May 29, 2022 -- Psalm 10:16-18 -- Hope revived

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The LORD is King forever and ever;
   the nations perish from His land.
O LORD, You hear the desire of the afflicted;
   You will strengthen their heart; You will incline Your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalm 10:16-18 ESV

What is the point of voting? (For those who don't know it, there is an election in Ontario.) Furthermore, one of the federal political parties is holding a leadership contest. Voting or not voting, one party or another, nothing seems to improve. This is the lament I’ve heard over the last couple of days as Carolyn and I visit with family and friends during our vacation. The sure hope we have as Christians is this: Jesus Christ is the King forever.

The Old Testament pointed to His rule; the Father in heaven brought all of history to the exact moment when the time was ripe for Jesus’ arrival. The work of Jesus is to reveal the Father—the LORD of the Old Testament—is God and His plans and purposes are being fulfilled. All that is unfair now; all that seems to escape from justice will in fact be brought to perfect justice when Jesus returns.

Jesus hears the desires of the afflicted. He Himself is their peace. He is their hope in this life and their confidence in the life to come. The Spirit of God makes the Word so rich and so real that believers can endure all things in the strength the Spirit brings. The Spirit of God inclines the heart to know that justice is near and those who terrorize the earth will one day face judgment and terrors in hell that will never end.

Believer, praise God that He is the lasting King.

Follower of Jesus Christ, pray for the leaders of nations and political parties that even now they will repent and honour Christ that it might go well with people in various lands now and that these leaders will not experience the endless terrors of hell!

Sufferers, strengthened by the Spirit, know the Word of God, which revives your hope and give you that ability to not only survive difficult times, but to thrive in the awareness of the nearness of our God, Who is bringing history to its right conclusion in Jesus Christ.

Faithful King of Heaven, thank You for the assurance of Your Word. Thank You that You hear the desire of the afflicted and that You strengthen their heart. Mighty King, as Your people gather for worship this day, revive our hopes. In worship may the truth of this Psalm be brought home to us so that we will are emboldened by Your Spirit to live for Jesus Christ--living as beacons of light in a sin-darkened world. Amen.

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