The Narrow Gate

Luke 13:22-30

How many people will be in heaven?  Is the number a large one, or not as many as some might think?  Just how many people are saved, how many in my city, in your city, in your country?  Maybe these questions have crossed your mind at one time or another, or maybe not.  They came to the mind of one person who was in the crowd of people who were listening to Jesus teach in our Gospel reading for today.  Why did he ask that question?  Did he want to feel good about himself, that he was part of that “in-crowd”?  Whatever his reasons for asking might have been, the answer that Jesus gave was probably not the one he was expecting or looking for.  Let’s see what Jesus had to say.

As we begin our Scriptures, this fellow asked Jesus the question of whether there will only be a few people who are saved (vs. 22-23).  I’m sure that he felt that he would be part of that group, him and his friends.  Surely not all of this riff-raff!  Did he genuinely care that people everywhere get saved, or only concerned that he and his friends were?  Jesus responded by telling him and all who were listening that they need to strive to be sure that they were, as not everyone who thinks they are will be entering heaven (vs. 24).

Jesus tells us here that we need to strive to enter in through the narrow gate.  The Greek word “strive” that was used in this verse is “Agonizomai” which means to agonize, to struggle, to endeavor with strenuous zeal, striving to obtain.  This isn’t something that we just casually attempt, but something that we earnestly pursue and undertake to obtain.  No one just automatically gets into heaven.

Jesus then continues by saying that the gate is narrow (vs. 24).  There are some who teach and preach that everyone gets to heaven, that no one is left out, almost as if it was a super, twenty-lane highway into heaven.  God’s Word tells us here that the gate is “narrow”.  This represents the exclusivity of salvation, that it is through Jesus Christ alone.  As we read in the Gospel of John, no one comes to God except through Jesus (John 14:6).  Not through any other religion, any other great religious leader, or great philosophy, only through Jesus.  No other name will bring salvation (Acts 4:12).  Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).  No other way leads to eternal life.

He then proceeds to give the picture of a homeowner who closes the door.  Those outside may knock, even pound on the door asking to be let in.  However the homeowner responds by telling them to leave, as he doesn’t know them (vs. 25-27).  Jesus tells us that this is what will happen on the final day.  There will be people who think that they belong in heaven, that they knew about Jesus, even ate and drank in His presence, but they do not get in.  There are many who are familiar with Jesus, but not truly saved by Him.  They may stand in a pulpit and preach using the Name of Jesus, but are not truly saved.  They may quote Bible verses, but are not saved.  And Jesus says that once the door is shut, it is too late.  This reminds us of Noah’s Ark.  When God shut the door, then judgment fell.

Jesus proceeds by describing the condition of those who are left out, that it is weeping and gnashing of teeth (vs. 28).  This is a clear reference to eternal separation from God in hell, a place of sorrow and torment.  Again, the Words of Jesus, the words of the Bible contradicts what many teach when they say that there is no hell, and that everyone gets to heaven.  Jesus teaches us that hell is real, it is eternal, and it is reserved for those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ.  Since we do not know when that door will be closed, people need to repent now, and turn to Jesus, accepting Him as their Savior.

Our Scripture concludes by saying that there will be those from all four corners of the globe in God’s kingdom, and that those who thought they would be first will be last, and those who thought they were last will be first (vs. 29-30).  The Gospel of salvation is for all nations, for all people, regardless of their color or nationality.  It is not limited by geography, ethnicity, or background.  Anyone who has accepted Jesus is welcomed.

Rather than wondering how many people would be in heaven, that person should have been wondering if he was going to be there.  It is something that you should be asking yourself - are you going to be among the saved?  Don’t be one of those who somehow miss out because they never made an actual relationship with Jesus.  They thought that by occasionally going to church, or that because their parents were Christians, or that they were a “cultural Christian” was good enough, but they never personally themselves accepted Jesus as their Savior.  Proximity to truth is not salvation.  Church attendance, religious rituals, or cultural Christianity do not save.  Only a personal, repentant faith in Christ does.  Strive to enter through the narrow gate!

Mount Sinai or Mount Zion

Hebrews 12:18-29

When we were school-age children, one quick lesson that was taught in grade school was between comparing two or more items, and contrasting them.  Comparing focuses on the similarities between them, while contrasting focuses on the differences.  In our Scripture for today from the Book of Hebrews, the author takes a little time to contrast for us the differences between Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, and why one is superior to the other.  Let’s see what he has to say, and why this is important for us.

