Daily Devotional for January 12, 2015
Psalm 74-75
Scripture:
Psalm 75:1–7 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’” No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another (NIV).
Observation:
In light of the New Testament revelation that Jesus is our advocate and defender, it can be easy to forget that God is also the ultimate judge. He ensures that final and eternal justice be served.
But in a world full of corruption and selfish motivation, it’s easy to become disillusioned with justice. The poor are often trampled on. The weak become stepping-stones for the strong. And sometimes even those whose job it is to ensure that our society’s laws are fair and followed avert the law for personal or political gain.
Yet we must not lose hope! We can have hope because God is already at work judging our world. We can also take hope in knowing that our Father is the final judge of righteousness. We can even have greater hope in knowing that His Son’s righteousness covers our own unjust actions when we repent and trust in Him. And we have ultimate hope that He will one day take the final step and allow us to live with Him forever on a new earth where He rules and reigns!
Application:
- Personal Application: In what ways can you be a part of extending God’s ideas of justice into your world? Begin to look for opportunities to help those you feel have been treated unjustly.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Discuss what it means for God to be our judge. Remind them that Jesus is their defense if they put their faith in Him. Pray for your family.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Spend time thanking God for His mercy as He judges your life, and ask for Him to use you in His plan of justice.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray for your family to experience justice in their lives while extending it to others.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, January 10 – Sunday, January 17:
- Sunday, January 10: Psalm 70-71
- Monday, January 11: Psalm 72-73
- Tuesday, January 12: Psalm 74-75
- Wednesday, January 13: Hosea 1
- Thursday, January 14: Hosea 2
- Friday, January 15: Hosea 3-4
- Saturday, January 16: Hosea 5
- Sunday, January 17: Hosea 6
—Gene Crawford is an editor for the Assemblies of God Division of Publishing.
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