The Righteous Judge
Opening Prayer
Holy God, as I enter Your presence on this Lord’s Day, search me and give me a pure heart to serve You better.
Read Psalm 75:1-10
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song. We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. [2] You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. [3] When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. [4] To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. [5] Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.'” [6] No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. [7] It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. [8] In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. [9] As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, [10] who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does the psalmist describe God's sovereignty?At different times in our lives we will be drawn to different characteristics of God–his love, his power, his gentleness, his strength. The judging God described by this psalm is somewhat terrifying; perhaps we would rather not dwell too long on the picture in verse 8 of the foaming wine of punishment poured down upon the wicked. But judgment is an important facet of the one we worship. We worship a God we can trust to hold those who do us wrong to account, freeing us from the need to retaliate (Rom. 12:19). We worship a God we can trust to show mercy to all who confess and repent (1 John 1:9). We worship a God before whom everyone will have to give account of their choices (Rom. 14:10), but who has taken the consequences for our sins upon himself (Isa. 53:5). This terrifying God of judgment does not take kindly to the lifting up of horns (4,5)–the flaunting of strength–but, if we are humble before him, he himself becomes the source of true strength (3) and lifts us up from our weakness (10).
Apply
Come before God to ask for mercy and forgiveness. Praise him that he brings justice and overcomes evil.
Closing prayer
Lead me, Jesus, so I will be Your faithful follower and obedient servant in every way throughout each and every day.
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