THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
As we listened carefully to the Psalm, let us remain attentive to the insights our Lord seeks to reveal through these verses. Some mysteries in Scripture are intentionally obscured, not to be denied but to be unveiled to those who earnestly seek understanding. If you approach Him with genuine piety and heartfelt love, He recognizes your intentions and will make Himself known to you. We often hear complaints about God's great patience, particularly regarding the thriving of wicked individuals and the suffering of the righteous. We lament that the evil often wield significant power over the good, leading to a situation where the wicked prosper while the virtuous endure hardship; the proud are elevated while the humble are pushed down.
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Such observations can lead the impatient and weak-minded to feel disheartened, questioning the value of their goodness, as if God turns away His gaze from their righteous deeds and turns instead towards the ungodly’s pleasures. Consequently, those who feel their good efforts are in vain may find themselves tempted to imitate the wicked or to shy away from rightful actions due to fear of worldly repercussions. It is not a true love for justice that restrains such individuals, but rather a fear of human judgment. Among their misdeeds is the pernicious belief that God is indifferent to human actions, equating the righteous and the wicked or, even worse, believing He favors the wicked and punishes the good. Though such individuals cause no harm to others, they inflict significant harm upon themselves, and their folly bears no weight against God, only leading to their own demise.
The Psalm has a title that reads: A Psalm of David on the fourth day of the week. This psalm teaches the necessity of patience in the face of the righteous sufferings and the wicked’s success. Its message encourages a patient heart in light of injustice. Why is it considered the fourth day? The first day of the week is the Lord's day; the second day corresponds to lunar cycles; the third day is linked with Mars; hence, the fourth day of the week aligns with Mercury, a name that many Gentiles and some Christians still use, though I wish they might change it for more fitting terms. These designations vary across cultures and thus do not universally align with Christian speech. If one has simply grown accustomed to improperly verbalizing these days, let them be reminded that those celestial beings received their names from men who lived long after the stars had already existed. In the past, the ancients, either deceived or seeking to deceive, conflated mortal contributions with celestial honors, resulting in misguided reverence for men based on their earthly achievements. The devil bolstered such erroneous beliefs, while Christ came to dismantle them. Therefore, let this fourth week be understood as the day following the Lord’s day. Here, we uncover a profound mystery worthy of reflection.
In Genesis, we recall that on the first day light was created; the second day brought forth the firmament known as heaven; the third day saw the formation of land and seas, wherein the waters were gathered and called seas, and the dry land deemed earth. The fourth day saw God creating the heavenly luminaries: Genesis 1:3-19—where the sun governed the day, and the moon and stars guided the night. Why, then, does this Psalm carry the title of the fourth day? It teaches patience against the wicked’s triumph and the good’s suffering. The Apostle Paul urges us, “Do all things without murmuring and disputing” Philippians 2:14-16, that we might be blameless and innocent amid a corrupt people, shining as lights in the world while holding on to the Word of Life.
Now let us consider the Psalm. "The Lord reigns; He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, and He has girded Himself." Psalm 93:1. Is it conceivable that He does not bring punishment? A God of vengeance demands retribution. What does the notion of vengeance imply? It denotes divine discipline. You question God’s justice when the wicked go unpunished; do not grumble lest you find yourself among the condemned. If one man steals and lives, you scold God because he remains unharmed. If you desire another’s hand to be corrected, first amend your own words. Align your heart toward humanity, and your heart toward God; otherwise, when you long for God's vengeance, let Him not find you unworthy. He will indeed come to judge all who persist in their wickedness, showing ingratitude for His mercy and gathering wrath for the day of judgment; for God will repay everyone according to their deeds—Romans 2:4-6—and since He is a God of vengeance, He acts decisively. Our hope resides in our Savior, who is a refuge for all who seek Him. What does it mean to act confidently in Him? It means He shall not fear; He will not hold back from addressing the sinful desires of humanity. Like a diligent physician brandishing the scalpel of truth, He strikes at our woundedness. Just as He was foretold and prophesied, so He appeared...
