How should believers respond to God's judgment as seen in Psalm 21:10? Setting the verse in context • Psalm 21 is a royal psalm celebrating the king’s victory, which ultimately reflects the Messiah’s triumph. • Verses 8-12 shift from praise for past help to confidence in future judgment on God’s enemies. • Verse 10: “You will wipe their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from the sons of men.” Observing what the verse says • Judgment is total—“wipe…from the earth.” • Judgment is personal—“You will…” shows the Lord Himself acts. • Judgment is generational—“descendants…offspring,” underscoring how thorough and final His justice is (cf. Exodus 34:7 for the principle that iniquity has consequences through generations). What this teaches about God’s judgment • It is certain—God’s word guarantees it (Isaiah 55:11). • It is righteous—He judges only those who remain His enemies (Psalm 7:11-12). • It is severe—no partial measures, because holiness demands full accounting (Hebrews 10:31). • It protects His people—removing evil preserves the covenant community (Psalm 37:38). Appropriate responses for believers • Stand in holy fear – Awe at His holiness (Psalm 33:8). – Humble gratitude that wrath fell on Christ for us (1 Thessalonians 1:10). • Rest in His justice – Refuse retaliation, leaving vengeance to Him (Romans 12:19). – Trust that every hidden wrong will be dealt with (Ecclesiastes 12:14). • Persist in hope – Anticipate the final renewal when evil is erased (Revelation 21:4-8). – Draw courage for present trials, knowing God wins (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). • Proclaim the gospel – Judgment highlights the urgency of salvation (Acts 17:30-31). – Share Christ’s escape route from wrath (John 3:36). • Cultivate purity – Separate from wickedness that God will one day destroy (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). – Live as children of light who “shine like stars” in a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15). Encouragement for today • God’s verdict over evil is not in question; its timing alone awaits. • Every injustice we endure is already on His docket—nothing is overlooked. • Our calling is to walk in reverent confidence: firm in hope, busy in witness, steady in holiness, certain that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). |
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