A Reminder Of God’s Command

Psalm 81:1-16

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph.

“Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.  Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.  Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.  For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.

This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.  I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.  Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah. ” (Psalm 81:1-7)

Traditionally this was a psalm to be performed with a harp.  As is apparent from the passage, the author wanted it to include not only the harp but timbrels, psalteries and trumpets as well.  It was intended to be sung at the special ceremonies on the first of each month as a reminder of what God had commanded Israel to do.   It was given as one of the Ten Commandments, when Israel first came out of Egypt.   They had prayed for God’s deliverance and he had answered their prayers, setting them free and miraculously bringing water from the rock. 

“Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.  I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” (Psalm 81:8-10)

Because God had delivered them they were not to worship any other gods or have any idols in their possession.  God was to be the only god the paid any attention to.  If they would obey in this he promised to supply any need they had. 

“But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.  So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.” (Psalm 81:11-12)

Moses had just gone back to the top of the mountain to receive the final draft of God’s covenant carved in stone when Israel made the golden calf to worship.  Later they worshipped the gods of the Midianites and other groups, repeatedly turning away during the period of the Judges.  It was like they deliberately tried to replace God with something else. 

“Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!  I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.  The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.  He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.” (Psalm 81:13-16)

If Israel had obeyed him, putting him first, God would have ended their conflicts with their enemies.  If they had loved God instead of hating him, Israel would have lasted forever.  He would have given them the best of everything, the finest wheat and honey from the caves in the rocks where it stayed fresh longer.  The troubles the faced were the result of their refusal to put God first.    This Psalm was written to remind Israel how important it was to put God first because people need constant reminders.  In Philippians 3:1, Paul said, “…To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”  While it is not as exciting as hearing something new, being reminded of what God has said keeps us from forgetting as easily.    

Praying For His Country

Psalm 80:1-19

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph.

Tradition lists this as a Psalm intended to be accompanied by trumpets.

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.  Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.  Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” (Psalm 80:1-3)

The Psalmist asks that God would show his power and deliver Israel in front of the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin.  This leads logically tot eh conclusion that it is Judah which is under attack.  This would imply that the Psalm was written during the seven years while David and Ishbosheth struggled for power.   Later, when the Kingdom split, Benjamin Joined Judah.  The request here is on behalf of the nation, rather than the individual. 

“O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?  Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.  Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves. “ (Psalm 80:4-6)

The divided Israel looked like an easy target to the surrounding countries.  Both sides were suffering because of the constant fighting between David and Ishbosheth’s forces, while raiding parties took the opportunity to attack outlying villages.  Both groups wanted the conflict settled. 

“Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.  Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.  Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.   The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.  She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.  Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?  The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.

Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.  It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.” (Psalm 80:7-16)

God had delivered Israel out of Egypt and driven out the Canaanites before them, enabling them to firmly establish themselves in the land.  They had grown like a grape vine, spreading everywhere and producing a lot of fruit, but now it was like God had taken away the fences that protected them and wild pigs were getting into the vineyard and destroying the vine, along with other animals.  The Psalmist why the fences have been torn down and prays that God would again show interest in his vineyard. 

The very survival of Israel was at stake.  If God did not return and bless them, their enemies would ultimately destroy her completely.  He doesn’t believe God is willing to throw away all he has done for Israel by letting it happen. 

“Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.  So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.  Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” (Psalm 80:17-19)

God had chosen David to be King and lead Israel.   The Psalmist is asking that David be allowed to assume the throne and take leadership.  He is afraid that if he doesn’t, the people will turn away from God, further weakening the nation.  If he blesses the people will be reunited, and turn to God more completely, saving the nation.  

Seeking God’s Help

Psalm 79:1-13

A Psalm of Asaph.

“O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.  The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.  Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.  We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.” (Psalm 79:1-4)

Tradition assigns this Psalm to Asaph, but from this passage it is clear it could not have been written by the Asaph in David’s day.  Jerusalem did not become a Jewish city until after David became king, and the Temple was not built until after his death.  At no time during David’s or Solomon’s reign was Jerusalem attacked as described here so this Psalm had to be written at a much later date, after both Judah and Israel turned away.  In fact the description seems to be of the period shortly before Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon.

