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- Oct 26, 2007
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God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the "gods": Psalm 82:1 NIV
Jesus loved quoting from Psalm 82. What He quoted infuriated the religious leaders badgering Him. Most people, however, are simply puzzled. Why is God talking about “gods”? Isn’t the Lord the one and only true God?
First, notice the quotation marks around “gods.” The Lord is speaking to those who judge wickedly and unjustly. God is warning earthly rulers, especially religious leaders. Wickedness and injustice can start man to man, but they more widely and systemically start from the top down. Unjust “gods” abound today. They purposefully “defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked” (Psalm 82.2 NIV)
Second, these “gods” have forgotten their God-given mandate: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3-4 NIV).
Fourth, these “gods” will perish: “[A minute ago] I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’ But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler” (Psalm 82:6-7 NIV).
Prayer: Omnipresent God, the foundations of justice truly have been shaken by “gods.” May many repent and do Your will. May I do so too.
Jesus loved quoting from Psalm 82. What He quoted infuriated the religious leaders badgering Him. Most people, however, are simply puzzled. Why is God talking about “gods”? Isn’t the Lord the one and only true God?
First, notice the quotation marks around “gods.” The Lord is speaking to those who judge wickedly and unjustly. God is warning earthly rulers, especially religious leaders. Wickedness and injustice can start man to man, but they more widely and systemically start from the top down. Unjust “gods” abound today. They purposefully “defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked” (Psalm 82.2 NIV)
Second, these “gods” have forgotten their God-given mandate: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3-4 NIV).
Fourth, these “gods” will perish: “[A minute ago] I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’ But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler” (Psalm 82:6-7 NIV).
Prayer: Omnipresent God, the foundations of justice truly have been shaken by “gods.” May many repent and do Your will. May I do so too.
