20th October 2010
Reading Psalm 11 (Revised Berkeley Version)
I had always noted that the Psalmist often affirms God's blessings on the righteous while pronouncing His wrath on the wicked. This morning, that was again my first impression when reading this Psalm.
Verse 5 tells us about the wrath of YHWH: His soul hates the wicked. The next verse goes on to say that He rains coals of fire and brimstone on them, and a burning wind will be their portion.
As I read on, however, I noticed another contrast, not between the righteous and the wicked but among the righteous only. It's a contrast between what the righteous experience from YHWH and what they receive from Him.
"The LORD tests the righteous . . .", verse 5 says.
In contrast,
"The LORD loves righteousness, His countenance beholds the upright" verse 7 says.
The righteous will experience times of testing from the LORD. At the same time, however, they are loved by Him. They receive His love and attention. His countenance beholds them all.
The apostle James wrote to the Twelve Tribes in Dispersion, telling them in James 1:2-4 (Young's Literal Translation)
"All joy count it my brethren when ye fall into temptations (trials) manifold; knowing that the proof of your faith doth work endurance, and let the endurance have a perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire - in nothing lacking."
Let us remember that we are tested and loved by God our Father in Heaven.
