December 2
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PSALM 82 WARNING TO JUDGES & RULERS
God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;
7 nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! – Psalm 82:1-8
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Let all those who have authority to exercise justice heed to God
For they are all accountable to the Most High, king of all
When they discriminate the fatherless and those who are destitute
They will be judged according to their prejudices and partiality
The Lord puts them in their positions to judge fairly
They have to protect especially the weak and the needy.
Be warned all you who are in positions of authority
Exercise your power to raise the level of equality
Rule and lead with God’s decree always in your mind
For the Lord holds you accountable; exercise wisdom
See that you don’t forget the fatherless and the weak
Remember in the end you will be judged by the Lord Most High.
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REFLECTION
• Who was the psalmist referring to in verse 1 when he said in the midst of gods he holds judgment?
• Why are Christians called to pray for rulers and all those in authority in 1 Timothy 2:1-2?
• Do you think Christians should be involved in politics? Why or why not?