The day is coming when the antichrist will rule the whole world. Then those that believe in Christ will be oppressed with starvation, not being able to buy or sell (Rev. 13:15-17). They will, however, have every reason in that day to sing:
The Lord will judge in righteousness
For all that are oppressed;
To all His saints His gracious acts
And ways are manifest.
God Himself through David wrote this in Psalm 108:6,7 in these words: "The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel."
We may note, however, how particular God's love and grace are. Israel was oppressed by Egypt. Therefore "all that are oppressed" does not include those that oppress, namely the Egyptians. God's love and grace come not to all men. He does not love everybody; and His grace is only upon those that belong to Christ. Christ is The Israel. That name means Prince of God, and Christ is The Prince of Peace. The "children of Israel" then are the children of Christ, the believers.
What is more, "the Lord executeth righteousness and judgment." That means that those who are not judged to be righteous in Christ are guilty and worthy of everlasting punishment. They may not have God's love and grace for even one minute.
It is true that all men are oppressed, being under the curse because of Adam's sin. But here is a special oppression. Israel was oppressed by Egypt, and Egypt was not under this oppression. So it is that, as Jesus said, "I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14,15). He died for the oppression of a particular group of people. God's love and grace are only for them.
Let us then bless God for that cross of Christ. Because of it, God judges us to be righteous; and then the first benefit, namely the forgiveness of our sins, was realized. Now, out of it all the blessings of salvation flow. Do not forget to bless God for this particular blessing of being made righteous in Christ.
Read: John 10:1-30
Psalter versification: 277:5
(Words and Music of the Psalter)
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
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Song for Meditation: Psalter number 140
Why not sing along??
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Isaiah 43:14-28; Isaiah 44; Isaiah 45:1-10
Ephesians 3:1-21
Psalm 68:1-18
Proverbs 24:1-2
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Quote for Reflection:
… Peter’s tears, which he shed in secret, testified before God and the angels that his repentance was true; for, having withdrawn from the eyes of men, he places before him God and the angels; and, therefore, those tears flow from the deep feelings of his heart. This deserves our attention; for we see many who shed tears purposely, so long as they are beheld by others, but who have no sooner retired than they have dry eyes. Now there is no room to doubt that tears, which do not flow on account of the judgment of God, are often drawn forth by ambition and hypocrisy. – John Calvin
