We are living in wicked days!

And while I realize some of these Lessons are read around the world, America (my home country) is rushing down the path to reprobation! (If she has not already arrived there.) I no longer call this Nation the “United States,” because she is not that any more.

God has long ago been shelved, as far as the national consciousness is concerned. Ignored! Belittled! Blasphemed more and more!

The only real “Prophets” I hear are sounding their voices from (not the pulpits of the great Churches of the Land, as it should be, and as it used to be) … but from a very few media outlets, and authors of little-recognized Books, and online “Blogs” echoing from the wilderness.

Things are now so bad that (at least in my opinion) only God Himself can rectify the situation.

Enter Psalm 74 into our discussion …

“Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.” (Psalm 74:22)

What a Prayer!

Turning the whole rebellious mess (the entire world) over to the Lord God of the universe. Whether He is acknowledged to be so or not!

Yes, this is clearly a prayer … “Arise O God!” Rousing God to action, as per His many Bible Commands!

Commands like this one: “Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Concerning the work of my hands command ye me.” (Isaiah 45:11)

Our Text for today again … “Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.”

The verb “to plead” is spelled “riyb” in Hebrew. A legal word implying a lawsuit! God challenging mankind in court! God the Plaintiff!

Actually the noun “cause” is again “riyb,” indicating contention, a struggle, a controversy! With a “courtroom” environment implied!

The verb “reproached,” certainly still accurate these 3,000 years later … means “scorned!” Or “shamed” or even “rebuked!”

In essence here Asaph (the Psalmist) is “telling” the Lord (out of respect for His Glorious Name) how humanity has been abusing Him! Cursing Him! Turning his righteous burden over to God, that is what Asaph is doing!

Asking God (since no human seems to be doing so) to defend Himself!

To call mankind into judgment!

To honor His Own Integrity and His Person!

To validate (if not vindicate) the Truth of the Scriptures, God’s Holy Word!

Wow!

What a prayer.

What a wise prayer!

“Tell it to Jesus,” as the old song says!

I think it is time to pray this one again (and again).

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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