Repentance and Justice

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

Text: Psalm 81-82

Psalm 82:8

Arise, O God, judge the earth;For You shall inherit all nations.

(NKJV)

While the invention of the internet makes it easy to access information, it is also easy for anyone to post something that may not be true or even an outright lie. This includes something posted to a blog such as this one. This is why postings to this blog include a link to the scripture referenced, making it possible for readers to verify the source is the Bible and not just my opinion. In this text, Asaph criticizes the children of Israel for not listening to the voice of God (Psalm 81:11-12). I pray everyone reading this will be diligent in verifying the truth of what they read against the standard of the word of God.

Asaph begins Psalm 81 with a plea for the people of God to sing aloud and make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob (Psalm 81:1). Along with singing and shouting, the people are to raise a song by striking the timbrel and with the lute (Psalm 81:2). As a statute for Israel, they are also to blow the trumpet at the New Moon and at the full moon, along with on the solemn feast days (Psalm 81:3-4). This singing, shouting, and music is a testimony of how God freed Israel from their burden and trouble when in Egypt (Psalm 81:5-7). The Lord then makes a plea for the children of Israel to listen to Him, not having or worshipping any foreign god (Psalm 81:8-9). They are to remember that the Lord God is their God, the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt (Psalm 81:10).

Asaph then laments that Israel is not listening to the voice of the Lord and has nothing to do with the Lord, giving them over to their own stubborn hearts and to walk in their own counsels (Psalm 81:11-12). The Lord desires that His people would listen to Him and walk in His ways so He can subdue their enemies and turn His hand against their adversaries (Psalm 81:13-14). The haters of the Lord pretend to submit to Him, but their fate endures forever (Psalm 81:15). If Israel would repent and listen to the Lord, He would feed them the finest of wheat and satisfy them with honey from the rock (Psalm 81:16).

Asaph begins Psalm 82 with a declaration that God stands in the congregation of the mighty, judging among the gods (Psalm 82:1). Asaph then wonders how long their judges will judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked (Psalm 81:2). Asaph pleads with them to judge the poor and fatherless, to do justice to the afflicted and needy, delivering them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 82:3-4). Those judging do not know or understand that they walk about in darkness and that all the foundations of the earth are unstable (Psalm 82:5). These judges are mighty ones of God and children of the Most High, but they shall die like men and fall like one of the princes (Psalm 82:6-7). Asaph concludes this Psalm by asking God to arise and judge the earth, because it is He who shall inherit the nations (Psalm 82:8).

In Psalm 81, Asaph calls for the children of Israel to offer praise to God, remembering how He delivered them from Egyptian bondage, but they do not heed the voice of the Lord. Despite God sparing the firstborn of Israel under the covering of the blood of a spotless lamb, and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea to escape the advancing Egyptian army, God’s people turn a deaf ear to the Lord (Psalm 81:5-12). Because of this, Israel is oppressed by its enemies and adversaries, something that breaks the heart of Asaph.

In Psalm 82, Asaph makes a plea to the Lord for justice, especially for the afflicted and needy. Asaph observes that those judging the people seem to show partiality to the wicked, ignoring the poor, fatherless, afflicted, and needy. These individuals are the most vulnerable in society and the ones Jesus told us to care for as if we are caring for the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:31-46).

Disciples of Christ today have the completed canon of Scripture and have no excuse for not hearing the voice of God. Despite this, people still do not listen to the voice of God, or they fall for deceptive teaching that claims to be from the word of God (2 Timothy 4:3). We also live in a world that gives lip service to the needs of the afflicted and needy, without truly addressing their needs. Granted, Jesus said we will always have the poor with us, but we must not use that as an excuse not to address their needs, pointing them to Jesus to meet their greatest need: a relationship with Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:11).

If you are reading this and have never prayed to have a personal relationship with God through the sacrifice of grace offered by Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9), I invite you to do so now by praying with me.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

If you meant what you just prayed, know that God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.