The Lord is Righteous

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Lord is Righteous

Date: Oct. 20, 2016

Passage

Psalm 129:1-8 (ESV)

A Song of Ascents.

1   “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—
    let Israel now say—
2   “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
    yet they have not prevailed against me.
3   The plowers plowed upon my back;
    they made long their furrows.”
4   The LORD is righteous;
    he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5   May all who hate Zion
    be put to shame and turned backward!
6   Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
    which withers before it grows up,
7   with which the reaper does not fill his hand
    nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
8   nor do those who pass by say,
    “The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
    We bless you in the name of the LORD!”

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 129:4

The LORD is righteous;
he has cut the cords of the wicked.

First, cut free from the cords of the wicked (1-4). The nation of Israel was oppressed from the beginning by stronger, more powerful nations. There were many that hated Israel. It seemed that the nation was always under attack, always threatened with annihilation, even taken captive and exiled to a foreign land. But none of their enemies ever gained the victory. The nation remained as God's people, supported by his righteousness. God's righteousness has power to cut us free from the cords of wickedness. His righteousness is our salvation for all who are oppressed.

Second, may they be turned back in shame (5-8). There are many who hate the Lord's people and the Lord himself. They seek to oppress his chosen ones, but they will be turned back in shame. Those who hate and reject the Lord are cut off from the source of life. They are like grass that turns to straw and is blown away. Apart from the Lord there is no life or blessing. It is the Lord's righteousness that sustains blessing and life in his people.

Prayer: Lord, I cannot defend myself against the oppression of the wicked. Teach me to depend on your righteousness and be set free.

One Word: The Lord is righteous

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references