May 19th~The Lord of Lords

Psalms 79-82

We nearly finished the songs of Asaph; in fact, we will read one more tomorrow. Of the four psalms that we covered today, my attention was captured by the last one, Psalm 82, in which the author made a significant statement, that “God presides over heaven’s court; He pronounces judgment on the judges” (v.1). Let’s take this statement apart and consider its pieces.

First, in every society there is a judge, someone who is exercising authority over others. These judges may be called by different names — King, Emperor, Caesar, Sanhedrin, Governor, Parliament, Council, Congress, President, or Supreme Court — but all of them serve the same purpose. They are agents of an institution called civil government; and they provide order and justice for the people in a community. Without them, society would disintegrate into chaos and confusion.

Second, the authority these agents wield is given by God. As Creator and Sovereign of the universe, all authority is in God’s hands. However, for the good of man, God has delegated some of His authority to these agents of civil government, for reasons already established, namely the ordering and preservation of society (Romans 13:1-7). Because of this authority, these agents are endowed with power and are often exalted in society. In fact, Asaph refers to them “as gods (or mighty ones) and children of the Most High” (v.6).

Third, these agents of God are accountable to Him for the use of His authority. These agents are allowed to use their authority to do several important things, to give direction, to make and enforce laws, to judge between men, and to punish. However, the authority given to these agents is limited. Since their authority is rooted in God’s authority, their decisions must be in line with His purposes, their laws must not contradict His laws, and their rulings must not offend His justice. In this case, their decisions, their laws, and their rulings are illegitimate and, thereby, nullified. In other words, civil government is not allowed to do whatever it wants. Though it is “lord,” it is subservient to the Lord of heaven, the author of its authority.

Daily Reflection

When you consider those who wield authority in society, why is it so easy to get discouraged?

How do these truths provide encouragement in light of those who wield authority over you?

Take courage, these agents of civil government are mere men, who will answer to God for their actions. No matter who they are, no matter what nation or society they rule, there is a God who reigns in heaven. There is a higher power, a Lord of the lords, to which all men, small and great, must answer! “Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to You!” (v.8). God is in control; therefore, let us not fret over those who control us here.

BiAY.org | Day 139 — 226 Days to Go