In today’s passage, David does a wonderful job of describing the wicked. He points out how their sin, deception, and evil ways towards God and to their neighbor places them in a position as his enemies. The word “enemy” when speaking of a person might seem harsh. So, let’s take a moment to remember what Jesus says about those who refuse to welcome the Truth of His message.
When Jesus sends the Apostles out, in Matthew 10, He instructs them to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness, in His Name. He also tells them that they are not to accept money or anything of value, that they are to travel light, they are to accept hospitality, and they are to bless those households who have been a blessing to them. Jesus goes on to tell the Apostles that “If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on judgment day.” (V.14-15)
Our hearts (or household) should be like David’s heart and long for the Truth of Christ to be seen, heard, and revealed to our neighbors through us. We cannot allow the enemy, Satan, to use our words, actions, or inactions to harm others. When this happens, we must quickly confess our sinful ways, immediately turn back to the Truth, and ask Jesus for His unfailing forgiveness. Far too often, Satan will use our neighbor in an attempt to stand against Jesus, and His Truth that is rooted deep within our lives. We must not meet our neighbor, who is blind to the Truth, within that place of sin. Rather we need to cry out to the Lord. Seek for Him to shield our hearts with His strength as He covers us with His grace and fills us with His mercy. Friends, we must be ready for Jesus’s return.
Psalm 28 (NLT)
A psalm of David.
1 I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die.
2 Listen to my prayer for mercy
as I cry out to you for help,
as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked—
with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
while planning evil in their hearts.
4 Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
Give them a taste of what they have done to others.
5 They care nothing for what the Lord has done
or for what his hands have made.
So he will tear them down,
and they will never be rebuilt!
6 Praise the Lord!
For he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
8 The Lord gives his people strength.
He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.
9 Save your people!
Bless Israel, your special possession.
Lead them like a shepherd,
and carry them in your arms forever.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for shielding my heart from evil. I need for You to be my strength, today, and every day that follows, until we meet face-to-face in heaven. In the meantime, please help me to stand with You and against all evil. Holy Spirit, please guide me with Your wisdom to know when to brush the dust of those who are being moved by Satan from my feet. My feet stand on You, Jesus, Who is the Rock of my Salvation. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. I ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.