Sabbath: I Will Arise
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 3rd of February 2024
Read for This Week’s Study
Image © Pacific Press
Psalms 18:3-18, Psalms 41:1-3, Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Psalms 82:1-8, Psalms 96:6-10, Psalms 99:1-4, Romans 8:34.
Memory Text:
“ ‘For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,’ says the Lord; ‘I will set him in the safety for which he yearns’ ” (Psalms 12:5, NKJV).
Our age is not the only age in which evil, injustice, and oppression rage. The psalmists lived in such a time, as well. And so, whatever else they are, the Psalms are also God’s protests against the violence and oppression in the world, in our world, and that of the psalmists, as well.
Yes, the Lord is long-suffering and holds His wrath in His great forbearance, not wanting anyone to perish but to repent and change their ways (2 Peter 3:9-15). And though God’s proper time for His intervention does not always coincide with human expectations, the day of God’s judgment is coming (Psalms 96:13, Psalms 98:9). We just need to trust in Him, and in His promises, until that day comes.
Only the Creator, whose throne is founded on righteousness and justice (Psalms 89:14, Psalms 97:2), can provide, with His sovereign judgment, stability and prosperity to the world. The twofold aspect of divine judgment includes deliverance of the oppressed and destruction of the wicked (Psalms 7:6-17).
This is what we have been promised, and this is what will, indeed, one day come—but in God’s time, not ours, a point that the psalmist emphasizes.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 10.
(39)
“I will arise”! is God’s battle cry and promise to assure the faithful that unrighteousness and injustice is only allowed to last until He declares that the time has come to make all things new!
It appears to me the theme of God’s redemptive work is solidly anchored in establishing His ‘righteousness and justice’ – “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:2.
His Creation was perfect! His efforts to establish righteousness and justice commenced with Adam and Eve, are ongoing in the lives dedicated to support His redemptive work, as He re-establishes Himself in His people. The time will come to judge the whole of Creation, not only earth’s inhabitants.
God's laws governing all life will once more exist unchallenged as they reflect His Glory – the old will have passed, and we can behold that all things are made new! All things not found in Jesus Christ are appointed to come to an end; nothing can excape as He makes His new heaven and a new earth. Eph. 1:15-23
We don’t carry the burden of justice. God knows and He will bring justice. And healing. And freedom to leap about lightheartedly.
I loved your phrase, "We don't carry the burden of Justice." As I read it, I could see the freedom to be kind and generous to the unworthy in love; and leave the justice to He who is worthy to judge.
When I woke up this morning, I was impressed with the insight that understanding our walk without judgement is understanding walking in the light as He is the light. (1 John 1:7) It also is walking with grace in our hearts, just as Jesus imparts grace to us.
God is a God of love, justice, truth, and mercy, and the time will come when He says enough is enough. Peter depicts the fact. The important issue is are we ready. Ted Wilson said recently, "Be ready from day to day, because for you God could come this afternoon or tomorrow, and his coming is soon." 2 Peter 3:10. Revelation 22:20.
"The Earth Redeemed—The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years, Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now, God's original purpose in its creation is accomplished. "The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever." Daniel 7:18." Heaven page 78.5
Don't forget that we will meet Christ in the air 1st and be transported to a place just beyond Orion Nebulus for 1 thousand years. Then we will come down to earth riding on the Holy City and will watch the earth made new, becoming our forever home.
Who are we? They are those who believe in God and Christ and act on their beliefs. John 3:16. What did the Jailer and his family do when Paul gave them the Gospel message? Acts 16:31-33. And we must stay put. Colossians 1:23. How does Psalms fit in? There are many. My favorite is Psalm 23. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. That is our earthly temple and some day when Christ comes to call us home it will be our Heavenly temple beyond the stars. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18.
Arise oh Lord in your anger, more likely righteous indignation, or possibly the way we as humans look at God's justice. The Lord wiped out a whole camp of enemies of God's people. Their judgement came. Also remember God's people, judgement was brought on because they turned away from Him. Some parished, some taken to Babolyn and then to Syria, and then some went back to Jeruselem to rebuild as the Prophets of God fortold.