Psalm 82

Psalm 82. A Psalm lamenting the abuse of God given authority, specifically towards people unable to defend themselves. Sound familiar in today’s world? In your life? Yet in this Psalm the perpetrators are not human beings but instead spiritual beings (little ‘g’ gods). Like Adam and Eve, created to bear God’s image and rule on his behalf, these gods were to likewise rule over nations given to them (Deut. 32:8). Yet enter sin stage left and its destructive mastery turning its slaves inward.
                God confronts, for he can never ignore, evil injustice. His character is at stake! (82:1-2) Standing amid the council of these spiritual beings, judgement is cast. Our heavenly Father’s heart reveals the demand for justice toward the weak and fatherless, wants the rights of the afflicted and destitute upheld, and calls for the rescue of the weak and needy (82:3-4). This is God’s call for all of us, whether on earth or in heaven (the spiritual ‘world’).
                What is our response to this? First, we battle more than we see. For us who believe God literally took on flesh, on this earth, we perhaps minimize the spiritual reality around us. As we are afraid of what we do not know, it is understandable, but when the Bible reveals this reality to us, we listen! What can make a difference against an enemy unseen? Prayer. In prayer, we take arms. We battle against the powers of darkness for the souls of God’s image bearers. But we battle by prayer against the invisible enemy.
                Second, let us not dismiss the world so rationally (often we mourn without a ‘why’, nor would any ‘why’ answer satisfy us in pain). The ‘causes’ behind suffering in Psalm 82 are spiritually initiated with evil intent. This spiritual sin can be hidden in a brand-new school, a lush farm in the valley, among the poorest of families or in the most powerful governments. Yet God will not turn a blind eye and he kindly reveals this spiritual world unknown to us except through his word. Let us pray desperately trusting in the all-knowing God, as we battle against things hidden. 

Pastor Josh

3 Month Reading Plan - Psalms 80-81