BIG IDEA:
UNJUST RULERS WILL HAVE TO ANSWER TO THE SUPREME JUDGE
WHO IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY
(:1) INTRODUCTION -- CALL TO ORDER IN THE COURTROOM
the Judge is God Himself (in the midst of His own congregation)
the unjust rulers and unjust judges are the subjects of judgment
I. (:2-4) CASE AGAINST THE UNJUST RULERS
A. What They Have Been Doing Wrong
judge unjustly
show partiality to the weak
B. What They Should Be Doing Instead
vindicate the weak and fatherless
do justice to the afflicted and destitute
rescue the weak and needy
deliver them out of the hand of the wicked
II. (:5-7) CONDEMNATION OF THE UNJUST RULERS
A. (:5) Ignorance is No Excuse
"They do no know nor do they understand"
"They walk about in darkness"
B. (:6-7) Privilege and Rank Offer No Escape
(:8) CONCLUSION -- CALL TO JUDGMENT
Right to Judge based on Ownership
* * * * * * * * * *
DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:
1) How does this psalm invest the concept of the “Supreme Court” with new significance for you? Think of how arrogant some judges can be and yet they ultimately will be held accountable before the Highest of Authorities.
2) In contexts where we are responsible to make judgments (our family, our job, etc.) are we objective in listening to all of the evidence and weighing both sides or do we show partiality based on some other considerations?
3) Where does our hope lie to right the injustices of society and to take up for the cause of the weak, the afflicted, the defenseless, the orphans and widows?
4) In what sense can the ruling authorities of this world be referred to as “gods”? (Examine Romans 13 and the concept of the derived authority under which such judges operate.)
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