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A REFUGE FOR THE OPPRESSED
Sunday, 9 December 2018
Psalms 17
“Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them.” - Psalm 17:7
This Psalm of David reflects his trust in God when he faced oppression and maltreatment from his enemies. The Psalmist cries out for justice and to rescue him from all accusations and harassment. David opens his conversation with God telling Him that it is his righteous plea. We should note that this is not a projection of self-righteousness. He admits his position as a sinner through Psalm 51 (“a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” vs.17) and God’s forgiveness through Psalm 32 (“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” vs.1).
The Psalmist is standing on the ground of God’s righteous work in him. We must understand that no one can stand before a Holy God with our self-righteous deeds. An entry to His throne of Grace is only by the grace that is showered on to us through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
In verses 7 & 8, David prays for a rescue operation while God would keep him as the apple of His eye. Psalm 91:15 says that “I will deliver him and honour him.” Zechariah 2:8 says “…for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” God has kept our eyes in a well-protected and safe position encircled by projecting bones. This is the picture of His protection over Jerusalem which is surrounded by mountains. Know the protection that God gives us when we become the apple of His eye! This should lead us to humble ourselves before Him and give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him. You need to know your position in Christ and submit to him in prayer. David would not have been addressed as a man after God’s own heart if he had not been a man of prayer and submission.
Though David begins this Psalm with a cry, it ends with the declaration of a great hope: “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness…” (vs.15). Though men of God go through difficult times, during all trials, they stay below on earth with a sacred hunger for the Lord. And the full feast awaits them in the skies above, at His Second Coming, during the marriage of the Lamb when the Bride of Christ joins Him.
God is working on the canvas of our personal life to make us more like Him. James 1: 3&4 [NIV] says, “…you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The fullness of this work can be seen only when we meet Him face to face and we will be completely satisfied by the work done for each of us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep me as the apple of Your eye and hide me in the shadow of Your wings; for I take refuge in You. Amen
Listen: My Creator King
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