The Judgment of God (Psalm 82, Part 2)

The Trial (verses 3-7)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2082:3-7&version=NIV

Because God cares for the cause of the weak and the rights of the poor, we too must protect marginalized people: the poor, the oppressed, and those without family support. Many within our wealthy society find it easy to protect the interests of the wealthy. They reject God who holds them accountable for their self-aggrandizement at the expense of His order. Because of blindness to justice our society has no stability. When our dispensers of law have dispensed with justice, our society becomes unhinged. God, however, condemns any way of life that is inconsistent with His concern for justice and morality. The leaders in our society have woefully abused their God-given authority. In the end their honor and power will die with them.

God of Justice, vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. Help us, Lord our God, to uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Help us to rescue the weak and the needy and deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Thank You that even as the foundations of our earth are shaken, as children of the Most High we can stand firm.

The Judgment of God (Psalm 82, Part 1)

All powers are subject to God’s judgment. Our great Judge controls this ungoverned world, reigning supreme over all other authority and power.

The Court in Heaven (verses 1-2)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2082:1-2&version=NIV

God presides over His court in heaven as judge, and renders just judgment. Judges on the earth must not misuse the power entrusted to them, for the Judge of judges will decide for the right.

Thank You, Loving God, that You take Your stand in Your own court; You judge in the midst of the rulers, judges and “gods” in our world.

http://genevanpsalter.com/attachments/GenPs082_vocal_homoph_BoP84.MP3

If My People Would Listen to Me (Psalm 81, Part 3)

Repent (verses 11-16)

God desires our repentance and wholehearted allegiance. When we want our own way He gives what we want. Yet God’s grace is so great that He passionately and repeatedly calls us to listen to Him. Only those who listen to His words follow His ways. His instructions lead to life and blessing. We best combat our spiritual enemies by obedient lives. God brings sweetness out of what is wholly unpromising. We find our joy and satisfaction in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Lord our God we listen to You; we submit to You. We repent of following our own desires. Subdue our enemies. Thank You for abundantly caring for us. Forever bind us to Yourself alone; keep us faithful to the end.

And that a higher gift than grace

Should flesh and blood refine;

God's presence and his very self,

And essence all-divine.

John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

If My People Would Listen to Me (Psalm 81, Part 2)

Remember (verses 5b-10)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2081:5b-10&version=NIV

May God help us remember our past deliverance. When we refuse to listen, He lets us go our own way. When surrounded by trouble we question whether we can hear God’s voice. However we can pour out our troubles to Him, and He will shine His grace on us. We owe all to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we find amazement at God’s mercy and goodness to such undeserving sinners as us. He fills our open mouths with gratitude and testimony.

Thank You, Lord God, for removing the burden from our shoulders. We remember that in our distress we called and You answered and delivered us. We will have no strange gods among us; we will not bow down to foreign gods. You are the Lord our God. We open our mouths wide and You fill them.