Troubles will be many in this life (Jn 16:33). For the Christian, we experience both physical and spiritual afflictions. Our primary adversaries are (a) sin (inherited corrupt nature and decaying body), and (b) persecution for our testimony and witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In his prayer, David is dealing with enemies who are persecuting him. He petitions God to take up his cause against them, “Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword” (v13). As we close this Psalm, David was able to endure his present-day struggles of human life by looking forwards to God’s glorious promise of the future. He highlights the inheritance of the righteous and the wicked.
Heaven NOW for the wicked. There is no future for the non-believer. As a result, they must chase after fleeting prosperity in this present life. Solomon observes, “But he who is joined with all the living has a hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. (5) For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. (6) Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun” (Ecc 9:4-6). They must pursue their “best life now” and place all their hope in earthly possessions and affections that perish in this world. David rightly understands that the wicked, “…portion is in this life.”
Reflection: Are we placing all our hope in the things of this world? An honest survey of our hearts under the light of scripture by the guidance of the Spirit helps us answer this question. To be clear,there is nothing wrong with enjoying things in this life, but is our pursuit and allegiance to such things greater than our love for God, his will, and his promises? Remember, what we believe and live out reveals what we treasure in our hearts (Mt 6:19-21).
God is our portion. He prospers the righteous in this life towards a glorious future. The Bible teaches that those who love God will not lack what we need to live for him not only in the future, but also our present (Mt 6:25-34). God not only preserves us now, but has promised a future hope in the new creation where we will share the full likeness of our Savior Jesus. When David says, “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (v15)…….The promise of the resurrection should come into our minds as New Testament believers (cf. 1 Cor 15:50-57).
Reflection: Why is the resurrection wonderful news? The answer is in understanding what it delivers us from for eternity. No longer will we have to endure the corruption of our sinful nature that wages war against Christ’s nature living in us (Gal 5:17). No longer will we suffer decaying bodies. No longer will we have to suffer the persecution of the world. No longer will we be made to feel as cultural lepers in society. Why? Jesus confronted and conquered our greatest enemies (sin and death) on the cross and rendered them powerless (subdued) in the resurrection!
It is because of this truth that we live out a faith that advances the kingdom of God that is already taking root in the current creation order. We do this knowing that when Jesus returns he will complete our labors for his kingdom into new creation. Nothing we do for God is in vain (1 Cor 15:58). God is our portion, and His Son rules over all creation. This hope should strengthen us daily in the face of life’s adversaries.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com