March 25, 2023 -- Psalm 3:7-8 -- The Psalm Series: Salvation belongs to the LORD

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

Arise, O LORD!
   Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
   You break the teeth of the wicked.
Salvation belongs to the LORD;
   Your blessing be on your people! Selah
Psalm 3:7-8 ESV

When an enemy hurts you or a friend betrays, isn’t it tempting to want revenge? It is easy to start thinking about all the ways in which you can throw that person down and humiliate him. You might find yourself nursing cruel thoughts of their downfall and laughing at any trouble that hits them. Look closely at the text today. David is calling on God to exact judgment. David is asking his God to rescue him and to measure out the exact and appropriate amount of justice against his enemies.

This is a common theme in the Bible. The LORD declares over His covenant people:

“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense,
   for the time when their foot shall slip;
for the day of their calamity is at hand,
   and their doom comes swiftly.
Deuteronomy 32:35 ESV

and this passage:

Rejoice with Him, O heavens;
   bow down to Him, all gods,
for He avenges the blood of His children
   and takes vengeance on His adversaries.
He repays those who hate Him
   and cleanses His people’s land.
Deuteronomy 32:43 ESV

So what is a proper response to the betrayal by friends and the wounds of enemies? Pray for those who persecute you (Mathew 5:44). Hell is a terror The culture all around us has numbed us to the reality of the horrors of eternal punishment. A former enemy who becomes a brother in Christ by your urgent prayers is won for the glory of God. His salvation will have many people singing for joy! Furthermore, your Father in heaven sustained your life, kept you from death, and led you to Himself while you hated Him. How much more ought you, in view of His mercy, to extend His never-ending kindness to all those around you. His perfect love drives out fear (I John 4:18).

Suffering for the sake of righteousness is what believers are called to endure. Believers are not greater than Jesus. If Jesus, your Master suffered, then as His followers you must expect to suffer (John 15:20). Yet such suffering purifies the follower of Jesus. Such suffering confirms you belong to Him. Such suffering can convince the wicked of the salvation that belongs to God and to Him alone.

Our Father in heaven, salvation belongs to You! You are forever honoured and hallowed, blessed and beautiful. Thank You for the rich grace You have given in Jesus Christ, through Whom Your anger has turned away and by Whom You continue to call lost and wandering sheep to Yourself. Spirit of God, cause Your people to live up to the new life that is given in Jesus Christ, so that in humility Your people will turn the other cheek when the enemy strikes, Your people kneel in prayer, and seek the salvation of every enemy. This is beyond unaided human capacity. Spirit of the Living God, fill Your people will the new life is that promised in Jesus Christ, cause the fruit of this new life to be abundant and evident, this as the ever-growing reward of Christ's work and to the everlasting glory of the Father. Amen.

https://youtu.be/8l8_rmvo6kg "I know that my redeemer lives" Getty and ft Laura Story

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.