July 27, 2023 — Psalm 94

“O LORD, you God of vengeance, you God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; give to the proud what they deserve! O LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O LORD, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the stranger, they murder the orphan, and they say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.” Understand, O dullest of the people; fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, he who teaches knowledge to humankind, does he not chastise? When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who contrive mischief by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous, and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will repay them for their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out.” Psalm 94:1-10, 18-23

When we look at our lives and all of the problems and injustices that exist, we sometimes wonder why evil appears to win the day over and over again. It certainly arouses our sense of anger at the unfairness of it all — and certainly we begin to think of ways to retaliate and/or seek revenge. We wonder why G-d, who we know is good all the time, might allow the unjust to get their way so often. 

The psalmist speaks to our feelings. He lifts up and gives voice to our frustration at the injustice of the wicked. The psalmist also knows that it is wrong for us to take revenge. He knows that man has to make way for G-d to act — no matter how long it might take. 

The psalmist is confident that the Lord will deal justly with the injustices and the evil around us. G-d will punish the wicked and reward the righteous. Although the wicked may appear to prosper, we followers of the Lord are called to trust and leave vengeance to him.  We must live with hope and trust that G-d works through governments to enforce laws that govern society — and when it appears that the corrupt have the upper hand, then we must trust the Lord to deliver us. G-d does not abandon the righteous — and will defend us from the power of evil.

Prayer

Almighty God, do not abandon your people, but defend us from the power of the enemy. Grant that those who suffer for the sake of justice may find consolation in the cross of Christ and be filled with your peace now and always; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

July 26, 2023 — Psalm 93

“The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength. He has established the world; it shall never be moved; your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters, more majestic than the waves of the sea, majestic on high is the LORD! Your decrees are very sure; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.” Psalm 93

In the Old Testament, the raging sea is sometimes used symbolically to describe the hostility of the Israelites — the ones who think that they can ignore their obedience to G-d. But what they learn is, if they continue to rage, like the sea, they do not succeed. All they accomplish is heightening the wrath of G-d.

During the trial of Jesus, the people raged and roared and foamed at the mouth encouraging the religious leaders to crucify Jesus. And though they seemed to drown out the teachings of Jesus, what they learned was the risen Jesus was to come to rule on high.

G-d reigns in truth and holiness with Jesus sitting at his right hand. We can safely say that Jesus’ teachings continue to stand for the truth revealed in G-d’s word. Though the many waters of hate and evil and even dangerous viruses may swirl around us, all G-d’s promises are trustworthy and true, because G-d is holy.

Prayer

Lord God, in raising Jesus from the grave you established a dominion that can never be shaken or destroyed by death. May your will be done on earth as in heaven, and make firm our faith in the certainty of your promises; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.