Has every form of human government failed to correct evils, stop wicked schemes, and bring justice to the poor? Is there a kingdom that will? Let’s begin in Psalm 140.
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. (WEB)
In a dangerous world of violence and evil and wars and venomous tongues, who alone can truly protect us?
Rescue me, Lord, from evil people; Protect me from violent men Who devise evil things in their hearts; They continually stir up wars. They sharpen their tongues like a snake; The venom of a viper is under their lips. Selah (Ps 140:1-3 NASB)
Who alone can keep us safe from the wicked, the violent, the arrogant, and traps in our path?
Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. [Selah] (Ps 140:4-5 NIV)
When everyone else ignores our pleas, who will hear us?
I said to the Lord: “You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord. O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme, Lest they be exalted. Selah (Ps 140:6-8 NKJV)
Do we get involved in the deceptive politics of this world or pray for God to destroy the plans of liars in our land?
Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me. Let burning coals fall down on their heads. Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can’t escape. Don’t let liars prosper here in our land. Cause great disasters to fall on the violent. (Ps 140:9-11 NLT)
Politicians do not often maintain the cause of the afflicted or bring justice for the needy, but does God?
I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy. Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence. (Ps 140:12-13 WEB)
What will the kingdom of God actually deliver that is totally different from every form of human government?
Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read. The synagogue assistant gave him the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on him. He began to explain to them, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it.” (Luke 4:16-21 CEB)
Has every form of human government failed to correct evils, stop wicked schemes, and bring justice to the poor? Is there a kingdom that will? You decide!
