Sunday School Lesson 6: The Lord Is King, January 5, 2025, Psalm 10:12-18.
Key Text: Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble. Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear (Psalm 10:17).
The Psalmist seems to exemplify how true believers seem to live in two different worlds at the same time, a world of hostility and discouragement; and a world of hope and encouragement. Although the enemies are not identified, which is common in the Psalms, the reader of 1 Samuel can fill in their own list. In classic words of lament, the Psalmist views the actions of the wicked (the oppressors) and he finds himself angry at wickedness, wondering how God can remain apathetic and inactive. David feels that after God has delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage and from the clutch of foreign foes, He has now removed Himself as a Protector of Israel. No doubt, both domestic and foreign oppressors go about their task of deceit, terror, and in wait to ensnare their prey. This modus operandi of the wicked also prophetically describes the deceitful career of the Antichrist who will attempt to deceive the entire world, oppressing the righteous, and lurking in hiding places for the saint.
The Psalmist now addresses God in the bold language of faith: Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up thine hand v 12. God sees, notes, bears in mind, and never forgets every act of wrong-doing that men commit, and especially acts of oppression. “Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man” v 15 is a prayer that the wicked one may lose his strength and cease his truancy through the power of almighty God. This Psalm that began on a note of concern, concludes in a Royal Psalm with a note of confidence and triumph, “The Lord is King for ever and ever” v 16. God will hear the desire of the humble and answer their prayer. The wicked one (the man of the earth) will be destroyed; and, the oppressed will be vindicated by the man from heaven. We can continue in the fervent prayer that the will of God, “be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Rev. 19). AMEN!
Ancient Israel often found themselves victims of terror – economically, socially, and politically. Today we are championed by the same oppressors, including MAGA (Black & White), Project 2025, White Evangelicals (“who are meant to take over all US institutions”), and ETC. The Civil Rights Movement continues and the “poor in spirit” are in need of saving grace. It is a mandate for those in positions of authority to use their power and influence to seek justice and equity.
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