Jerusalem had been attacked and thousands were dead.  The Temple had been desecrated, and there were not enough people available to bury the dead.  Judah and Jerusalem had lost all the respect the other nations had once had for them. 

“How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?  Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.  For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.” (Psalm 79:5-7)

When we are in trouble, we constantly ask how long it will last.  And here the Psalmist is asking how long God will continue to allow Jerusalem to be smitten instead of turning on those who have rejected God and destroyed Israel and Judah.  After all it seems unfair that God’s children suffer when the wicked do not.  We so easily forget God loves us and chastens us to bring us into obedience.  He gives the wicked enough rope to hang themselves, but when they are punished it is for their destruction.  They are not just corrected. 

“O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.  Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.  Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.” (Psalm 79:8-10)

He begs that God not continue to hold their past sins over them, but that he comes to their rescue because they have been severely embarrassed and humbled by what has happened.    He asks that God deliver them for his own glory and take away their sin to maintain his own reputation in the world.  Why should the unsaved be allowed to think God is powerless or doesn’t care?   By punishing those who have killed his servants, he can regain their respect. 

“Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.” (Psalm 79”11-12)

He asks that God listen to the sighing and hopelessness of those who had been taken captive and intervene on behalf of those who were facing execution.   He asks that the neighbors who had been responsible for them being in their situation be repaid in full because by attacking his people they had implied he could or would do nothing.   

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will show forth thy praise to all generations.” (Psalm 79:13)

As they saw his power and realized what he delivered them from, God’s people would be thankful forever, and try to ensure future generations knew his power and blessings by their teaching and leaving memorials.   God loves us immensely but sometimes our guilt makes us feel even he would not care about us anymore,  When we feel so guilty we can’t imagine him forgiving us, we can still trust God to act on our behalf simply to protect his own reputation and keep his promise.  Our hope is not dependent on our being good enough, but on God’s own nature.  He will not change or break his promise.

Teaching Future Generations

Psalm 78:1-72

Maschil of Asaph.

“Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.  I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:  Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.  For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.  They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had showed them.” (Psalm 78:1-11)

The psalmist asks the people to listen as recounts the story of what God has done for them.  They need to make the story public so that future generations can know God’s power and love and understand what he expects of his people.  Without that awareness, they will be like past generations who rebelled and would not obey or follow his leading.  Joseph had been the one responsible for the establishment of Israel in Egypt, yet his Descendants, specifically the tribe of Ephraim was one of the first to turn away from God.  Years later, when the kingdom Split, they would again lead the others away from God.    It is important to understand that unless future generations are taught to serve God, it really doesn’t matter how much their parents served him.    They saw the same power the others did. 

“Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.  He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.  In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.  He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.  He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.” (Psalm 78:12-16)

All of Israel, including Ephraim and Manasseh experienced the miracles God did in the wilderness, from the time they left Egypt until they entered the land of Canaan.  He is making the same point Paul did in I Corinthians 10:1-5.  “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.  But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”  Despite all they had seen many did not believe his power.

“And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.  And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.   Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?  Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?” (Psalm 78:17-20)

Even though he had caused water to come out of the rock, the people doubted his ability to give them food to eat in the desert,

“Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:  Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,  And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.  Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full.  He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.  He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.

So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire; They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.  For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.  Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble. ” (Psalm 78:21-33)

God provided the Manna to feed them and when they complained about it, he supplied quail as they demanded.   There was so much quail, they couldn’t eat it all and after a few days it spoiled and they began to die from food poisoning. Killing the healthiest and biggest eaters.   They still didn’t believe his power, and wound up living out their lives without accomplishing their goals.    The story is a serious warning to those who demand that God give them what they want. 

