August 22, 2023 -- Psalm 35:22-28 -- The Psalm Series: Understanding the imprectory, or cursing, of this psalm cursing,

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You have seen, O LORD; be not silent!
    O Lord, be not far from me!
23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication,
    for my cause, my God and my Lord!
24 Vindicate me, O LORD, my God,
    according to your righteousness,
    and let them not rejoice over me!
25 Let them not say in their hearts,
    “Aha, our heart's desire!”
Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”

26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether
    who rejoice at my calamity!
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor
    who magnify themselves against me!

27 Let those who delight in my righteousness
    shout for joy and be glad
    and say evermore,
“Great is the LORD,
    who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness
    and of your praise all the day long.

Psalm 35:22-28 ESV

Imprecatory, or cursing, is the thrust of the third section of Psalm 35. David wrote this under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and it is his greatest descendant, Jesus, Who ultimately speaks these words. That the LORD Who is Holy will throw down every enemy and all who oppose the suffering servant of the Living God.

There are two kingdoms in this world: the devil’s and the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. The devil seems to have so much power and authority right now. Christians know Jesus rose from the dead, He ascended to heaven, and is seated at the Father’s right hand. Jesus has been fully vindicated and all who trust in the devil, follow the devil, and lead others in the pathways of destruction and sin will themselves be utterly destroyed. This is the vindication of Jesus, and the vindication of all who follow Him.

The psalm ends with praise before the Holy One. Even though the circumstances of the one who speaks it likely haven’t noticeably changed, the fact is: Jesus has overcome the world. His victory is sure. Whatever light and momentary suffering we are enduring now pales in comparison to the glory that is in store and the greater glory of ever living in presence of the LORD Who delights in the welfare of His servant. Whatever suffering you are enduring now, hold on! God has not forgotten you. Your tongue shall tell of His righteousness.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. You, O LORD our God, are mighty to save and to rescue from all the troubles we get ourselves into. You are glorious and have already rescued us from Your own anger against our sin and taken us from the domain of death and brought us into the Kingdom of Light, the Kingdom of the Son You love. Guard us by Your Holy Spirit so that Your Name and Your Word are lifted high in praise and honour. May the people around us see the way in which we cope with the troubles and pains and griefs of life and from seeing our response in Christ turn from sin and join us in praising God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/svWaaVbOQps Shane and Shane “Come Thou Fount (Above All Else)

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