Key Verse: “You have REBUKED THE NATIONS, you have destroyed the wicked.” (v.5)
Key Theme: “The Lord is known for His JUSTICE.” (v.16)
Key Descriptives of God: MOST HIGH; Rebuker of Nations; Destroyer of Wicked; Refuge in Troubled Times; Avenger of Murder
AN INVOLVED GOD
If we had any doubt from Psalm 8, whether David still saw the Lord as an available and involved God of the nations, it gets strongly re-established here in Psalm 9. This chapter with 20 verses is a most relevant chapter here in 2020. We see a God who is MOST HIGH, yet not distantly so, as He rebukes nations ON EARTH, destroys the wicked ON EARTH, and is known for His justice ON EARTH. David would not close the chapter with “Arise, Oh Lord! Do not let mere mortals defy you! Judge the nations! Make them tremble in fear, O Lord. Let the nations know they are merely human” — unless David expected Him to intervene. I am going to write several of the verses here that can further secure and lift our hearts as well as speak specifically into today. God loves the nations, but He can’t move them towards being “sheep nations” until they recognize He is MOST HIGH and rules on earth.
REVERSE-RAPTURE?
“You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have erased their names forever.”(v.5) A most common theme throughout Psalms is evil people getting removed and righteous people remaining. Kind of the reverse-rapture. Let’s watch this theme unfold as we continue in Psalms. Of course, Jesus Himself said, “the meek will inherit the earth.” The earth is never left for the unbeliever.
THE ENEMY IS FINISHED
“ The enemy is finished, in endless ruins.” (v.6) The theme continues, and may this be a powerful reality in 2020 and a declaration we over and over proclaim during this year.
RULING THE NATIONS WITH FAIRNESS
“He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” (v.8) We are to partner with Him even now in bringing justice and fairness to the world as the coming kingdom is always kingdom NOW as well. He was, and is, and is to come.
CAUGHT IN THEIR OWN TRAP
“The nations have fallen unto the pit they dug for others. Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set.” (v.15) The “Haman’s noose” phenomenon again- in 2020! His own gallows hang him and his 10 sons.
THE LORD KNOWN FOR HIS JUSTICE
“The Lord is known for His justice. The wicked are entrapped by their own deeds.” (v. 16) The key theme of today’s post. In His justice, the wicked get caught in their own devices. This is happening right now.
DEATH OF NATIONS THAT IGNORE GOD
“The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all nations who ignore God.” (v.17) Wow. Sobering and very powerful. In 2020 nations are in the valley of decision and unique consequences will come.
Psalm 9, also showcases a God “who avenges murder” (v.12), who “does not ignore the cries of those who suffer” (v.12) who ensures “the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.” (v.18) These become very relevant during this Summer of His Love as we will see evidence of this God who is known for His justice.
Two favorite lines: “I will be filled with joy because of You” (v.2) and “Those who know Your name trust in you.” (v.9) Those two lines are worth significant pondering. We can be “filled with joy” just because He IS- and because we know it. A real revelation. And then to KNOW Him is to TRUST Him. All lack of trust comes from lack of knowing Him- not lack of Him doing something. Worth chewing on all day.
Prayer Points: God let Your justice roar. Let the nations awaken to You. Let the wicked be caught in their own schemes. Teach us how to partner with Your justice.
Written by: Johnny Enlow
Featured Image by chris ganser on Unsplash
67 DAY COUNTDOWN SERIES
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The 67 Day Countdown Series is brought to you by Johnny and Elizabeth Enlow, founders of Restore7 ministry, as well as international speakers and best-selling authors. Among Johnny’s books are The Seven Mountain Prophecy, The Seven Mountain Mantle, Rainbow God, The Seven Mountain Renaissance, Becoming A Superhero, and RISE. Elizabeth serves as CEO and penned Rainbow God: The Seven Colors of Love and God in Every Season.
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