Today’s Reading:
Psalm 50:1-8 (1,4)
“The Lord the Mighty God has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets. He calls on the heavens above and on earth below to witness the judgement of His people”. (vv.1, 4)
Our God rules no one can contest it. God is God. “He is the LORD our God; his judgements are in all the earth “1 Chronicles 16:14 (NIV). He does whatever pleases Him. He is a righteous judge. The heavens speak of His righteousness, He walks in majesty. "God is a righteous judge, a God who displays His wrath everyday" Psalm 7: 11 (NIV). It is disheartening that some people take the loving kindness of God for granted. They however forget that the same God who is loving also punishes sinful act. God as the righteous judge will one day summon everyone to His judgement seat where everybody will receive the reward for whatever they have done whether good or bad.
The case against God’s people in our passage is questionable devotion to God in true worship. They were not worshipping God in truth and in spirit as requested in I John 4:24. Offering and sacrifices have replaced true worship of the living God. They were offering sacrifices and forgetting their significance. How often do we also fall into the error of participating in religious activities, tithe or attend church out of habit without a genuine heart of worship and obedience to God. This is a warning for believers to regularly examine themselves in order not to allow religious activities; denominational traditions replace intimate relationship with God.
Jesus counselled Ephesians believers to repent or face His judgement (Rev. 2:4). The anticipation of God’s judgement should serve as enough caution for everyone to fear the Lord, be sober, watch and pray, live in holy conduct and godliness with mercy and kindness to all.
Those who will be free from condemnation on the Day of Judgement are those who have confessed their sins; accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour and whose name are found written in the book of life. Remember, you cannot ignore Jesus here on earth and escape God’s judgement thereafter.
ODEYEMI VICTOR
Prayer point:
1. Father, we thank and adore your holy name because you rule in righteousness, in Jesus name.
2. Father, give us the grace to be upright at all times, in Jesus name.
3. Father, in the midst of pollution in the world, let righteousness reign in your church.
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