“When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.  And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.  Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.  For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.” (Psalm 78:34-37)

Like many people today, when they were in trouble, the Jews promised to obey God, and remembered all his promises and actions on their behalf.  Unfortunately their whole goal was to get what they wanted so they told God what they thought he wanted to hear, with no intention of keeping their promises.  They were not committed to obeying him. 

“But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.  For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” (Psalm 78:39-39)

Though he knew they were lying, God honored their prayers, giving them the opportunity to change because he recognized their human nature and that they had only a very short lifespan.    Unfortunately, people often assume they are getting by with their sin because God gives them this chance, as Romans 2:4-6 tells us.  “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”  

“How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!  Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.  They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.  How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.  He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.  He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust.  He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore trees with frost.  He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.  He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.  He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham: But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.  And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.  Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.  For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.” (Psalm 78:40-58)

All the miracles God had done in Egypt and his supplying their needs in the wilderness made little or no impression.  They turned away, worshipping other Gods and following their own ideas. 

“When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel: So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men; And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.  He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.  The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage.  Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.” (Psalm 78:59-64)

God  rejected the old location of the Tabernacle at Shiloh and allowed Israel to go into captivity, allowing thousands to be killed.  Even his priests were killed and no one took time to mourn them, as described in I Samuel. 

“Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.  And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.  Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.  And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.  He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.  So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.” (Psalm 78:65-72)

Finally, God started over with complete new leadership giving them a man from the tribe of Judah, David, who would follow God.  The Temple was placed in Jerusalem, and God blessed them under David’s leadership.  Joseph’s family had given up any claim they might have had.   Teaching future generations to serve God is crucial.  

A Need For Fellowship

Psalm 77:1-20

To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph.

“I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.  In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.  I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.  Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.” (Psalm 77:1-4)

Job 5:7 tells us, “…man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.”  Trouble is a natural part of life and we deal with problems every day.  Sometimes we feel like we are drowning in our trouble, and the psalmist was no different than the rest of us.   He had reached the point of blaming God for letting him suffer so much and nothing seemed to offer any relief.  Fortunately, God hears us no matter how large or urgent our problems may be or how overwhelmed we feel, but relief doesn’t always come right away.  He describes some of what he went through seeking relief.

“I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.  I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.  Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?  Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?  Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.” (Psalm 77:5-9)

He looked back at how God had blessed in the past and remembered how he had rejoiced in things God had done for him, searching his memory for things he had forgotten.  He remembered that God has promised never to forget his children and will not break his promise.  He reminded himself that there is nothing we can do to destroy his love for us. 

“And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.  I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.  I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” (Psalm 77:10-12)

He finally realized the problem was his own lack of faith, not a failure on God’s part.  He was determined to keep thinking about what God had done, for himself and for Israel.  H committed to thinking about the things God had done and would do and talking about those things.   

“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?  Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.  Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.” (Psalm 77:13-15)

One of the most valuable things we can do when we are discouraged is to go to church, even though it seems our natural tendency is to pull away.  Hebrews 10:23-25 advises, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”   If the church is what it should be, there will be a focus on what God has done both in the past in the people’s lives.  There will be encouragement to serve God and not give up.  There will be others to help us, but if we don’t go we don’t get that encouragement. 

When he went to the sanctuary, he was reminded of all the things God does.  He saw the people showing how God had worked among them, saving them from problem after problem.  It was God, not their own effort that redeemed  them and made the difference.

“The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.  The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.  The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.  Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.  Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Psalm 77:16-20)

When he went he was reminded that God worked in nature, not just in the human realm.  He controls the weather, the ocean and everything on earth, and his ways are higher than ours so that we can’t always figure out what he is doing.  He uses ordinary people like Moses or Aaron to accomplish things we cannot understand.  

Responsibility of Rulers

Psalm 76:1-12

To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph.

“In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.  In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.  There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.” (Psalm 76:1-3)

People across America know President Obama’s name, but few, other than his neighbors in Chicago know him personally.  In the same way. God created the world, and many people know his name but few know him personally, except in Israel.  One of his special places, Salem or as it is called in the New Testament, Salim or peace was like a vacation home where he came to relax.  Zion or the temple district of Jerusalem was his everyday home, and he was well known in both places.  It was in Zion where he conducted his most important business, defeating those who fought Israel.    

“Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.  The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.” (Psalm 76:4-5)

It is even better to be with God than on a hunting trip to the mountains to get away from the daily pressures.  Those who oppose have been defeated and lost everything.  Many have died and even those who remain have found themselves powerless, as if they had had their hands chopped off. 

“At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.  Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?” (Psalm 76:6-7)

Just a word from God can stop even the most determined person.  God’s power is beyond comprehension and only a fool would try to stand against his anger. 

“Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth.  Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.” (Psalm 76:8-10)

The first word translated Judgment means justice, while the second word  refers to delivering a verdic in a case.  God has declared what is just or right so all could know.  The whole world stood in fear when God arose to pronounce his verdict about their sin and what needed to be done to make things right for the meek, those who had been victimized.  Even those who were upset by what happened would praise God for his decision, and be prevented from trying to avenge themselves. 

“Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.  He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.” (Psalm 76:11-12)

Keep your promises to God and show him proper respect.  After all, he can totally eliminate the pride of business leaders and will judge the governments and political systems in a terrible way, holding them accountable for every action they have taken. 

Those leaders are there as representatives of God as Romans 13:1-4 tells us, and have been given special authority.  “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

Along with that special authority comes a special level of accountability, because their actions affect so many people.   James 3:1 warns, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”  Leaders, whether religious or secular, have a very high level of responsibility for their actions.  They may not be aware of the damage their actions cause, but they will still be held accountable.   Many who seek such power are unaware of the responsibility that goes with it. 

For example, in today’s world, politicians think nothing of breaking political promises or lying about things, but Revelation 21:8 declares, “…and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  They will be accountable for all those lies they told for political expediency, for the people who lost their homes or businesses due to their decisions or were murdered because they allowed a murderer to go free.  Their judgment will be terrible.  

A Leader’s Commitment

Psalm 75:1-10

“To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph.

The traditional title means “Thou Shall Not Destroy.”

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. “ (Psalm 75:1)

Everywhere we look there is evidence of God’s power and his care for us.  As Romans 1:20 says, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”  People who are observant can hardly help being thankful and praising him for the things they see in nature.    

“When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.  The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.” (Psalm 75:2-3)

Though tradition credits this song to Asaph, It appears David is speaking, before he had been made king over all Israel.  When he is crowned as their king, he promises to Judge in a proper manner, being fair to everyone involved.   God’s intention was for each person to be individually responsible for their own actions.  Israel chose to have a king to take the responsibility for them, and had chosen Saul to be their king.  This had led to a vast turning away from God.  David saw himself as responsible for teaching them to obey God and setting an example, just as pastors and teachers today are supposed to do.   

“I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.  For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.   But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Psalm 75:4-7)

He has warned the foolish to think about what they are doing and understand the consequences of their actions.  He warns the wicked not to get like a young bull proudly taking on everyone around in an effort to show his strength.  Real promotion doesn’t come from earthly power but from God.  God is the one who decides who will succeed or fail. 

“For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.” (Psalm 75:8)

When grapes were squeezed by people stomping them in the wine press, the liquid was delicious and pure, but many times the dregs, what might remain in the bottom of the cup would have dead insect bodies , leaves and whatever the people treading out the grapes might have on their feet.  Those who please God will receive the pure juice, but the wicked will have to wring out all those things that settled to the bottom in an effort to get a little juice, al little pleasure. 

“But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.  All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” (Psalm 75:9-10)

David is committed to keep the focus on God, constantly praising him.  He will dehorn all the wicked who try to show off their power, taking away their power, but those who do what is right will be promoted and encouraged.    

It is easy for leaders to blame their followers for the problems, but the leaders set the tone for the organization or nation.  If they are not doing what the leader thinks they should, he needs to look at his own behavior, especially if he has been there more than a year or so.