Crime Upon Crime

...they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt... (Psalm 69:26)

In an earlier blog we discussed the Old Testament example of Moses making reference to God's book of life. Today we'll take a look at another Old Testament example, contained in Psalm 69. This psalm of David, which contains prophetic references to the sufferings of Christ, includes a verse that out of context seems cruel- but I think a bit of exploration and reflection might help us in understanding David's position.

Verse 28 states: "May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous." The latter half of this verse indicates that the "they" referred to in the first half of the verse are not righteous. But who are "they"?

Those who hate without reason (69:4, 69:14);
Those who seek to destroy the righteous (69:4, 69:18-19);
Those who engage in mocking, scorning, and slander (69:7-12, 69:19-20, 69:26).

When we compare David's psalm to Revelation 21:11-15 (see yesterday's blog "Casting Call" for more detail), we find that "they" are, in fact, murderers. As we mentioned yesterday, Jesus gives the kingdom definition of murder during the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5): murder is not only the physical taking of a life, but it is also a thought process characterized by angry hearts and unreconciled relationships. And, as murderers, "they" will be consigned to the lake of fire, which is the second death.

So, David's plea that "they" be blotted out of the book of life was a prayer request that certainly lined up with the statement we have from the resurrected Christ in Revelation 21.

Revelation 19:10 tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Psalm 69 is a wonderful example of prophetic expression that is corroborated by the life, ministry, and word of Christ.

"They" do not have their names written in the book of life. Do you?