Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Advent Reading 4: Psalm 12

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise..." (Psalm 12:5a)

This psalm of David is a petition for God to intervene and protect the righteous from the wicked. The implication is that the wicked are not just out to do evil deeds on their own, but they also carry in themselves an agenda to overthrow the righteous. In the midst of the psalm, David moves in the prophetic realm and declares the wonderful response of the LORD: "I will protect them [the righteous] from those who malign them" (12:5b).

Be cautious as to how you treat My servant, says the LORD. He is weak but I am mighty in him; I am his Defender and Friend. I will not permit you to hurt him with your words and go unpunished.

What is David's response to God's promise? A reiteration, an agreeing, with what God has said: "O LORD, You will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever" (12:7). Friends, there is no safer place to be than in perfect alignment with the word of God. It is our privilege to say yes to Him, and to back up that 'yes' with a lifestyle of obedience towards Him.

God is speaking. Are you listening?

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