Psalm 82:3 CSB "Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute."
Psalm 82 reminds us that human leaders are God's representatives on earth (little "g" gods 82:1, 6; John 10:34–35). God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is the only Just Judge. Asaph, the psalmist, envisions God standing in judgment over all the earthly leaders. In verse 3, God commands all lay leaders to execute justice without prejudice.
As breaking news alerts fill our screens this morning, it is evident that earthly leaders and their policies fail. Social justice, bail reforms, abortion laws, and welfare programs reveal that leaders are unjust judges who do not base their decisions on what God declares excellent and proper. Verse 5 says the foundations of the earth are shaken when earthly leaders and rulers do not reflect the justice God demands. All the crazy, hurt, and injustice we see this morning stems from rejecting God's rule over our lives.
We cannot deny that we have the privilege of voting to place leaders in charge, whom we think will obey God. However, many leaders do not always walk the their talk once they have power. Verse 5 says all earthly leaders eventually die. God is the only Just Judge that remains forever. God's rule of right and worng never changes and endues forever.
This morning let us worry about the only earthly leader we can control this week. Let us surrender to Jesus' rule over the life He died and was raised to give us. Let's pray verse 8.
My Lord and God: "Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations." Jesus taught his disciples to pray this way: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Lord Jesus, I am Your representative on earth. Holy Spirit, help me today to live on earth as if I am already in heaven. I will stand up for the oppressed, help the weak, poor, and fatherless.
Lord, I will speak the gospel into their spiritual darkness and help provide for their physical needs. So they know you care about them, know where they are, and You know their spiritual and physical needs.
Lord, I plead for You to rule over my heart and life, help me bring your kingdom rule over my family, friends, co-workers, and those in my circle of influence today. You alone are the only eternal Judge. Other rulers and laws will come and go. Therefore, upon Your justice alone, I will base all decisions for my life and my family. In Jesus' name, amen.
Daily Devotion
Upon whose rule do you base your justice?
Verse of the Day, November 23, 2021
Psalm 82:3 CSB "Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute."
Psalm 82 reminds us that human leaders are God's representatives on earth (little "g" gods 82:1, 6; John 10:34–35). God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is the only Just Judge. Asaph, the psalmist, envisions God standing in judgment over all the earthly leaders. In verse 3, God commands all lay leaders to execute justice without prejudice.
As breaking news alerts fill our screens this morning, it is evident that earthly leaders and their policies fail. Social justice, bail reforms, abortion laws, and welfare programs reveal that leaders are unjust judges who do not base their decisions on what God declares excellent and proper. Verse 5 says the foundations of the earth are shaken when earthly leaders and rulers do not reflect the justice God demands. All the crazy, hurt, and injustice we see this morning stems from rejecting God's rule over our lives.
We cannot deny that we have the privilege of voting to place leaders in charge, whom we think will obey God. However, many leaders do not always walk the their talk once they have power. Verse 5 says all earthly leaders eventually die. God is the only Just Judge that remains forever. God's rule of right and worng never changes and endues forever.
This morning let us worry about the only earthly leader we can control this week. Let us surrender to Jesus' rule over the life He died and was raised to give us. Let's pray verse 8.
My Lord and God: "Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations." Jesus taught his disciples to pray this way: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Lord Jesus, I am Your representative on earth. Holy Spirit, help me today to live on earth as if I am already in heaven. I will stand up for the oppressed, help the weak, poor, and fatherless.
Lord, I will speak the gospel into their spiritual darkness and help provide for their physical needs. So they know you care about them, know where they are, and You know their spiritual and physical needs.
Lord, I plead for You to rule over my heart and life, help me bring your kingdom rule over my family, friends, co-workers, and those in my circle of influence today. You alone are the only eternal Judge. Other rulers and laws will come and go. Therefore, upon Your justice alone, I will base all decisions for my life and my family. In Jesus' name, amen.