It seems like there are always so many things that distract me whenever I sit down to do these devotions. Sometimes they are "necessary" things. But not necessary to do right now. Help me stay focused.
10 The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 Mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth."
David continues his diatribe against the wicked judges of the earth. "Immanuel Kant, noted German philosopher, believed that the universal notion of justice was proof of God's existence. He also believed it was proof of a literal heaven. Why? Because he didn't observe justice being fully fulfilled on this earth. It is also tacit evidence for a place of eternal punishment. Why? Because Hitler, for example never got the punishment he deserved during his lifetime."
I'm not sure I agree 100% with that last statement. However, there may be something to it. If a man committed horrible crimes against humanity and was never caught, yet believed in Jesus before he died...would he not still go to heaven? Ted Bundy, according to James Dobson, received Jesus while in prison. We should find him in heaven. However, he received his earthly punishment for his crimes. So his example doesn't apply here. Adolph Hitler, according to history, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. There is no evidence that he was a believer in Christ.
Personally, though, I don't see lack of justice on earth as proof of hell. I really don't need any other proof of heaven or hell, though, other than God's words on them. Just as I don't need physical evidence of Jesus (such as the alleged Shroud of Turin) to believe that Jesus existed. That's why God gave me faith.
"David is...convinced that injustice will not prevail forever. The righteous will be rewarded. Men will see that God does judge the earth finally and righteously."
We can take great comfort in this truth, no matter what our station in life. Those of us who live somewhat privileged lives and are not constantly persecuted can be comforted to know that wicked men who persecute innocent (I use that term loosely, mind you) people in other nations, will, ultimately be brought to justice, if not by men, then assuredly by God. Those who die for their faith can be comforted knowing that there deaths will be exalted by God in glory. In fact, I envy people who have the faith to stand up and die for their belief in Christ in countries where this is not tolerated. (Don't read that to say that I want to move to one of those places and die for my faith...I'm quite comfortable here, thank you...) I pray that, should such a time happen in our nation, I will have that kind of faith.
However, here is the serious thing that we have to deal with. If I am facing an enemy who is about to kill me for my faith, I must also realize that, should he be miraculously converted after he kills me, that I WILL stand side by side with my tormenter and enemy in glory for all eternity. But thanks to the glory of Christ and the transformation that will take place upon our arrival to heaven, I will be quite happy about it. I will rejoice that my enemy was found by Christ.
Now...I just need to find the faith to feel that way about the guy who cuts me off in traffic, right?
(Quotes from A Musician Looks At the Psalms, by Don Wyrtzen)
52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.
"The flesh and blood of the Son of man, denote the redeemer in the nature of man; Christ and him crucified, an the redemption wrought out by him, with all the precious benefits of redemption; pardon of sin, acceptance with God, the way to the throne of grace, the promises of the covenant, and eternal life. These are called the flesh and blood of Christ, because they are purchased by the breaking of his body, and the shedding of his blood because they are meat and drink to our souls. Eating this flesh and drinking this blood mean believing in Christ. We partake of Christ and his benefits by faith. The soul that rightly knows its state and wants, finds whatever can calm the conscience, and promote true holiness, in the redeemer, God manifest in the flesh. Meditating upon the cross of Christ gives life to our repentance, love, and gratitude."
This idea is largely misunderstood by unbelievers. Christians have even been accused of cannibalism. This, of course, is absurd. Robert Heinlein, in what is probably his most famous novel, Stranger In A Strange Land, wrote a gross perversion of the gospel of Christ when Michael Valentine Smith's followers all ate his body after he died. Mr. Heinlein totally missed the point, as do many Science Fiction writers. But this is not surprising. There are many, such as Heinlein, Asimov, etc. (I say "are"...both of them have passed on) who seem to believe that their intellect places them above believing in such things as God and faith. Sad for them. I promise you, there are people every bit as intelligent as Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov, who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ fully.
Anyway...the point, as made so well by Matthew Henry in the quote above, is that this "eating and drinking" is done by faith. We "eat and drink" the body and blood of Jesus Christ by faith. We symbolize this by partaking in what we call the "Lord's Supper" or "communion," in which the body is symbolized by bread, and the blood is symbolized by wine (or grape juice if you're a Baptist...). Contrary to popular belief...these elements are most definitely NOT transformed into the actual flesh and blood of Jesus by any priests. It's a matter of faith and faith alone.
(Quoted selection from Matthew Henry Daily Readings
I pray for the faith that stands, even in the face of persecution or death. I am grateful for the certainty that your justice will prevail. "Your justice flows like the ocean's tide." It is unavoidable, and it is certain. We take great comfort in that, especially as we watch brothers and sisters imprisoned and murdered in other parts of the world. We pray desperately for deliverance and justice for those Family members.
I pray for the worship that is about to take place. I rejoice that, all around the world (give or take an hour or so), people will be lifting up your name simultaneously. What joy this must bring you! Let us share in that joy this morning!
Grace and peace, friends.