July 14, 2024 -- Psalm 37:17 -- Who are the wicked? Who are the meek?

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.
Psalm 37:17 ESV

Who are the wicked? King David wrote “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me” Psalm 41:9 ESV. The wicked are often those who have been among the righteous, but by the things they say and do show themselves to be enemies of God. This anger against God begins with small steps of pride, little resentments that are unchecked. Finally, after months of not confessing sin, nor checking the rebellion of one’s heart, the formerly righteous man is proved to be wicked and a wolf among the sheep.

Who are the righteous? They are meek—a term Jesus applied to Himself. He is meek and lowly of heart (Matthew 11:29). Some translations have “gentle”. It is appropriate. Those who seek to confess their sins to Jesus, seeking His healing forgiveness do not come to a haughty, cruel king as likely to beat one down as to show forgiveness. No. Believers approach Jesus, at His throne of grace, finding healing from their sin, and the strength of His Spirit to combat the heart’s natural inclination towards waywardness. The righteous are meek, gentle as is Christ. Knowing in Christ they are strong, they keep themselves in submitted service to Jesus by the power of His Spirit.

Why are the arms of the wicked broken? When the Father Who is the source of all good, breaks the arm of the wicked, there is an opportunity for them to repent and turn from their sin. Often it is only pain which stops a sinner in his tracks and calls him back to godliness. If, however, the wicked man remains entrenched in his wickedness, he will have broken limbs, rendering him far less harmful to the righteous. He is thereby exposed as the dangerous one who ultimately is forced to acknowledge his helplessness.

The LORD upholds the arms of the righteous. It is His Spirit Who strengthens a righteous man to lift up his arms in prayer. It is the kindness of the Father, His mercies which are new every morning, which lead a righteous man to join with other Christians and worship God. It is the blessedness of Jesus that causes a formerly wicked man, having confessed his sins and truly repented of them, to know all his righteousness is found in Christ alone. His once-broken arms are restored in strength to serve God. No wonder believers gather together on Sunday, praising God, seeking to grow in their delight in Him and grow in godly fellowship with one another.

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, by Whose grace Thy servants are enabled to fight the good fight of faith and ever prove victorious; we humbly beseech Thee so to inspire us, that we may yield our hearts to Thine obedience and exercise our wills on Thy behalf. Help us to think wisely, to speak rightly, to resolve bravely, to act kindly, to live purely. Guard us in body and in soul, and make us a blessing to our fellows. Whether at home or abroad may we ever seek the extension of Thy kingdom. Let the assurance of Thy presence save us from sinning. O Lord our God, accept this prayer for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

“For Guidance and Betterment of Character” DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, page 27.

https://youtu.be/JGaGkOJnni4?si=2tiG8ZxdjRkEjNNv Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

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