades our daily lives prompt us, not to bitterness, but to greater resolve for kingdom work.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 7:44 AM
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