SOAP 11/21/2015; Psalm 98:9

Today's reading: Matthew 8, 9, 10*

S) "⁹ Before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth;
He will judge the world with righteousness
And the peoples with equity."

Psalm 98:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 98

O) This verse seems to be awkwardly divided from the previous verse. I didn't exactly want to take it out of context, but I did want to focus on this end to the psalm. The last three verses are poetical telling the world to praise God. Rivers and mountains are told to clap and sing before the LORD... and that's where this verse picks up. What really strikes me, is that they are implored to praise because God is coming to judge. And, He is coming to judge with righteousness and equity. That is to say, God is going to right every wrong, and no one will escape accountability. All of this judgment, even during the Old Testament, is going to hinge on the relationship status of people, relative to the LORD. What's essential to remember in view of this coming judgment, is that no one will have an excuse. When this closing verse is read in relation to vv.2-3, it is clear that people are held to a standard equally, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. This is reiterated in the New Testament, in Romans 1.

A) God will judge with equity, and His standard remains the same for all people. Perfection is the standard. For myself, I need to remember that grace does not lower that standard. Instead, in the gospel, in faith and trust and obedience to Christ, I am found righteous in Him. I am brought up to His level, and justified in Jesus Christ. I am elevated to the standard. So, this also means that I cannot believe the lie that grace means sin is no longer possible. I cannot be tempted to think that grace is a license to live however I want. I am brought up to share in the righteousness of God, but I do not share in His sovereignty. One day, I will also face judgment, so I must judge myself now, so that I can repent from my sins and have them washed away, before the Final Day is upon me.

P) Father, open my eyes to Your sovereignty, power, and justice. My sins deserve death, every single time. It is only by Your amazing grace, that I have life. It is because my sins were already punished on the cross, and Jesus took the death I deserve, and He defeated it. But, I confess that I am still prone to temptation. I still fall to sin. Father, please continue to discipline me. Help me grow, and mature, to become stronger and stronger. Not that I could ever be independent of my need for my Savior, but only that I may honor Your name more and more. I want to honor the name of Christ, to bring honor to You when I call myself a Christian. Be glorified in my obedience. Be glorified in my repentance. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.