As we read through this Scripture, we need to know what each of these places are, and what they represent here.  Mt. Sinai is a real, actual mountain located in the southern Sinai peninsula, in eastern Egypt.  Shortly after fleeing Egypt, the people of Israel journeyed to Mt. Sinai where they camped while Moses climbed the mountain.  It was from there that he received the Ten Commandments and the other Mosaic Laws from God.  It has been a very sacred place from then on.  In this passage, Mt. Sinai represents the Old Covenant, with its laws, judgment, and fear (vs. 18-21).  This mountain was a place that evoked fear in the people, as it was marked by fire from God, darkness, tempest, and the Voice of God that caused even Moses to tremble.

It was on Mt. Sinai that God gave Moses, and thus to the people, the Old Covenant laws.  While Moses was upon the mountain, the people were sternly warned that they were to keep a good distance away, and neither come near nor touch the mountain.  Access to God was restricted.  These laws revealed God’s holiness, along with man’s sinfulness.  However, they did not offer any permanent solution for mankind’s sin.

In contrast, Mt. Zion in this context is not a physical mountain, but a spiritual reality for believers.  It represents the New Covenant, along with grace, access to God, and joyful worship (vs. 22-24).  It is from this Mt. Zion that we are welcomed into the heavenly Jerusalem, and we find Jesus, our Mediator, whose Blood brings forgiveness, not vengeance.

While Moses was on Mt. Sinai, the people were warned to keep their distance.  Afterwards, when the Tabernacle was made, and later the Temple, the people could only enter the outer courts.  Only the priests could go further, and only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and then only once a year.  However, with Mt. Zion believers are declared righteous, our sins are forgiven through Jesus, and He brings us near to God the Father.  His Blood brings us a New Covenant.  Our position in Zion is secure, not based on the Law, but on grace.  We can rejoice in our spiritual position, as we are not under wrath, but under grace.

As the author of this epistle continues, he tells us that God still speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and His Word, the Bible (vs. 25-27).  Those who did not listen when God spoke through Moses and the Law did not escape judgment.  Today no one will escape judgment if they do not follow and listen to Jesus.  Just as God shook the earth at Mt. Sinai, He will shake heaven and earth again, and all that is not built on Jesus will be removed.  Only what is built on Christ will endure.  Those who have come to God through the Blood of Jesus have inherited a kingdom that cannot be moved.  It cannot be shaken or fall apart.  It is going to endure.  We need to build our life on the sure foundation of the Word of God.  When everything around us is being shaken, we will remain standing.

Our Scripture concludes with a call to worship the Lord God (vs. 28-29).  Grace leads us to reverence.  True worship flows from gratitude, not fear, however it is still marked by reverential awe.  God’s nature hasn’t changed.  He is still holy, still consuming in His purity.  Grace does not make God less majestic.  It does make our access to Him through Jesus more miraculous.

The author warns us that we need to serve God with reverence and godly fear, as He is a consuming fire (vs. 29).  God is not a pussy cat.  Though He is our Friend and loving Father, He is not a casual buddy.  He is not an over-indulgent gray-haired old man who lives in the sky.  We should be warned to not hide behind the grace of God and continue to live in secret sin.  Some boast that God loves them, and yet they continue to practice sin and condone things condemned in the Bible.  God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire.  He will never condone evil!

In closing, we need to come to God in worship and service with sincere reverence and awe.  Grace does not mean casual worship.  God is still an all-holy God.  We need to still listen to His Word, and not ignore His Voice.  We need to consider where we will be spending eternity and prepare for it.

Our Help In Times Of Trouble

Psalm 46

Massive earthquakes, category five hurricanes and tornadoes, extensive wildfires, rivers flooding way beyond their banks.  These are some of nature’s fury.  Then we have the destruction and death caused by wars, crime-ridden cities where people are afraid to even leave their homes, economic collapses causing great depressions, loss of jobs, and hunger.  These are disasters caused by man.  Either one can bring us to our knees in fear and despair.  Where can we turn for sure help when these events happen in our world?  Where can we go for refuge when we see such an event looming in the near future?  Our psalm for today gives us the answer.

