THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Life Through Gods Justice

Week 7-November 4-8, 2013

Psalm 82:1-8
Monday- Read Psalm 82:1 There are various levels of judges in our society. Some have the official position and title. Others have the role without the title. Others of us, at the most individual level, make decisions about all sorts of things. We are looked at by our children, by people we work with, we are even trusted by a person stopped at a stop sign wondering if we are going to stop so that they my safely proceed through the intersection. According to Asaph, who is our ultimate judge? How should that affect our decision-making? Tuesday- Read Psalm 82:2 Evidently the leaders of Israel were making partial decisions. They were not being just judges. With Jeremiah 17:9 in mind, why is it that people (and that includes you and me), have a tendency to make partial decisions? With Romans 8:5 in mind, how can you guard against making partial decisions (most often selfish ones)? Ask God, through His Holy Spirit, to have full control of your heart. Ask Him to give you the ability to honor Him with your decisions. Wednesday- Read Psalm 82:3-4 Who are the weak in our society? Do you see them around you? Can some be seen? Are the weak children, adults, or the elderly? What makes a person afflicted or destitute? The word in verse 3 has the meaning of deliver or rescue. Talk to some of your family and/or friends and ask the question, How can we be a part of helping rescue the helpless? Thursday- Read Psalm 82:5-7 How would verse 5 help us to have compassion for the helpless? God had warned the unjust judges (individuals with power) of Israel that they would suffer judgment themselves for their injustice. The last part of verse 7 talks about those who have acted unjustly as having falling away (death) and being remembered like a mere mortal. Their legacy as a leader would not be of any significance. Why would this be a motivation for a correction of their behavior? Is this a motivation for you? Why or why not? Friday- Read Psalm 82:8 Asaph concluded this psalm by calling for God to judge the whole earth, not just Israel. The world, then as now, needs righteous judgment that only God, the righteous Judge, can provide. God's provision of Jesus Christ, to whom He has committed all judgment (John 5:22-30), was His answer to this petition. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:10. Do you affirm that you, as a Christian, will be held accountable to your actions? How should this truth affect your actions?