Judge Fair and Square, O God! Psalms 82-83; Second Timothy 2

May the mumbling commence!

God gives fair judgment to the most vulnerable.  Praise God.  Praise God even when that judgment adversely affects our standard of living.  It’s harder when I think about it in that way, but that does not make it any less true.  Have Your way, O Lord.  Read Psalm Eighty-two:

God presides over heaven's court;

he pronounces judgment on the judges: 

"How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?

How long will you shower special favors on the wicked?

Interlude 

"Give fair judgment to the poor and the orphan;

uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. 

Rescue the poor and helpless;

deliver them from the grasp of evil people. 

But these oppressors know nothing;

they are so ignorant!

And because they are in darkness,

the whole world is shaken to the core. 

I say, 'You are gods

and children of the Most High. 

But in death you are mere men.

You will fall as any prince, for all must die.'" 

Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,

for all the nations belong to you.

Do we seek especial favors for the wicked?  Do we seek them for ourselves?  That last question is a lot trickier.  We want justice for the vulnerable as long as our lifestyles are not altered.

We do not see how we are involved in the oppression.  It’s hidden from our eyes.  But it’s still there.  Maybe we just don’t want to see it.  It would call us into action.  It would force our hand to see if we want change badly enough to give up some of the creature comforts and privileges.

Let us be no longer ignorant!  Rise up, O God, and judge the earth.  Judge me.  Be merciful, but judge me.  Show me the path to fair treatment that takes into account all people… not just me and the ones that I love.

That suffering is a part of the suffering that we are called to do for the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Read from Second Timothy chapter two:

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.  Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize.  Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.  Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things. (Verses 3-7)

Follow the Lord’s rules.  Allow God to judge.  Be humble.  Be a good soldier for Christ Jesus.  Take your orders at face value.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out