Every so often we hear of some disaster that has happened somewhere on the globe.  You wake up and are browsing the news headlines and read of a strong, possibly massive earthquake somewhere.  There are hurricane warnings throughout the summer and early fall in the Caribbean and eastern coast of North America.  Wildfires throughout western North America.  You read of torrential rains that bring flooding rivers around the world, and read of ongoing war and death in various parts of the world.  There is so much trouble everywhere!  Is there any place we can turn to for help?  The Sons of Korah, the author of today’s psalm, had the answer.  The very first sentence of our psalm tells us - “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

There are some religious beliefs that hold that God is a distant God who does not get involved in the lives of mankind.  Whatever happens here on earth happens, and He just sits out there in the universe, impassively observing everything that happens.  That is not the truth, as we read in nearly every page of the Bible.  God is near, and is our Protector.  He is intimately involved in our life.  Even if the earth shakes or the mountains fall, we do not need to fear (vs. 1-3).

The psalmist then gives a picture of a river that flows through the City of God (vs. 4-6).  This is not a raging river which is overflowing its banks and flooding everyone out of their homes.  Instead, this is a calm, peaceful river, prophetically pointing to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1), which symbolizes life, peace, and divine provision.  As we read throughout the Bible, God dwells with His people, not as an uninvolved deity out somewhere in the universe.

When the “nations rage” (vs. 6), and there are wars and political upheavals, we can turn to the Lord as our refuge.  People question where God is in all of this.  He is right there in the midst.  He is not passive.  God will actively judge all nations and will bring peace, if not soon, then definitely when Jesus returns (vs. 8-9).

The psalm continues with the Lord telling us to be still and trust in Him, knowing that He is God, all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-caring (vs. 10).  Practice being silent in God’s presence.  Not with New Age meditating practices of emptying the mind of thoughts and connecting with one's “inner self”, which can allow demonic powers to enter, but instead with quiet reflection on Jesus and His Word.  God wants us to be quiet, stop arguing or crying, and listen to what He has to say.  Let Jesus calm your mind and heart.  Like Jesus told the storm and waves to be quiet and be still (Mark 4:39), He tells us, as well.

When we hear about volcanoes and earthquakes, remember that God is in control.  He is always in control.  God is our refuge, a safe place to hide.  He is a refuge when war breaks or terrorists attack.  He is our help when the bridge falls, the tunnel caves in, or the plane crashes.  The Lord, who sent His Son to save us, is not going to leave us or forsake us.  He will always, because of the Savior’s sacrifice, do what is right and best for us.

As we look back over Psalm 46, we are reassured that God is both near and involved in our life.  Nothing that happens on earth ever takes Him by surprise, as He rules over nature and nations.  When anything happens, we can trust in Jesus, and take refuge in Him.  Jesus is a fortress for His people.  We can have faith and confidence in God that whatever happens in our life, He is in the midst of it all.

A False Security

Isaiah 28:14-22

Our Old Testament Scripture this week from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer is a short, relatively obscure passage from the Book of Isaiah.  Though written over 2,700 years ago, and referring to events from back then, there are still lessons that we can apply to our own lives here today.  Let’s take a look and see what God’s Word can teach us.

When we read our Bible, it is always helpful to have the historical context, to know what was going on at the time.  Isaiah was a prophet who ministered to the people of the Southern Kingdom of Judah between 740 BC - 686 BC.  His ministry was during the reigns of four of Judah’s kings, including that of King Hezekiah.  It was during Hezekiah’s reign that the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell and was conquered by the Assyrian Empire.  The Assyrian emperor, Sennacherib, then set his eyes on Judah, and prepared to attack them.  It is with this background that our Scripture passage takes place.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel, Judah’s “sister” country, had recently been conquered by Assyria.  That empire was rapidly taking over and conquering nation after nation in the Middle East, and it was now perched and ready to begin its assault on Judah.  Naturally the people, including King Hezekiah and his political counsellors and leaders, were very nervous.  They were much smaller, and militarily no match for Assyria.  Who could or would help them?  There was talk by the political counsellors of the king to make an alliance with Egypt, and get their help, as they had a bigger and stronger army.  Where or who do you turn to when big, insurmountable troubles come your way?

The prophet Isaiah stepped in when he saw that the political and religious leaders were talking about turning to Egypt, to fellow humans for help rather than to God (vs. 14-15).  He called this a “covenant with death”, a metaphor for trusting in worldly alliances instead of God.  They may have thought that a political alliance with such a powerful nation as Egypt was a good idea, however Isaiah told them that it was a false security.  Egypt may help them this time, but they would be burdened with an alliance that may exact a heavy financial burden in money, grain, etc., and may turn on them themselves.  Plus, they were a pagan nation that worshiped a myriad of false idols.  Instead, they should turn to God who would bring them divine protection from their enemies.  Do we trust in worldly systems such as in our government, what wealth we can amass, or in human wisdom?  God wants our faithful love and trust to be in Him.  We must reject compromise and instead stand on Biblical truth.

