The Bible tells us what happens when kings, judges and people wisely serve the Lord, God’s Son Jesus Christ, and rejoice in Him. They are blessed!
“For whatever things were written heretofore, were written for our instruction; that we through patience and the consolation of the Scriptures might have hope.” [2]
The Scriptures provide for God’s servants a means patience and consolation in a world full chaos and crime. The Scriptures teach us what happens to those who heed the Lord’s voice as well as to those who don’t. God selected portions of Israel’s history to teach us about His dealing with kings, judges and peoples.
Israel experienced God’s blessings and strength as they sought Him, but disaster when they forsook Him. When they let their guard down, people who hated God and His servants took over and destroyed their nation.
Asaph cried out, “O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps. The dead bodies of Your servants they have given as food for the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those who are around us.” [3]
How sad that the finest among them... those who lifted up the poor, included the outcast and preached God’s Word... these were slain along with the wicked who had weakened the nation by serving themselves. Kings and judges who exploit people for selfish gain destroy a nation.
Asaph prayed to the Lord for his nation. “Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, for we have been brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your Name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your Name’s sake!” [4]
“Kiss the Son!” Worship Him! Acknowledge Him as the One who reverses the slide into oblivion! In Christ, God’s forgives sins. In Christ, God gives tender mercies. In Christ, God saves! In Christ, God atones (covers) our sin. God’s Son, Jesus, is the answer!
Asaph was concerned for God’s glory. He prayed, “Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Let there be known among the nations in our sight the avenging of the blood of Your servants which has been shed. Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; according to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die; and return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord. So we, Your people, and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations.” [5]
The Lord lifted Asaph’s nation out of the pit in which they had fallen as they turned back to Him. The Lord helped them to overcome narrowmindedness so that they began to love God and neighbor more than themselves.
Asaph asked the Lord to remove robbers from robbing their nation. [6]
The Holy Spirit led Asaph to pray for the Son of Man to revive and restore His people. Pretty amazing, considering that he prayed this hundreds of years before Jesus arrived on earth in bodily form. “Let Your hand be upon the Man of Your right hand, upon the Son of Man whom You made strong for Yourself. Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your Name. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” [7]
When Israel was defeated, they got what they deserved. They had not heeded the Lord’s voice. They didn’t want Him. They were stubborn. They thought they were so smart. But only God can subdue the spiritual forces of wickedness that destroy a nation. Only the Lord can bless our crops so that they are abundant and so that they are genetically healthy for us. [8]
God’s Word says, “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” [9]
The Lord raises up wonderful servants via His Word. Paul served the Lord despite suffering maltreatment and conflicts. [10] Such people are a blessing to the world.
Paul spoke to please God not sinners. He did not use flattering speech to hide a heart full of covetousness and competitiveness. He did not seek glory from men. He was gentle towards those he served “as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.” He was pleased to impart to people “the Gospel of God” and his “own life” because people had become dear to him. He labored night and day rather than burden anyone. [11]
God exhorts us to “walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” [12]
God will deal with those who oppose Him and His Word in due season. To those who killed the Lord Jesus, killed the prophets, persecuted the apostles, do not please God, are contrary to all people and forbid to speak the Gospel that saves people, God’s Word promises that “wrath will come upon them to the uttermost.” [13]
Therefore, “Be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the SON, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” [14]
[1] Psalm 2:10-12
[2] Romans 15:4
[3] Psalm 79:1-4
[4] Psalm 79:8-9
[5] Psalm 79:10-13
[6] Psalm 80:8-16
[7] Psalm 80:17-19
[8] Psalm 81:11-16
[9] Proverbs 26:12
[10] 1 Thessalonians 2:2-3
[11] 1 Thessalonians 2:4-9
[12] 1 Thessalonians 2:12
[13] 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16
[14] Psalm 2:10-12
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