Psalm 82 is a warning to
leaders who fail to do what is right. The psalmist, Asaph, imparts a rhythm to verses
2-4 that brings his point full circle. The mighty uphold the wicked, while
they should protect the weak. The strong must defend the weak, by punishing the
wicked.
This psalm is a cry for
justice where justice cannot be found (verse
5). Those who rule can so easily forget that it is not their job to pick
winners and losers, or to establish new realities. Rather, their responsibility
is to do what is right. When justice can be bought by money, popularity, or a
lust for legacy, then it is no longer justice.
But no matter how great
they may think themselves, or even if they really are powerful, leaders cannot
change the ultimate truth. There is an end to their greatness, and a limit to
their might. They themselves are accountable to God, who has the right to
establish true justice. It is His right because all things are His (verses
6-8).
— — — —
God, things don’t seem
to have changed from Asaph’s day to this. Justice is so hard to come by. The
wicked and worldly always seem to get their way. They are helped along by the
people who are supposed to look out for the weakest, and instead trample them
for the benefit of those who deserve nothing. It isn’t right.
But I still trust you, Lord. You are the only hope we have for righteousness. For goodness.
Wherever and whenever I have authority, help me to remember I only have it as a trust from you. And please, teach the fear of you to those who are perverting justice right now. They all pretend to be so much. They think they are great enough to create new truths. But they are nothing compared to you, and their truths are nothing but lies that drag us down.
Judge the earth, O God, in mercy and in truth. Help us to remember it all belongs to you. Amen.
But I still trust you, Lord. You are the only hope we have for righteousness. For goodness.
Wherever and whenever I have authority, help me to remember I only have it as a trust from you. And please, teach the fear of you to those who are perverting justice right now. They all pretend to be so much. They think they are great enough to create new truths. But they are nothing compared to you, and their truths are nothing but lies that drag us down.
Judge the earth, O God, in mercy and in truth. Help us to remember it all belongs to you. Amen.
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