Justice in High Places

June 11, 2023 Download: Audio

Psalm 82

There seems to be a growing unrest across this country and people are anxious about the future. The people of God are not immune to this unrest, particularly as we see orthodox beliefs targeted as oppressive or even abusive. Right and wrong are being confused. States of mind that were once considered mental illness are now celebrated and promoted. You see it. Drag queen shows and sexual experimentation are being promoted in some elementary schools. Christian teaching that calls homosexuality wrong is viewed as hate. Where is justice? It is not on the side of Biblical truth. The words of Psalm 11:3 describe our situation.

if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Ps 11:3)

While the particulars of our Biblical injustices are unique, this experience is a familiar one. Those that lived during the time of the exile of Israel felt it also. Injustice was rampant prior to their exile. That’s why the exile happened. And in the midst of the nations in which they were scattered, they found more injustice. “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

Verse 5 captures this similar sentiment,

They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. Ps 82:5

So as the threat of such a condition looms over the church across the world today, what are we to do? Where are we to find hope? And how do we see our role in the world today? That’s what I want to talk about from the context of this psalm.

The answer comes in the final verse. It’s a prayer that is based on the future of God’s plan.

Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! Ps 82:8