Intro: In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us why we can place our absolute confidence in God—because he cannot act unrighteously in his judgements. In this world, leaders can rise to power in unrighteous ways; therefore, their power is self-serving and corrupt. However, God has absolute power and we are safe with his rule, because he can never make decisions or act against his perfect character and love for us. Aren’t you ready for this Ruler?
As we continue our celebration of the Advent of God’s Love expressed in Christ, we must remember we cannot love God with our whole being—heart, soul, and mind—and still love and accept as good the things God hates (Mat 22:37). These include putting others down while considering ourselves superior, spreading lies and rumors, spilling the blood of the innocent, plotting evil in our hearts toward another, gloating over doing what’s plainly wrong, spouting lies in false testimony, and stirring up strife and deception (Pro 6:16-19). These things are the work of evil and they all stand in a rebellious heart seeking to usurp the authority of God. Sin and corruption is not something believers love, because it grieves the heart of our First Love—Jesus. If we want to live with God protecting us, rescuing us from the wicked, shining light to guide our lives, and imparting joy to our very souls, we must live in God’s righteousness. Christ in the manger of our hearts brings the only answer for peace with God and our neighbors. Rejoice, because God is good to his people and living in Christ should be an easy choice to make.
Psalm 97:10-12 (NLT)
10
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He protects the lives of his godly people
and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
11
Light shines on the godly,
and joy on those whose hearts are right.
12
May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord
and praise his holy name!
Prayer: Lord, may any sin in my life grieve me as much as it does you. Help me to walk in your righteousness, so I may enjoy the beauty of your loving care each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.