Psalm 52
“Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever?” Psalm 52:1b
“But God will strike you down once and for all. He will pull you from your home and uproot you from the land of the living.” Psalm 52:5
Got an enemy of the truth? Got an enemy that will profit from your misfortune? Trust God to deal with them. David fears God. David knows God’s justice is eternal and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). But Jesus elevates God’s vengeance even a step higher and Paul expounds on this recognition of God’s justice.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:19-21
MAIN POINT: Righteous people look to God for justice
Righteous people watch (for) God(‘s) work. v.6
Righteous people trust God. v.7
Instead of wealth v.7 Isn’t this an interesting comment by David. He doesn’t say the strength or cunning of the mighty warrior. David cuts through to the real motivation.
Wicked people trap themselves by thinking they are getting away with things. They are like children and can’t see the consequences of their evil, so they grow bolder.
Righteous people grow close to God. v.8
This harkens back to Psalm chapter 1 and the tree planted by the rivers of water and the comparison of the wicked and righteous there.
David has had to leave and run for his life (1 Samuel 21:7); while taking Goliath's sword and bread from the tabernacle, he must leave behind the place of God’s presence. So a consolation thought for David is that he will not need to leave the presence of God in His house when justice is served. “thriving in the house of God.” v.8
Growing close to God means also growing close to God’s faithful people.
I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. v.9
David longed to be in the presence of God surrounded by others with like faith.
I suppose I can’t leave this passage without mentioning what Jesus said to the Pharisees (Matthew 23:13-38) Here are a few excerpts from Jesus words:
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either. v.13
“Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! v.16
“inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!” v.25
“inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! “ v.33
““O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”vv.37-39
Conclusion: Evil betrayal is disgusting and will lead to ruin, but God is good and gracious. His justice will triumph over the wicked, so we can keep trusting Him and look forward to being with Him forever, even when wicked people seem to be getting away with it; we know the truth.
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| Handwritten Psalm 52 |
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