Next Isaiah gives one of the many prophecies he made about the forthcoming Messiah (vs. 16).  The Lord Jesus is that precious Cornerstone, and our sure Foundation.  Both the apostles Peter and Paul make mention of this verse in their epistles (I Peter 2:6; Romans 9:33).  The actual physical salvation that the people of Judah needed from Assyria could only be found in God.  Today, our spiritual and eternal salvation is found only in the Lord Jesus.  He is the foundation of righteousness and justice, and we need to build our lives on Him alone, not on shifting cultural philosophies or political ideologies.

Isaiah used the word-picture of a builder to show how God measures truth and exposes the lies of false teachers and leaders (vs. 17).  These false doctrines and deceitful leaders, both then and now, will be swept away by God’s judgment.  How can we know false teachings from the truth?  We do so by testing all teaching with what is said in the Bible (Acts 17:11).  God’s Word is the true plumb line.

King Hezekiah did turn to the Lord for His help, and the Assyrian army turned away.  However, the people would continue to resist God’s truth, turning instead to false idols, and the nation of Judah would later be overthrown by the Babylonians (vs. 18-19).  When we reject God’s truth, we invite confusion and destruction.  Only repentance and faith in Jesus will bring peace.

Human wisdom is inadequate (vs. 20-22).  It cannot provide rest or protection.  God’s Word warns us to repent before judgment becomes irreversible.  Trusting in the Lord God is the only way we can find security, rest, and salvation, both now and in eternity.

Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, or on worldly wisdom and philosophies?  Jesus is the only true foundation for salvation and righteousness, while everything else you may trust in is a false security.  Be vigilant against all false leaders and their words.  Measure everything that you are taught by the Bible.  Finally, don't delay in repentance.  Judah listened that time, but later they failed to listen and repent, and their judgment fell.  God’s warnings are His acts of mercy.  Turn to Him before the coming judgment falls.

Division

Luke 12:49-56

One description that many people like about Jesus is that of a peaceful Man.  They like to picture Him as Someone peaceful, perhaps as a Shepherd cradling a little lamb in His arms, or perhaps sitting with little children gathered around Him.  We like to picture Him in peaceful terms, and there is nothing wrong with that.  However, that would not be a complete picture of the Lord Jesus.  In today’s Scripture passage we see a facet of Jesus that many people might not know about, or one that they might like to ignore, or even perhaps eliminate.  Let’s see what this could be.

As we look into today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke we see Jesus say a statement that might surprise, shock, or even disturb some people, and that is His statement that He came not to give peace on earth, but rather division (vs. 51).   Also that Jesus said that He came to “send fire on the earth” (vs. 49).   This is quite different from the calm, placid, peace-loving Jesus that most people likes to see!

Jesus declared that He came to bring fire (vs. 49).  This fire is symbolic of divine judgment and purification.  The Old Testament prophet Malachi spoke of this as a refiner’s fire and an oven burning up stubble (Malachi 3:2-3, 4:1).  A refiner uses fire to heat up precious metals in order to separate the good from the bad, thus making the gold or silver pure.  Jesus will come again, and when He does this time, it will be with judgment, with a righteous and holy fire to confront sin and call for repentance.  This will not be a gentle or placid Jesus.

The baptism that Jesus spoke about in verse 50 was not a water baptism, like what He had with John the Baptist.  Instead, He was referring to His coming crucifixion, which was a baptism, an immersion into suffering and death.  His immense suffering and cruel death shows us just what the cost of our redemption was.  Jesus’ suffering was necessary to satisfy God’s justice and redeem sinners.

Next we come to some verses that many do not like to hear, and that is that Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace, but rather division, sometimes even within families (vs. 51-53).  This is not a contradiction of Jesus’ title of the Prince of Peace, which we read of in Isaiah 9:6, nor of what Jesus said when He promised His followers to give them peace (John 14:27).  The peace Jesus spoke of in the Gospel of John is a peace the Holy Spirit brings to a Christian’s heart despite what may be going on in their life or what is happening in the world.  These verses in today’s Scripture are showing us that the truth that Jesus brings will bring division between a believer and a non-believer.

