SOAP 12/14/2015; Psalm 140:8

Today's reading: Hebrews 12, 13; Jude 1*

S) "⁸ Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
Do not promote his evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah."

Psalm 140:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 140

O) There are many (almost certainly most) psalms, that ask for God to destroy the wicked. Many times, this is specific to a particular enemy that the people were facing at that time (whether it's a psalm of David, facing a warring neighbor, or the exiles facing eradication, etc.). Even in this psalm, the verses that follow the one above are asking God to vindicate His people. Whenever we read verses that ask for that kind of destruction, we must remember the context is different. Nowhere in the New Testament, do we find examples of God's people seeking the destruction of their enemies. Jesus preached quite the opposite. But, in the verse above, we see a glimpse of a better way. While it is not okay to seek the annihilation of our enemies now, we should absolutely pray that their desires are not granted. Certainly, this is in line with God's will, because He does not wish for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Receiving what their evil hearts desire would only prolong, encourage, and exalt that wickedness. Furthermore, when that wickedness is carried to its final conclusion, that would mean the destruction of those who practice those evil devices. That should not be my desire (as it is not truly God's either). So, praying that the wicked are not granted their evil desires, would be an act of grace to them, and possibly a first step toward God.

A) Certainly, this should be the prayer of my heart in confrontation with enemies (of the gospel, of peace, of righteousness, etc.). When I was living a selfish life, I was a hedonist for all intents and purposes. If I was allowed every evil desire of my wicked heart at that time, it would have meant my certain destruction. It would have been terrible for me. The heart of a good father desires good things for his children. He does not simply give his children whatever they desire. If they desire something evil, a good dad will not give it to them. This is the heart behind this prayer. I am asking God, in His grace, to treat evil people as His children. This is not always the case. We can see many examples in Scripture (even in the New Testament) of God allowing people to have their sinful desires, to their destruction. So, for me to love my enemies, and certainly anyone I love who is not an enemy of mine, but still an enemy of God (who is rightly still called my enemy, then), it would be absolutely right for me to adopt this prayer for them.

P) Father, in Your grace, You did not grant me the evil desires I had. That was partly how You drew me back into a right relationship with You. Father God, I ask that You also do not grant the desires of the wicked whom I love. Do not promote their evil devices, that they will not be exalted. Frustrate their evil plans, that they would realize the futility of wickedness. Let them be drawn instead, to the goodness of Your light. Be glorified in my life, that they might see my life as an example of Your grace and mercy, love, peace, and joy. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.