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.
Great post, Donald, and so timely. If only world leaders would realize that their position is only because God ordained it, and respect Him and honor Him by doing what is best for His people, the world would be a much better place. Yet one day soon He will rule all nations in perfect justice, holiness and peace.
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait, because it seems that leaders today have the same attitude expressed in the idea of the divine right of kings, that they are above responsibility.
ReplyDelete