YEAR 2, WEEK 6, Day 7, Sunday, 9 February 2025

https://esv.literalword.com/?q=psalm+58

Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 9 February 2025:

Psalm 58:3-6, 10 — Even from birth the wicked go astray, from the womb they are wayward and speak lies.  Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be….  Break the teeth in their mouths, O God….  The righteous will be glad when they are avenged.

The Bible says that we are all born sinners, trapped in sin; in fact, dead in sin, powerless to escape sin and to have spiritual life.  There is no human remedy to sin, and no amount of education or social engineering can solve our sin problem.  Will power can’t overcome sin, nor can laws.  Only God can free us from sin and give us spiritual life and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.  We can only be saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not by any human action and not through any other religion.  None of us deserved salvation, but God gave it freely, while we were still sinners.  So, isn’t it ironic that while living in a state of grace, totally reliant on God’s mercy, we demand justice be imparted on those who have offended us or hurt us?  We celebrate God’s mercy and grace bestowed upon us wishing upon others God’s justice – how can this be?  What did Jesus do?  “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’  And they cast lots to divide his garments.”  (Luke 23:34)

When we start to proclaim self-righteousness rather than righteousness through Christ, we have a serious problem.  Key to love, faithfulness, forgiveness and compassion is having a right perspective on the condition from which we have been saved and the love we have received from the God who saves us.

    – Luke 7:47 — “I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – for she loved much.  But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

    – Proverbs 17:13, 14 — “If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.”

Psalm 58:10-11 — The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.  Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

The psalmist had a desire for justice, which is good as God is a God of justice, but He didn’t have the benefit of knowing the Gospel, so He didn’t understand that God’s heart for the sinner and the joy which comes solely from sharing the Gospel with sinners, without the need for vengeance or justice on this earth.  Our reward is oneness with God now and throughout eternity, nothing else.  If oneness with Christ isn’t enough for you, sin is inevitable.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 9 February 2025:  As you walk in the freedom and confidence of grace today, freely give grace to others today as an act of faith, gratitude, and worship.  Deny self, take up your cross, and follow Jesus in spirit AND in truth.  Practically apply your theology.  Fully accept your life mission as Christ’s Ambassador and as His reconciler.  It takes faith to freely forgive and freely give to others who don’t deserve it; it takes a humble spirit that appreciates having received the unmerited gift of eternal life through Jesus.  As you respond to circumstances and to other people today, consider your perspective – who is Jesus to you really?  How you respond people and situations reveals what you truly believe to be true about God and your relationship with Him.