Who’s Boss Around Here?
Opening Prayer
Father God, I have an open heart and mind and I invite You to speak to me now.
Read PSALM 82:1-8
[1] A psalm of Asaph. God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the “gods”: [2] “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Selah [3] Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. [4] Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. [5] “They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. [6] “I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’ [7] But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler.” [8] Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What sins are condemned in this psalm?I remember joining with hundreds of Christians for a united service and singing Graham Kendrick’s song “I will build my church” when we came to the lines: “So you powers in the heavens above, bow down! And you powers on the earth below, bow down! And acknowledge that Jesus … is Lord.” I looked up at the buildings surrounding us: businesses, banks, department stores and the town hall. These powers, these gods, needed to be put in their place.
It is not clear to which “gods” Psalm 82 refers. It may be that the poet is imagining God in his heavenly court. He may have in mind other powers that influence us (see Gal. 4:8), frustrating the just rule of God (see vs. 2-4). This psalm is realistic about the state of the world, but passionate about the rule of God. “Your Kingdom come; your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (see v. 8). The psalmist refuses to take these gods seriously (6-8).
Since the beginning of the Church, Christians have made this day—Sunday, the day of resurrection—one to declare that, however things may seem, there is only one Lord.
Apply
What “powers” do you see that want to dominate the world where you live? How can you oppose them?
Closing prayer
Pray for Christians around the world who stand against the powers that would be God.
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