If we are honest, we would admit to think out loudly “how long, Oh Lord, shall the wicked triumph (win, rule, reign)”? There would actually be nothing wrong with this question, because it is a direct quote from the Bible, namely, Psalm 94:3.
In evil times such as these, where we see our Christian brothers and sisters, their homes, churches and very lives constantly in the crosshairs of one particular religious system or another socialist government, we are hard-pressed to not be concerned. Even in the so-called “civilized” western world (Europe, the UK and North America), the religious liberty of Christians are under increasing assault to the point of absolute unfairness. Even the crucifix necklace on a British airline stewardess, her own private jewelry, became an issue in recent years.
Still, Psalm 103 verse 6 tells us that the Lord performs righteous deeds and judgments (or justice) for all who are oppressed. All of this is true, even if the timing we look forward to, wish would happen, and God’s OWN Timing, do not sync!
Right off the bat, we must understand that the righteousness or righteous deeds which God does for His people reside in His provision for our Salvation and provision. There is nothing more important. Faith is the key. The Bible tells us that Abraham believed God and it was reckoned unto him as “righteousness”. Because Abraham, or you or I believe – God does something amazing – He takes our Faith in Him and makes us in right standing before Him. Do not despise this because on Judgment Day – when the majority of the world will fall into disrepute and the pit, the Standing before God is what will carry us into heaven.
The justice of God, however, can both either be swift and/or delayed for those who are oppressed and/or treated unfairly. In fact, the object or victims of anti-Christian persecution can be assured of one thing – that they belong to God and their destination is heaven. Some of the judgments against the wicked may be postponed to the after-life, but there are some consequences, in this life, for those who oppressed God’s people in this life. The sins of the fathers are visited on the sons. This is evident to anyone who looks at these things with objective eyes. The children of the wicked become twice as much children of perdition as their predecessors and usually have more difficult lives than their quirky ancestors.
As in anything else, if some of these children of the wicked repent, turn to Jesus Christ, ask forgiveness and attempt to make things right, they are absolutely welcome into the kingdom. There is ample evidence of former terrorists who have been radically saved and are now serving Jesus Christ both here and in Israel, as fellow heirs in the Kingdom. Even a son of Madelyn Murray O'Hair, who got the US Supreme Court to remove the Bible and Prayer from the American public square, is now a pastor. God saves whom He will save. However His justice will never be denied.
Psalm 94 is a great example of Scripture explaining scripture. Psalm 94 is almost like a spotlight on the message of Psalm 103, verse 6. Note the underlined passages, by way of explanation and marvel at how the Lord speaks out in the open, about His Ways and How He plans to deal with things.
Psalm 94:1-15
1 O Lord, God of vengeance,
God of vengeance, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth,
Render recompense to the proud.
3 How long shall the wicked, O Lord,
How long shall the wicked exult?
4 They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly;
All who do wickedness vaunt themselves.
5 They crush Your people, O Lord,
And afflict Your heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger
And murder the orphans.
7 They have said, “The Lord does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.”
8 Pay heed, you senseless among the people;
And when will you understand, stupid ones?
9 He who planted the ear, does He not hear?
He who formed the eye, does He not see?
10 He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke,
Even He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man,
That they are a mere breath.
12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord,
And whom You teach out of Your law;
13 That You may grant him relief from the days of adversity,
Until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not abandon His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
15 For judgment will again be righteous,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
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