Our Reading: Psalm 58 and Ephesians 1:3-4
Just as in our time, there was plenty of evil and corruption in places of power in the time of David. It is believed that this Psalm may have been penned in response to a council of judges declaring David to be acting as a traitor. He sees the evil intent of these judges.
“Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth.” Psalm 58:1-2
It can be very unsettling to be at the mercy of leaders who are corrupt and have harmful, unjust intentions. They can not be trusted and they spread lies and use tactics of deception and manipulation. Because they are in positions of power, they may seem unstoppable. David, however, pleads to God to intervene and prevent them from being successful in their efforts.
“Let them vanish like water that runs away; when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted.” Psalm 58:7
This reminds me of Isaiah 54:17 : “no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord." I saw a quote from Toby Mac recently reminding us: “God never said the weapons would not form. He said they would not prosper.” We have to remember that God remains sovereign even over the events and decisions of those in positions of authority. It may have looked like Pilot was calling the shots when Jesus stood in custody before him, but Jesus informed him: "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”John 19:11
David looked to the One who had ultimate power. He trusted that God would have the final judgement. “Mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth."” Psalm 58:11
We may feel like there isn’t much that we can do when people in authority over us have wrong intentions and we may get discouraged when the world seems full of corruption and evil, but we are encouraged from God’s Word. God is in charge and empowers us.
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17
Eventually the Day of Final Judgement for Earth will come, and God will destroy all evil. On that day, the righteous who have trusted God, will have a grand day of victory and celebration.
“"For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 4:1-3
Reflection:
- Do you get fearful about how much power those in authority have over the circumstances of your life?
- Do you have trust that God is sovereign over all the affairs of men and will hold them accountable?
- Do you pray for those in positions of power and leadership?
Prayer: Father, may we not become discouraged by those who have authority and mean harm. May we focus instead on Your sovereign reign over all of the Earth and the affairs of its inhabitants. We know that even the presence of evil will be used to ultimately fulfill your will. We pray for our leaders to be in subjection to You and to have wisdom to acknowledge Your truth and principles. We are grateful that You encourage us through Your Word. You are a God who judges on Earth and we can rest in the knowledge that You hold all things together.