SCRIPTURE: Psalm 109
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. [Psalm 109:6-8]
Imagine the emotional agony of being betrayed by someone you love.
It is this pain that leads David to express his wish for revenge so strongly; we should not be quick to criticize unless we appreciate the extreme betrayal behind it.
I am not saying that this spirit is right or Christ-like, just that it is understandable, and I doubt that my response would be very different.
While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” [Luke 22:47-48]
Jesus is also pained by the betrayal by Judas, and with a kiss – that’s just wrong!
That the early church saw Judas’ betrayal in the same light as what David speaks of in Psalm 109 is seen in Peter’s words just prior to Pentecost.
Peter said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry…” “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership. [Acts 1:16-17,20]
This last line is a quote from Psalm 109:8.
And yet we also need to consider how the Son of David responds to betrayal.
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:33-34]
Father, forgive them… what would it take for me to respond this way?
I need to be honest, I do not have what it takes in myself to respond like this.
But this is what makes Jesus so important, and also the Spirit He gives us.
For what we do not have in ourselves, we do have in Christ.
For the fullness of Christ which represents the fullness of God is given to us by the fullness of the Spirit.
Through the Spirit, we have the potential to respond in Christ-like ways.
It will not be easy, but it is possible, if we cling to Christ and seek to keep in step with the Spirit in us, for that is how the fruit of the Spirit is produced.
Do not deny your emotions or your pain or anger or desire for revenge.
Admit it, confess it, then ask God to replace it with His Spirit of mercy and grace.
For it is by such grace that we are forgiven, and by such grace that we will be able to forgive even those who betray us.
Without His power, it will be impossible.
PRAYER:
Lord, by myself I have nothing but hurt and anger; in You I can have grace and mercy. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may exhibit Your spirit!
How this psalm rings true.
How often the good we do is taken for granted and/or abused. We feed the hungry and they take the pans in which the food came. They abuse our generosity by taking advantage of it. They may not say lying words, but they take my goodness, Your blessing for granted, as if they deserve it.
We are wounded by their taking advantage of us. WE are discouraged and hurt. And yet – that is what you require of Your people – do good. Do right. Be a blessing. Live for Jesus. God’s Way. I need to be His SonShine in all circumstances. I need to praise Him Whom has made me glad. I need to be happy in the Lord, no matter what the people’s response. I am founded on nothing else but Christ Jesus and Him I serve. God is my Help and my Salvation. What else do I need?
Each say we are His instruments of peace, so help me God.
1. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring you love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, – only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3. O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consolded as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul – .
4. Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.