THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 83
“May they be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace.” (Psalm 83:17)
This psalm becomes a problem for us as followers of Jesus.
Asaph wants God to punish their enemies, to make them suffer and die.
On the one hand, I understand and appreciate the cry of the oppressed.
But still, the way of Jesus is to bless and not curse our enemies.
The need for justice is real, but the problem is it applies to us too.
If justice is the only response, then none of us would survive.
“Cover their faces with shame, so that they will seek your name.” (Psalm 83:16)
This is what we all need, to face our shame so that we can seek God’s help.
Like the alcoholic, our only hope is to honestly admit our problem.
Jesus came to expose our shame with God’s amazing grace and mercy.
Jesus sends us to continue His work, to bless our enemies to repentance.
Sadly, too often the church has joined Satan in his work of condemnation.
We ought to be ashamed for how we judge and criticize, so unlike Jesus!
May our church not be a place of judgment, but a place of radical mercy.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to face my own shame for being judgmental and critical. And help me to learn what it means to bless – not curse – sinners!