The message that Jesus brings, the Words of truth in the Bible, are offensive to the unsaved and to the world.  They do not want to hear it, and the world continues to try and stamp it out.  Following Jesus Christ often means rejection by family members who resist the truth.  Unsaved parents do not like it when their children decide to follow the Savior instead of the paths they would want them to.  Unsaved children reject the Bible and its truth that their parents tried to teach them.  And when a believer marries into an unsaved family, that will often stir up strife.  Jesus is telling us that if we are going to stand firmly and loyally with Him and His Word, it may cost us some earthly relationships, including those in our own family.

The final segment of Scripture in this passage is a rebuke by the Lord to those who are able to interpret the weather by the clouds and the wind, but who fail to recognize the spiritual signs of the times (vs. 54-56).  Their eyes were blinded to the fact that the long-awaited Messiah was right there standing in their midst, and to their need to repent.  Multitudes today are just as blind to the signs of the end times.

In closing, Jesus is giving us word today at just what faithfully following Him might cost us, just as it cost Him when He was crucified for our sins.  Are we willing to make that sacrifice to follow Him, no matter the cost, including family?  He also stressed the importance of being spiritually alert, by being well-grounded in the Scriptures, and ready for His return.  Let us stay rooted in the Scriptures so as to be able to discern spiritual realities, preparing our hearts daily for Jesus’ return, and also be bold in proclaiming the truth, even when it causes division.

Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1-3

Some people like to go jogging on a regular basis for sport and exercise.  There are others who are part of the track and field teams in high school or college, trying to run as fast as they can for certain distance or around the race track.  Then there are those who are long distance runners, marathon runners, pacing themselves for a race of many, many miles.  Several cities around the world host annual marathon races.  Chicago, where I used to live, hosts a marathon race every October.  Perhaps you like to jog or take part in marathons, or perhaps you are like me, and would only run if your life depended upon it.  However, there is a race that we all take part in, one that we are in right now.  We read about this race in our brief Bible passage today.  Let’s see which race the Scriptures are talking about.

As we read our Scripture today from the Book of Hebrews, we see that we are in a race.  This is a race that we began the day that we were saved.  It is a marathon race, a long distance one, as it will last till the day we die or until Jesus returns.  God has marked a spiritual race for us to run.  The finish line is eternity with Jesus.  How well are we running this race?  There are some important things an actual athletic runner needs to know and follow when running an actual marathon, and likewise there are some important things that we, in our spiritual race, need to know and follow, as well.

The author of Hebrews, when writing this passage, first mentions that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (vs. 1).   If you’ve ever seen news clips of a city marathon, one thing you will notice is that there are crowds of people all along the route, and they are cheering the runners on as they pass by.  That’s important for a runner, as the encouragement they hear helps them keep on going.  The author here is referring to fellow believers who have gone on before.  Some of them are those mentioned in the previous chapter.  Others would be believers from the early days of the church until today, even some that we may have known, who are now with the Lord.  They are an active testimony to God’s faithfulness, and are “cheering” us on.  Other believers who are still with us today can help “cheer” us on to keep going with their encouragement and prayers.

Another thing that a long-distance marathon runner needs to know is to not carry any heavy weights or anything that might entangle him (vs. 1).  A runner certainly doesn’t want to be carrying a backpack filled with rocks or bricks, nor does he want to be wearing any bulky clothes.  Do we have any sinful habits that are hindering our spiritual progress?  Or perhaps some things that aren’t inherently sinful, but their presence in our life is slowing us down?  Get rid of them.  It is essential in our race to confess and forsake sin, and get rid of habits and distractions that slow our spiritual growth.  This race is lifelong and the finish line is eternity.

When running a race, it is important for the runner to keep his eyes and his mind on the finish line.  That is important, too, in our spiritual race.  We need to keep our eyes on Jesus (vs. 2).  When we take our eyes off of Him to focus on other runners around us, or on the world and its lures, that’s when we can trip, get hurt, or throw ourselves off course.  When driving, it is safest to focus our gaze farther down the road, not just 1’ in front of the car.  The same with our spiritual walk.  We need to focus our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith (vs. 2).  He initiates and completes our faith.  He is both the Source and the Goal.  Sometimes our race may become difficult to keep going, but we need to remember what He went through.  Jesus endured the cross.  His suffering was real and voluntary, and now He is exalted and in authority.  Keep looking at Jesus, as He is both our example and our strength.  Meditating on Him and what He went through will be an encouragement for our weariness (vs. 3).

