Righteous Indignation

Psalm 119:53 - "Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law."

Eugene Peterson paraphrases Psalm 119:53 as follows, "But when I see the wicked ignore your directions, I'm beside myself with anger."

Have you ever felt that way? It's called righteous indignation. And, it's easy to feel that way. But, let's be honest. All of us are guilty of forsaking God's law from time to time. So, what is it that makes David so angry here? I think it's the repeated disregard for the laws of God that the ungoldy show. David has already talked about how he was being continually mocked by his accusers. He felt angry, because these were people who had no regard whatsoever for his God.

Fast forward about a thousand years and Jesus Christ comes on the scene. Instead of righteous indignation for the ungodly, Jesus was indignant towards those who called themselves followers of Yaweh, but who worshiped Him with their lips only. Jesus had compassion on the unrepentent. It was for them that he came.

Today, I see many believers who treat the world like the enemy. The world is not our enemy. Satan is. And, Satan has convinced multitudes that they don't need God. These multitudes need to see the love and grace of God lavished upon them. So, be His hands and feet to a world that needs Christ. And, let's let God be the judge.

Dear God,

It's easy to get frustrated when we see Your name defamed, and your people mocked. It's easy to want to fight back. Help us to show your love and grace to your largest critics. Do a miracle. Bring those who are farthest from you into a relationship with you, and use us in your redemptive process.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.