Psalm 94

Read Psalm 94

“O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!” The Lord will punish the wicked. Wrongdoing against Him, His Law, and His people will not be ignored forever. Israel was called by God in the age of the conquest to be His agent of judgment against the Canaanites. As the history of the nation moved forward, it became increasingly clear that their most troubling enemies were among their own number. The “proud,” the “wicked,” the “arrogant,” the “evildoers” were not just other people. They were prominent among the Jews. These enemies of God among His own people oppressed the poor and murdered the weak. Then they said, “The Lord does not see.”

The God who originated the very idea of the ear and the eye can both hear and see. The Almighty knows the secret plots of evil men. When the thoughts of a man rise up against God Most High, there must one day be a reckoning.

How are the faithful to survive with integrity when the wicked seem to be winning? The Lord's disciples are called to a life of endurance and faith as they continue to hear the Word of God and obey. God will teach His people well. He is our Father, and He will discipline us and show us what it means to grow up as His holy children. The final judgment of the wicked will come. The Lord “will not forsake His people.”

There are times in the history of mankind when those who rail against God's Word are convinced that they cannot be stopped by anyone. At such a moment, the faithful man may have to stand alone in obedience to the truth. The cross of Christ was the ultimate example of steadfast righteousness in the face of overwhelming opposition. Yet on the third day, Jesus rose again from the dead. Now the church throughout the world proclaims the Word of our Resurrection King. He is our help and our salvation. When our “foot slips,” His steadfast love holds us up. “When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”

Evil people may seem to prosper. “They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.” Yet the Lord will always be a Rock of Refuge for those who trust in Him. He will have vengeance upon those who oppress His family.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Almighty Lord, You will judge the proud and the wicked. You will help us as we face great difficulties from foolish people who move in powerful malice against us. They have forgotten You. They have not remembered that You will defend us in the great day of trouble. You will rise up for us against the wicked. You will be with us in steadfast love. You will help us against strong foes. We take refuge in You day by day.