Psalm 76

Read Psalm 76

“In Judah God is known.” In yet another “psalm of Asaph,” all the worshipers of the Lord were called to consider God's special relationship to His chosen people. He who dwells in heavenly realms of unapproachable light had condescended to live among the people of Jerusalem in a temple made by human hands. There He defeated the “flashing arrows” of the enemies who stood against His kingdom. All of their “weapons of war” were broken.

The location for the temple chosen by God, the place of His earthly abode, was not only the center of worship for the Jews, it was also their source of victory in warfare. The battles that they faced belonged to the Lord. They had taken the Promised Land by His strength, and they would be able to keep their nation only by His power.

Where were “the stouthearted” of the nations defeated? Was it on some far off battlefield? No, victory came from Mount Zion, from the Lord of hosts. “At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.”

Beyond the radiance of Mount Zion, Judah was called to look above to an even brighter glory. The power that brought deliverance to the Lord's people actually came from His dwelling on high. “From the heavens You uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still.” The Supreme Being Himself was the source of Judah's help in every trial. God alone was “to be feared.” The most powerful adversaries of the earth could never withstand His righteous anger.

But what if the Lord's holy indignation came against His people? How could we survive? Life and peace could only come to us through the gift of a perfect Substitute who would face the penalty of the Lord in our place. This is what Jesus has done for the Lord's chosen flock. This is how the Lord has saved “all the humble of the earth.”

God is able to turn even “the wrath of man” into praise for Himself. One day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We must not wait for that day to bow before the Lord. Jesus has made a vow to the Father, and we are to be His holy payment. We should receive His grace today. We must never again set ourselves against His holy purposes.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord God, You bring peace through great strength. You have overturned powerful foes. Through Your judgment, the humble are saved. We give You our lives with great thanksgiving, for You have rescued us.