The Nations Have Come (Psalm 79)

Should we expect persecution all over the world? How should we deal with it? Let’s begin in Psalm 79.

A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)

Did the nations come to worship God or murder the saints?

O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. The dead bodies of Your servants They have given as food for the birds of the heavens, The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem, And there was no one to bury them. We have become a reproach to our neighbors, A scorn and derision to those who are around us. (Ps 79:1-4 NKJV)

Do we pray for martyrs in countries where God’s faithful are still murdered? How could anyone have the faith to be killed for their beliefs?

O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you—on kingdoms that do not call upon your name. For they have devoured your people Israel, making the land a desolate wilderness. Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair. (Ps 79:5-8 NLT)

When hard times come do we turn to God first, asking Him to forgive and preserve us?

Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let it be known among the nations, before our eyes, that vengeance for your servants’ blood is being poured out. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death. (Ps 79:9-11 WEB)

Do thoughts of vengeance ever enter our hearts? Do we leave vengeance to God?

Pay back our neighbors seven times over, right where it hurts, for the insults they used on you, Lord. We are, after all, your people and the sheep of your very own pasture. We will give you thanks forever; we will proclaim your praises from one generation to the next. (Ps 79:12-13 CEB)

Did Jesus contradict desiring vengeance or simply add how God expects us to treat our enemies?

You know you have been taught, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you. When someone slaps your right cheek, turn and let that person slap your other cheek. If someone sues you for your shirt, give up your coat as well. If a soldier forces you to carry his pack one kilometer, carry it two kilometers. When people ask you for something, give it to them. When they want to borrow money, lend it to them. (Mat 5:38-42 CEV)

Are these lyrics of Asaph’s Psalm in line with Paul’s words about leaving vengeance to God?

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom 12:17-19 ESV)

Is a similar request for God’s vengeance found among Christian martyrs?

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the people slaughtered because of God’s word and the testimony they had. They cried out with a loud voice: “Lord, the One who is holy and true, how long until You judge and avenge our blood from those who live on the earth?” So a white robe was given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little while longer until the number would be completed of their fellow slaves and their brothers, who were going to be killed just as they had been. (Rev 6:9-11 HCSB)

Should we expect persecution all over the world? How should we deal with it? You decide!