Psalm 82

A psalm of Asaph.

1 God presides in the great assembly;
he gives judgment among the "gods":

2 "How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
Selah

3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

4 Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

5 "They know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 "I said, 'You are "gods";
you are all sons of the Most High.'

7 But you will die like mere men;
you will fall like every other ruler."

8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
for all the nations are your inheritance.

The word 'gods' used in Psalm 82 in verses 1 and 6 appear to mean the judges of the land, according to the New King James Version of the Bible. Perhaps it could also mean those in authority - be it government or corporation - in today's context.

Imagine God calling all the rulers and leaders of the earth together, and asking them to give an account of what they have done. Questions like this will be asked: "Have you defended the weak and the fatherless? Have you maintained the rights of the poor and oppressed? Have you rescued the weak and needy and delivered them from the hands of the wicked? "

And I suspect, many of them will say no. Because they're busy pursuing their own desires.

With great power comes great responsibilities. When God puts us in a certain position of leadership and authority, He really expects us to be upholding justice and helping those in need.


O' Lord, help me always remember Your heart for the poor and needy, no matter what position I am in.


Things to ponder
1. At where you are right now, what are you doing about helping the poor and needy?
2. 20 years from now, what do you think you will be doing in helping the poor and needy?
3. Pray for yourself that you will always remember the poor and needy. Pray also for them that they will be able to get out of the poverty.