Psalm 75
Sunday, 11 September 2022
“When I select an appointed time, it is I who judge with equity.” -Psalm 75:2 [NASB]
We are living in a world in which many unjust, unlawful and unrighteous things happen before our eyes; at workplaces, by authorities, there is partiality shown— the list goes on. Most of the time, we are unable to respond and we are left to accommodate the same and we grieve in our hearts (2 Peter 2:8). Often we hand the matter over to the Lord’s hand with the expectation that the One who judges righteously will handle it at the right time. This psalm begins with praising God for His present mercies and the key verse as well as the following verses are just the answers and promise from God that He will judge the people righteously.
In the perspective of an appointed time as we look further, this psalm is filled with many promises and blessings for the righteous, who are walking according to the word of God. Let’s look into the same:
Firm ground of confidence (V 3): The present state of earth will be changed at God’s appointed time (2 Peter 3:10). As the earth and all the inhabitants will dissolve, they that have confidence in the One who keeps its foundations firm will remain for His glory—for God through Christ upholds all things by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3).
Rebuke to wicked oppressors (Vs 4-5): Arrogant nature is significantly growing among the people around and that which is mentioned in 2Tim. 3:1-5 is being fulfilled. Horns are a sign for power and authority; at the appointed time God will cut off the boasters and He is not at all pleased with the proud.
An encouragement to the righteous (Vs 6-7): The blessings of His children and exaltation is not from any humans but it’s purely from God, at the appointed time. Patient endurance is required to wait for God’s intervention— for some it takes years but for others, it is instant. Whatever be the time God intervenes for His righteous ones, the perfect time is only known to Him.
An assurance of the punishment of the wicked (Vs. 8 & 10): The cup shows God’s judgment—there is a sowing and reaping. For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit (Gal.6:7-8). We can witness all this at the appointed time as it is written in the Book of Revelation.
I will praise Him forever (Vs 1 & 9): The assurance for each of us must be that in His perfect time He will make all things beautiful! Therefore the believer should be able to say: I will praise Him not only in my good times or seek Him during my worse times but all times, I will praise Him!
As we conclude, remember: we often tend to judge others immediately for the actions they do. Indeed we often forget our mistakes and stand in own righteous shoes and pass verdicts. Our God is a God who doesn’t show partiality; at the appointed time, everyone- including all the saints have to give an account of all things done in the body, good or bad ( Rom.14:10, 1 Cor. 3:11-15, 2 Cor. 5:10).
To Mediate: And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” (1 Peter 1:17 NLT)