Monday Reflection – March 02, 2020

Monday Reflection – March 02, 2020

God, Our Defense

For justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Psalm 94:15

In Psalm 94, David acknowledges and celebrates the Lord as his defense. He begins by recognizing God as judge of the earth. So he beckons, “Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud. Lord, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?” David sounds like one who had seen enough and pleading with God to intervene. Yet David notes that vengeance belongs to God and not man. Indeed, vengeance belongs to one who sees more than we see and knows more than we know. It is appropriate to ask God to dispense vengeance and trust his superior knowledge, wisdom, and timing in doing so.

David notes the rebellion of the wicked, through their words and actions. He goes further and utters rebuke to the senseless rebels, reminding them that God sees, hears and knows everything, including every thought, though futile they are. David then shifts his attention and focuses on God’s people, offering words of comfort that God will never cast them off. Hear David, Happy are those whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, giving them respite from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it” (vs. 12-15).

Perhaps the senseless and fools will never listen to God, but his people must. God will instruct and teach his people from his word. It is said that all the chastening in the world, without divine teaching, will never make a man blessed. Rather, a man is blessed when he finds necessary correction attended with instruction, and lashing with lessoning. God promises not to forsake nor abandon his people. He will bring his righteous reign and judgment to all things, bringing satisfaction to the upright in heart. Indeed, everything shall be made right and everyone shall receive our just reward, if not sooner, then at the day of judgment. Until then, God promises to be our defense and aid, our rock and our refuge.

What then shall be our stance and response? Submit ourselves to the lordship of the Sovereign God of the universe and avail ourselves to his instruction and discipline. We have and will face trouble in every side, but it will be worth it after all. The momentary trials of this life will be brought to an end by the justice of God. In the meantime, let’s live reflecting the life and light of Christ in our lives so that God may be pleased with us. In today’s New Testament text in the familiar Matthew 5:16, we hear Jesus “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Amen.Jermaine Gibson