What powerful declarations did the One who spoke “as one having authority” deliver? “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” He did not shy from addressing them directly, as He holds no fear of man because He is a God of vengeance. His willingness to speak boldly allowed for the possibility of redemption after the judgment, knowing that the unrepentant would bring condemnation upon themselves. The Lord is indeed a God of vengeance; He acted assuredly and judged with confidence. The One who spared none in His proclamation will not hesitate in His judgment. He who did not cower in humility will not relent in glory! Therefore, do not complain against God, who seems to show mercy to the wicked; rather, exhibit compassion yourself, for He may restrain you from suffering punishment that you may not endure eternal condemnation.
Consider what it means to be exalted, O Judge of the earth! Psalm 92:2. Since they imprisoned Him in His humility, do you suppose they will confine Him in glory? They judged Him in mortality; will they not be judged by Him in immortality? The proclamation is clear: Be exalted, O Judge of the earth, whose confidence the wicked reviled, believing they had done a glorious thing by seizing and crucifying Him. Those who should have approached Him in faith instead approached with malice. Thus, He, unafraid and having suffered, attained glory and ascended to heaven. Let the Church, too, endure patiently what her Head bore. “Be exalted, O Judge of the earth, and recompense the proud according to their ways.” He will dispense justice, dear brethren.
“Be exalted, O Judge of the earth,” refers to the prophecy through which the coming of Christ was foretold, not a command for Him to rise. The prophet foresaw the humility of Christ, unflinching in judgment and showing no mercy with His words because He wanted the sinners to turn from their ways. He, who was uncompromising in words before suffering, will show no leniency during judgment. His justice is unwavering. “He, who did not spare in proclamation, will He spare in judgment? The time during which He showed mercy is temporary.
Yet, the holy remains for judgment: “Until there is righteousness," He indicates, "turn to judgment, and all those who are upright will stand." Psalm 92:15. Listen, then, and seek after righteousness, for only from there may you approach judgment. The apostles embodied righteousness while humbled by the wicked. Yet they were promised, “You will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28. Their righteousness on that day will translate into the authority of judgment. Righteousness is defined by patience in the face of suffering, stretching until that day arrives. Even the Lord, Judge of all, chose to be judged in His time among thieves and rebels. Patience, dear brethren; hold steadfast to your faith, for those who endure will ultimately find their reward.
“Who will stand for me against the evildoers? Who will take my part against those who do wickedness?” Psalm 92:16. In a world where temptations abound, where the serpent whispers evil, we often find ourselves isolated in our desire for goodness. A few might strive to remain righteous, facing hordes of tares that surround them. It might seem there are many pressures to conform to the mannerisms of the unholy. The wicked may question your steadfastness, urging you to join them in the paths of unrighteousness. If we remain grounded in our convictions, there's a greater grace that sustains us through adversity.
“If the Lord had not helped me,” the psalmist declares, "I would have soon found myself in despair" Psalm 93:17. When doubt creeps in, remember that the Lord's assistance prevails even when surrounded by adversity and temptation. As we resist engaging in the familiar company of the unrighteous, we may encounter insults or trials, but it is imperative that we remain reliant on God's grace.
In the midst of tribulation, courageously uphold your faith instead of succumbing to despair, for the Lord's enduring mercy will sustain your spirit through suffering. You may face many sorrows, but in each instance, His comfort abounds. As we engage in righteous living amidst trials, we must remain centered on His promises even as we confront the trials laid before us.
Let us hold fast to His teachings, recognizing that suffering now will yield a greater peace eternally. He does not shy from judging, but He prepares His people with instruction borne of love and discipline, guiding us through difficulties for our ultimate good. Desist from evil, cling to the good, and remember that we shall never be forsaken. Our patient endurance amidst trials reveals our deeper connection to His grace.