In a race, what’s most important is not how one begins, but how one finishes.  Prizes are awarded for crossing the finish line, not for great starts.  We can look at two contrasting Biblical examples, Mark (John Mark) and Demas.  Mark had gone with Paul and Barnabas, but got discouraged and left early (Acts 13:13).  Paul was upset with John Mark for that, but later, when he was about to be executed, Paul acknowledged that John Mark was useful for the ministry (II Timothy 4:11).  He later wrote the Gospel of Mark.  He had a bumpy start, but a very good finish.  Demas was called a fellow worker by Paul (Philemon 1:23-24), which indicates a good start.  However, later he deserted Paul for worldly things (II Timothy 4:10).  He had a bad finish.

You may have had a bumpy start.  Perhaps you are still stumbling along the path.  Toss off all of the unnecessary weight of sin and distractions, and keep your eyes focused on Jesus.  Listen to the crowds cheering you on.  Let’s continue our race, living with an eternal perspective, spiritual discipline, and an unwavering focus on Jesus.

Corrupt Leaders Held Accountable

Psalm 82

For as long as I can remember, and that is going back numerous decades, people have not had too favorable an opinion about politicians.  At least that is the case here in the U.S., and I’m guessing that is the case in many other countries, as well.  Whether right or left wing, people believe they are corrupt, dishonest, and rarely keep their promises.  People’s opinions about lawyers and judges aren't much better.  Yet, ideally, these are two groups of people that we really ought to be able to trust the most, as one group is to lead our country or state, and the other to defend us when we need the most help.  Since both politicians and those in the legal profession are in very powerful positions, it is more than just sad that they have a reputation for dishonesty and corruption.  In our psalm for today, the psalmist Asaph speaks of what God has to say when the powerful and mighty have become corrupt.  Let’s take a look.

Asaph is not a very familiar person from the Old Testament, so let’s take a quick look at who he was.  Asaph was a Levite who lived during the time of King David.  He was one of three men that the king commissioned to be in charge of singing in the house of the Lord.  He was also there when David’s son Solomon built and dedicated the Temple, and he performed at that ceremony.  Asaph wrote twelve of the psalms in the Bible, one of them being our psalm for today.

Corrupt leaders have been a problem throughout all of history, and here we see God rebuking these rulers for their failure to uphold justice for the people they are to be helping.  Asaph used a courtroom setting for the psalm, where God indicts the unjust judges and political leaders, and calls for righteous judgment for the people.

Many leaders, both in the political and legal professions, as they climb to greater and greater positions, start to think that they are all-powerful.  They feel that they make the rules, and everyone else better follow them.  They bend and twist the laws to be favorable to themselves and their friends and colleagues.  Asaph calls them here “gods”, with a small-case “g” (vs. 1, 6).  He is not speaking of any divine deity, but instead of mortal men who have been entrusted with divine responsibilities.  There are other professions  where people sometimes start to feel like they are god-like, such as in education or the medical fields.  These are people who are appointed human authorities, those who are expected to reflect God’s justice, His wisdom, kindness, and mercy, but who so often fail to do so.  Though many may suffer under the oppression of corrupt leaders, God will hold them accountable, condemning their partiality for themselves and friends, and their dishonesty (vs. 1-2).

Asaph then instructs these leaders in what they should have been doing all along, in what God expects from them in these leadership positions (vs. 3-4).  Instead of amassing wealth for themselves, and heartlessly taking advantage of others, they are to defend and bring justice to those who are the most vulnerable in society - the poor, the fatherless, and the needy.  All too often, though, these leaders are completely ignorant of the needs of the poor, which leads to instability and unrest in society (vs. 5).

Asaph then reminds these rulers that their power is only temporary, as they are all subject to God’s judgment (vs. 6-7).  Most of them never even think about their mortality, and that one day all the power they hold will one day end.  However, that day is coming, and they need to remember that God’s judgment will follow.  That is something that we all need to remember.  We may hold some position or another, and enjoy the perks and benefits that come with that, but one day that will end, and God will hold us accountable for how we used that position.  Did we think of others, and use whatever position or abilities we have to help the less fortunate?

As the psalm closes, Asaph prays for the day when God will judge the earth, and will rule over all nations (vs. 8).  That day will happen when the Lord Jesus returns to earth, which could be at any time.  He alone is the righteous Judge over all the earth, and leaders from all professions are answerable to Him for how they treat the poor and oppressed.