THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
What does Scripture convey in the psalm regarding those who endure the wrongs of this present age? The Lord will not abandon His people (Psalm 93:14). His followers toil amidst the undeserving, the wicked, those who speak ill, those who grumble, slander, persecute, and, if it is His will, even kill. Despite their struggles, the Lord will remain with His people and will uphold His inheritance until righteousness is transformed into judgment (cf. Ps. 93:14-15). Until the justice already present within His saints becomes judgment, it will be fulfilled that it has been said to them, ‘You shall sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel’ (Matt. 19:28). The apostle had righteousness, yet he had not yet received the judgment about which he states, "Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" (1 Cor. 6:3).
As we engaged with the Psalm's reading, we will remain attentive to the Lord's unveiling of truths He has chosen to conceal in this text. Some mysteries within Scripture are intentionally hidden—not for denial, but for revelation to those who seek earnestly. If you approach with genuine piety and a heart full of sincere love, He observes your intent and will manifest Himself to you. We are all aware of those who voice complaints against God’s patience, lamenting the presence and authority of wicked individuals. They observe that those who do evil often dominate the good, with the unjust exulting while the righteous endure suffering, where the proud thrive while the humble are oppressed.
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Witnessing such realities can lead feeble and impatient minds to despair, feeling as if their goodness has been in vain. This occurs when God appears to withdraw His gaze from the righteous and helps the wicked in the pursuits they cherish. As a result, the weak, believing their virtuous living is futile, are either driven to replicate the wickedness of those they see prospering, or are restrained by fear of worldly consequences. This restraint is not born from a love for righteousness but rather from the fear of human condemnation. They may avoid wrongdoing, but their wicked thoughts remain unchecked. Principal among these thoughts is the belief that God neglects human actions, equating the righteous and unrighteous or, more insidiously, that He persecutes the good while favoring the wicked. Such thoughts, though harm neither others nor God, deeply harms themselves.
This Psalm is designated as "A Psalm of David," noted for the fourth day of the week. It serves to teach patience amid the trials of the righteous, urging steadfastness against the success of the wicked while strengthening the resolve of the patient. The significance of its title, referring to the fourth day, must be understood. The first day is the Lord's Day; the second day corresponds to what the world refers to as lunar day, and the third is known as the Martian day. Thus, the fourth day has been associated with Mercury, a label adopted by some Gentiles and Christians, although I wish this were changed to better reflect Christian language. Variance among nations regarding names highlights the suitability of ecclesiastical terminology for believers. Those influenced by custom sometimes speak contrary to their beliefs; let them remember that the constellations predate humanity and that names assigned to them emerged from humanity's admiration, not from their true purpose.
In investigating Scriptures like Genesis, we note the creation on the first day: light; on the second, the firmament named heaven; and on the third, the earth and seas, establishing their division. On the fourth day, the Lord created the celestial bodies: "The sun to rule the day, the moon and stars to rule the night." Such a Psalm, which instructs on patience amidst injustice, prompts reflection on Paul’s exhortation to “Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that ye may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.”
Now, turning to the Psalm, it declares, “The Lord reigneth; he is clothed with majesty.” Do you believe He overlooks wrongdoing? A God of retribution is justly vigilant. You express frustration at the unpunished wickedness of others, yet refrain from grievances lest you become subject to judgment. Witness a thief who evades consequence while you bemoan his escape from justice. If you wish for correction to fall upon those who err, be diligent to first correct yourself; align your heart toward God and others rightly. When seeking divine vengeance, ensure it is not already your own deeds calling forth judgment. He will come and hold accountable those unheeded by divine mercy and who store up wrath for the day of reckoning, rewarded according to their actions.
Our safety lies in our Saviour, who is the hope of all the needy. He promises confidence in returning from his exaltation. This confidence embodies a refusal to yield to human vices—He wields the scalpel of His teachings to cut away our affliction, ever presaging His redemptive plan. Consider how boldly He confronted the Pharisees: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” His fearless proclamations were made with the understanding that His righteous judgement would follow. As it was foretold, the Lord’s path from humiliation to exaltation is our model for patient endurance. "The Lord is a God of revenge; both the Lord is a God of revenge and He is full of wrath." Let us remain steadfast, for just vengeance shall come.
Let us heed the declaration, "Be exalted, O Judge of the earth," acknowledging that those who dare to oppose God’s will shall meet their due reward. Despite experiencing troubles here, God will measure the proud according to their despicable actions, for exaltation stems not from their ill-gotten gains but from steadfast humility in suffering. The company of the unjust is destined to find their own snare, alluding to their eventual downfall—or the pit that awaits them.
Lord, how long will the wicked prevail? As they speak lies against God, what will you answer? They presume their lives to hold no meaning before the Almighty and practice iniquity while remaining blind to their actions. Even as transgressors avoid earthly punishment through clever deception, they cannot evade God's omniscient gaze. Their wickedness lies bare before the Almighty. Those who enact injustice are warned; God sees their hearts.
He speaks wisdom to the thoughtless, instructing them to heed the pathways of righteousness amid the trials posed by the unrepentant. As they encounter the apparent prosperity of the unrighteous, honesty of purpose ignites fervor within to maintain righteousness. Our faith, therefore, must not lead to complacency but to patient labor in God’s service. The true response hinges on lasting commitment despite current circumstances.
Let us reflect on the reality that God knows the hearts of men, recognizing their fleeting ambitions. While the world may prioritize the exploits of humanity, His knowledge reigns supreme, and we must strive to nurture our understanding of His ways. As we grapple with trials, let us hold fast to the truth that God’s influence transcends mere human understanding.
Blessed indeed is the individual who receives the discipline of the Lord, for it leads to discovery and growth. The constraints upon the unrighteous are not immediate, but their destiny is certain. Their punishment is circumscribed, holding back only until it aligns with divine justice—hailing from the consequence of pride and failing to recognize one’s own sin. Repentance is vital, for it unveils the heart's condition toward God.
The righteous endure tribulation with patience, eyeing eternal peace as the ultimate recompense. Righteousness is demanded before judgment may be rendered, thus our earthly trials serve simply as preparation for the eventual governance over the twelve tribes of Israel. Justice flows from divine mercy, ever assuring that those whose hearts align with His will find refuge.
In moments of affliction, consider the Lord’s unwavering presence and transformative purpose. It is in His sufferings that our salvation is intertwined. Rejoice in the perseverance gained through trials and bear daily duties armed with the knowledge of the eternal joys awaiting. Each moment holds value; labor diligently toward the assurance of rest.
Examine closely, for what we desire in this life is ministry through the trials imposed by external forces. Examine not only the outcomes of our actions but delve deeply into their roots, for therein lies the understanding of the divine plan to chisel us into His intended forms. These lessons of humility bolster our faith, offering glimpses into the divine rest promised to those who remain steadfast in tribulation.
We find ourselves navigating a complex landscape rife with temptation and struggle. Yet we are reminded that God is ever-watchful and ever-merciful, guiding us amidst the darkness towards ultimate light. As we labor in His field, let us remain vigilant, remembering that our struggles serve to deepen our relation to Christ, who ultimately bears our burdens and anchors our hope in eternal life.