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"At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity."

~ Psalm 75:2

 

After two psalms, one corporate and one individual, lamenting the temporal prosperity of the wicked and their oppression of the poor and needy and righteous; Asaph pens a psalm firmly acknowledging God as Judge over all these matters.  Asaph begins by giving corporate thanks to God for his “wondrous deeds” and the “nearness” of his name (v.1). 

Then God speaks with resolution about the appointed time and the equity of his judgment (v.2).  God affirms his power and control of all created things (v.3).  God asserts his rightful authority to rule over the hearts and words and actions of all people (v.4-5).  It is a measure of his grace that he gives such commands, making all men without excuse and self-condemned, but yet with ample time to repent.

Next, comes a form of teaching that stems from God’s pronouncement; an elaboration that real and lasting “lifting up” does not come from what man does for/to himself (v.6), but God alone “puts down” and “lifts up” (v.7).

God’s wrath is often described as being poured out, as a cup, or as wine/strong drink.  Here too, we see that imagery and symbolism.  Verse 8 describes “a cup with foaming wine”, mixed with spices, in the hand of the LORD that will be poured out and imbibed “down to the dregs” by “all the wicked” (v.8).  This pictures the full and extreme wrath of God against sin, the punishment that must be inflicted and eternally endured by each and every one who refuses to repent and believe and follow the gracious rule of the LORD God.

The gospel reminds us that Jesus drank the full cup of God’s wrath on our behalf.  There is not a single drop that remains for us!  Jesus prayed that the cup might pass but he desired the will of the Father more than his own.  May we, too, desire the will of our Heavenly Father far above our own; not to have the cup of wrath pass (for that is FINISHED) but because it has!  

Let us declare forever, along with Christ the Lord, the praises of God; because he has “cut off the horns of the wicked” and “lifted up the horns of [those he has made] righteous.” (v.9-10)