Tuesday: God Is the Judge
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 16th of January 2024
Read Psalms 75:1-10. Why is the boasting of the wicked in vain?
As the Sovereign King, the Lord is also a Lawgiver (Psalms 99:7) and a Judge (Psalms 98:9, Psalms 97:2).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
The wicked constantly threaten the just order that God established in the world, but the Lord will judge the world and bring the rule of evil to its end (Psalms 75:8-10, Psalms 96:13).
In Psalms 75:1-10, several images depict the irrevocable destruction of the wicked. The image of a cup with red wine (Psalms 75:8) conveys the intensity of God’s fury (Jeremiah 25:15, Revelation 14:10). Cutting off the horns of the wicked depicts the end of their power and dominion, while the horns of the righteous shall be exalted (Psalms 75:10). God chooses a “proper time” (Psalms 75:2, NKJV) or “appointed time” (NIV) for His judgment. This executive judgment clearly will take place at the end of time (Psalms 96:13, 1 Corinthians 15:23-26).
The Lord probes people’s hearts as part of His judgment. Read Psalms 14:2. It is reminiscent of Genesis 6:5,8. Both texts show that the execution of God’s judgment of the world is preceded by God’s examination of the people’s lives and seeking whomever He can save. This judgment is sometimes called “the investigative judgment,” when God defends the righteous and decides the fate of the wicked.
How does it work?
First, God delivers His people from the wicked (Psalms 97:10, Psalms 146:9) and crowns the humble with salvation (Psalms 149:4). Second, the unrepentant wicked are destroyed forever (Psalms 97:3). Some psalms poetically describe the uselessness of human weapons against the Divine Judge (Psalms 76:3-6). The Lord is also a forgiving God, although He punishes people’s misdeeds (Psalms 99:8). God’s people, not only the wicked, shall give an account to God (Psalms 50:4, Psalms 135:14).
The Psalms convey the same notion that is expressed in other biblical texts, that God’s judgment begins with God’s people and is extended to the whole earth (Deuteronomy 32:36, 1 Peter 4:17). The psalmist cries to God to judge him but relies on God’s righteousness to defend him (Psalms 7:8-11; Psalms 139:23-24).
The Psalms call us to rejoice in anticipation of God’s judgments (Psalms 67:4, Psalms 96:10-13, Psalms 98:4-9). How is God’s judgment good news for those covered by the blood of Christ?
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Chapter 2 of C S Lewis's book Reflections on the Psalms is a "must read" on the topic of judgment in the Psalms. Interestingly he has put this chapter right at the beginning to set the tone before he reflects on the more contentious issues in Psalms.
He does not dismiss the comparison with a criminal court of justice but his inclusion of the Jewish notion of judgment as a civil court adds a completely new dimension. There are many references to the idea that the judgment will restore what is rightfully ours and that the outcome is joyous. Here are just a few references:
While there is a sense of a final judgment, there is also a sense of judgment in the present shaping and developing our spiritual experience. It also has a strong element of social justice, giving back to the needy, upholding the oppressed, and restoring freedom to the captives.
In that sense, the judgment depicted in the parable of the sheep and the goats can be interpreted as our willingness or reticence to participate in the restoration of those in need.
This link provides several free electronic versions of Reflections on the Psalms
Thank you Maurice, that passage gives me a new, hopeful perspective to share with others.
Many thanks for the link. GOD bless you
"The Lord Reigns" reminds me of Handel's beautiful “Hallelujah” Chorus .....
I imagine this is how the apostle John felt during his visions of Revelation. After seeing the false religion drunk on the blood of the saints (Rev. 17:6-7) and finally God's judgment of justice against Babylon (Rev. 18:10,21-24), John has a vision of all heaven rejoicing....
*Hallelujah is a transliteration of the Hebrew word "halal" (to shine, to boast, to celebrate) and -Yah (a shortened form of Yahweh, Jehovah). It is only found in Rev. 19:1,3,4,6 in the New Testament. In the Psalms, the phrase "Praise the Lord" is equivalent.
Jehovah is a judicious, and just judge, not willing that that any should perish but that ALL should come to repentance
Praise the Lord.
Thank the Lord.
We have traditionally been taught to fear the Judgment of God. This fear only takes into account the destruction that will fall on those who have not accepted God's free offer of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. However, similar emphasis has not been placed on the restorative aspect of that Judgment and it is in this that the righteous must rejoice.🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Praise Him...praise Him!
"The psalmist cries to God to judge him but relies on God’s righteousness to defend him” – these are the circumstances of all who believe that God is just!
You are the One to judge all nations by your righteousness!
You declared man’s righteousness to be as filthy rags.
We cannot stand!
You are the One judging us with Grace and Mercy!
You declared to judge man fairly and just.
We bow our heads!
You are the One to be praised at all times!
You are our Almighty God!
We trust You!
The Lord is just and his judgment are sure
God's judgement is truly fair
Beautiful lesson have realy enjoyed this lesson