They do not know, nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are unstable.
--Psalm 82:5 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on May 1, 2013 of Psalm 82; Mark 6:30-56; Judges 10-11.
In Psalm 82, Asaph speaks of all those earthly judges who do not deal justly. These are men who hold court over other men but do not dispense justice. Asaph says they show partiality to the wicked (please see verse 2), perhaps because they are being bribed or maybe just to advance their own agenda. He pleads with God, the ultimate Judge, to provide justice for the victims of these corrupt judges (verses 3 and 4).
In today's focus verse, Asaph describes these men who put themselves above other men as not knowing, not understanding, of walking around in darkness. I'm willing to bet these men were perfectly aware of what they were doing, for their unjust acts obviously were to their personal gain in some way. But I believe Asaph is referring to their not understanding how their actions were impacting society as a whole. They failed to see the big picture (as some in business management are fond of saying). They were putting themselves ahead of others without realizing or caring about the ramifications to all mankind. Their self-serving actions jeopardized the very foundations of the earth, of civil society.
Any time a person is placed in a position of authority over others, they have in their hands the ability to impact the lives of others. Each time they make a decision affecting those people, they have the choice of who will benefit the most: themselves or those they serve. Those who act unjustly will put their own interests ahead of others, maybe help one group at the expense of others, if it helps meet their own ends. The "judges" that could fit Asaph's description today might come from our elected officials, appointed bureaucrats, and self-appointed rulers, from our police officers, or even from our pastors and teachers. Anyone who is faced with a decision must carefully consider how their choice might affect others. While it is easy to see how the decisions a national leader makes could conceivably shake the very foundations of civilization, it can be a little more difficult to understand that the choices a normal, common person makes may have a huge impact over time. Even the decisions a Sunday School teacher makes in how to instruct their students, or by showing favor to some over others, can have far reaching effects as those students share what they learn. Consider a simple girl named Ruth, whose decisions and actions ultimately led up to the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus (please reference the Book of Ruth).
If we walk about in darkness, our choices can prove disastrous. We must seek the light of Jesus, go to Him for guidance when deciding which direction to take. We can judge justly, with our Lord's help. Amen.
Dearest Lord Jesus, You came into this world to be a lamp unto our feet, our guide in times of indecision. Help us, please Lord, take the correct path when presented with more than one way to go. Help us see how our choice may impact the lives of so many others, and to choose so that they are served rather than be selfish and fill our own needs only. In Your glorious name, O Jesus we pray. Amen.
In today's focus verse, Asaph describes these men who put themselves above other men as not knowing, not understanding, of walking around in darkness. I'm willing to bet these men were perfectly aware of what they were doing, for their unjust acts obviously were to their personal gain in some way. But I believe Asaph is referring to their not understanding how their actions were impacting society as a whole. They failed to see the big picture (as some in business management are fond of saying). They were putting themselves ahead of others without realizing or caring about the ramifications to all mankind. Their self-serving actions jeopardized the very foundations of the earth, of civil society.
Any time a person is placed in a position of authority over others, they have in their hands the ability to impact the lives of others. Each time they make a decision affecting those people, they have the choice of who will benefit the most: themselves or those they serve. Those who act unjustly will put their own interests ahead of others, maybe help one group at the expense of others, if it helps meet their own ends. The "judges" that could fit Asaph's description today might come from our elected officials, appointed bureaucrats, and self-appointed rulers, from our police officers, or even from our pastors and teachers. Anyone who is faced with a decision must carefully consider how their choice might affect others. While it is easy to see how the decisions a national leader makes could conceivably shake the very foundations of civilization, it can be a little more difficult to understand that the choices a normal, common person makes may have a huge impact over time. Even the decisions a Sunday School teacher makes in how to instruct their students, or by showing favor to some over others, can have far reaching effects as those students share what they learn. Consider a simple girl named Ruth, whose decisions and actions ultimately led up to the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus (please reference the Book of Ruth).
If we walk about in darkness, our choices can prove disastrous. We must seek the light of Jesus, go to Him for guidance when deciding which direction to take. We can judge justly, with our Lord's help. Amen.
Dearest Lord Jesus, You came into this world to be a lamp unto our feet, our guide in times of indecision. Help us, please Lord, take the correct path when presented with more than one way to go. Help us see how our choice may impact the lives of so many others, and to choose so that they are served rather than be selfish and fill our own needs only. In Your glorious name, O Jesus we pray. Amen.
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