FRIDAY, 7 APRIL 2023
TEXT:
Psalms 74:1-23
1:
O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against
the sheep of your pasture?
2:
Remember the nation you purchased long ago, the people of your inheritance,
whom you redeemed— Mount Zion, where you dwelt.
3:
Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy
has brought on the sanctuary.
4:
Your foes roared in the place where you met with us; they set up their
standards as signs.
5:
They behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees.
6:
They smashed all the carved paneling with their axes and hatchets.
7:
They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of
your Name.
8:
They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!” They burned every
place where God was worshiped in the land.
9:
We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how
long this will be.
10:
How
long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever?
11:
Why
do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your
garment and destroy them!
12:
But
God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth.
13:
It
was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the
monster in the waters.
14:
It
was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures
of the desert.
15:
It
was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever-flowing
rivers.
16:
The
day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon.
17:
It
was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and
winter.
18:
Remember
how the enemy has mocked you, Lord, how foolish people have reviled your name.
19:
Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives
of your afflicted people forever.
20:
Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places
of the land.
21:
Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise
your name.
22:
Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day
long.
23:
Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which
rises continually.
(New International Version Holy
Bible)
TOPIC:
RESPONDING TO YOUR ENEMIES
Jerusalem lies in ruins
and the temple is completely destroyed. Like Nehemiah, the Psalmist reminds God
about His covenant relationship with Israel as "the nation You purchased
long ago, the people of Your inheritance, whom You redeemed - Mount Zion, where
You dwelt" (verse 2). It is common sense that nobody allows his/her
inheritance to be wasted.
Notice the Psalmist's
emphasis on the destruction of the dwelling place of God which is seen as an
attempt to challenge God and His sovereignty. This explains why God is
challenged with "Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it
from the folds of your garment and destroy them (verse 11).
God doesn't work in
ways we may approve because His ways are different from ours, especially when
it comes to avenging the wickedness of those who oppress His children.
Perhaps you are
suffering at the moment due to terrorists' attacks, kidnappers' activities or
some other terrible circumstance. Be encouraged that God is in charge of
everything and He will act within His master plan, which definitely includes
you as His inheritance. Continue to wait on the Lord.
QUESTION:
Is it proper for a child of God to pray for the destruction of his/her enemies?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, please fill my heart with love for my enemies and those
spitefully using me. Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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