Psalm 82

Humankind is created in the image of God. When we fully cooperate with the Holy Spirit, who is at work within us, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases God (Philippians 2:13), we reflect the image of our Creator to the world. In 1 Peter 1:16 the Apostle Peter affirms God’s desire for His creation: “For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7). God is very serious about this transformative work within us and the fire of His holiness will consume all the ungodly dross within us. (See Hebrews 12:28-29)

Psalm 82 teaches us that our societies are called to be God-like in administering justice and in caring for the poor and orphan. Jesus affirms this in John 10 when some people were picking up stones to kill him, accusing him of “. . . blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33). Jesus quoted Psalm 82 in his reply, “It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’ And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods,’ why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? (John 10:34-36)

The mission of every Christian is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. One of the most important ways we transform the world is building for societies that reflect the heart of God. What is the heart of God? Psalm 82 reveals God’s heart is for the poor and the orphan; the oppressed and the destitute; and the poor and helpless.

Psalm 82 also affirms that God is the righteous Judge. On our final exam, God will review with each of us how well we cared for the poor and the orphan; the oppressed and the destitute; and the poor and helpless.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

<><  <><  <><  <><

These meditations are available by email. Contact me at Amkrom812@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

This BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription

Reading for July 23, 2012          Psalm 83