Volume 25, Issue 7
WisconsinChristianNews.com
Page 15
Psalm 10... (Continued From Page 14)
Verse 1: David’s Question In verse one, David writes, “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide Your- self in times of trouble?” Some read this verse and think David’s questioning God and perhaps lacking faith. They may say, “David, how could you question God like this?” But I believe David’s question shows deep faith, not a lack of it. David is frustrated because he knows God’s character; he knows that God is just and holy, so he’s wondering why God hasn’t acted against the wicked yet. David’s not concerned about the trouble it- self. He’s asking, “God, I know you don’t toler- ate evil. Why aren’t You acting now?” David’s question is not a lack of faith — it’s an appeal to God’s character, a reminder of God’s track record of faithfulness. We can ask God the same questions when we, too, don’t see Him acting as quickly as we’d like.
the haughtiness of their countenance, do not seek God.” Prosperity gives a false sense of se- curity. The wicked boast in their arrogance that God won’t intervene, leading them into practical atheism. They act as if there’s no consequence for their actions. Moving on to verse seven, we see that vile speech is another characteristic of the wicked. Paul quoted this verse in Romans 3:14 to de- scribe the lost. We are commanded not to en- gage in certain types of talk: filthiness, silly talk, and coarse jesting. It’s a stark reminder that, as Christians, our words matter.
4). To remind us that deliverance and jus- tice come from God, not from human sys- tems. Political engagement is good, but we should not look to governments for ultimate justice. Only God can bring true and lasting justice. Verses 2 through 6 describe the thought life of the wicked — they’re consumed with pride, arrogance, and deceit. Verses 7 through 10 then show the behaviors that arise from these wicked thoughts: oppression, violence, and hostility toward others. Continued on Page 25
Verses eight through ten con- tinue with depictions of the wicked: the wicked sit in hiding places to kill the innocent, waiting to devour the afflicted. These verses paint a vivid picture of the predatory na- ture of the wicked. In these verses, David provides a detailed description of the wicked. Why does he go into such depth? I think it’s for several reasons. 1). To remind us not to expect peace. As long as we live in this world, there will be trouble and op- position. The Christian life is not one of constant peace with the world; following Jesus means standing apart, and that invites hostility. 2). To remind us that following Christ means being at odds with the world’s values. The world’s priorities are in direct opposition to Christ’s. Self-promotion, greed, de- ceit — these are the values of the wicked, but not for followers of Jesus. 3). To remind us that this world is not our home. We are “citizens of heaven.” Holding onto earthly things too tightly blinds us to our true purpose and mission.
Verses 2-10: The Characteristics of the Wicked
In verse two, David begins describing the wicked, saying, “In pride the wicked hotly pur- sue the afflicted.” The wicked never give up op- pressing the righteous. We say things like, “Some people live just to stir up trouble.” David’s sentiment here is that the wicked are always pursuing the afflicted. He says, “Let them be caught in the plots they have de- vised.” We capture this thought with sayings like, “What goes around comes around.” Peo- ple don’t get away with things forever — espe- cially not in God’s kingdom. God will judge one day. In verse three, we read that the wicked “boast of their heart’s desire.” Their arrogance and pride lead them to pursue wealth and pos- sessions without regard for God, replacing God with their own material desires. Tragi- cally, some Christians have bought into this same kind of theology. The accumulation of wealth can lead to taking our eyes off the Giver and putting them on the gifts.
In verse four, we read that “the wicked, in
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