I just thought I’d go through this Psalm today, before responding to anyone. What I gathered from Psalm 36 today is further support to the perspective that those who fully reject Christ will naturally have an ultimate end. Consequently, because we have Christ, and because Christ lives forever, so we shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
Now, of course, we can talk about that statement on the wicked, but being who I was built, I gravitate and focus on what we do what in Christ, and what we would want everyone to have… that is, no less than Christ Himself. I know I wanted a surprise today (I’d like a surprise every day, actually), but I really would like anyone and everyone to have Christ. If I was asked about my birthday wish, that would be it. -JB
“An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes, when he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. He devises wickedness in his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not abhor evil.” –Psalm 36:1-4
Not spending too much time here. Rather, I don’t really want to, but let’s see. Let’s try to put this all together.
As the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, so there is no wisdom to be had without it. On the other hand, what’s left to do is ‘fear’ yourself, in that you would place your full trust in yourself, or what you think of yourself, for that matter. With that said, without Christ, the natural tendency is to flatter yourself, and more so when you make a mistake (you cover yourself), and when you hate (under the guise of self-righteousness).
*Speaking of which, you’ll know when you have done iniquity. You’ll know when you hate. And the response devoid of wisdom is, as mentioned, to flatter yourself.
I see that if self-affirmation (apart from Christ) isn’t doing anything, what’s next to do is to put down those who are around, with words of wickedness and deceit. When nobody is around to see how these people build themselves up, when nobody is around to tear down, the contents of their hearts and minds are contemplation on wickedness, without caring if what he/she devises is evil or not.
Having tasted and rejected (‘he has ceased to be wise and to do good’), there’s nothing left to do for them but to glorify themselves. Unfortunately, they remain as creations, and as creations have a beginning and end, so do they. All their accomplishments and victories, all will have its end.
The tragedy of the wicked is that they will end.
“Your mercy, o Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.How previous is Your lovingkindness, o God! Therefore the children of men have put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and you give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” – Psalm 36:5-9
*An exhortation*
How deep, how wide, how long, how high is Your love, my God! Your mercy, faithfulness, righteousness and wisdom can and would be seen in all of creation. Truly, Your glory is evident in all that our own created eyes could behold!
Whether we look up to the vast skies and the thundering clouds, of from high upon the shoulders of the mighty peaks, down into the deepest of oceans, lo, there You are, not just Your glory, but You, Yourself! You preserve us in Your righteousness, Your precious lovingkindness!
We find refuge, and yet, not just refuge, but complete safety and absolute satisfaction; fully safe under your wings, definitely satisfied in the fullness of Your house; Our thirst is quenched, we are refreshed from the river of Your pleasures! Wherever we may be, indeed, Jesus, You made it possible, You guaranteed this: No matter what the circumstance, oh, we can and will enjoy You! We can delight in You, anytime, anywhere!
You are the great fountain of Life, the source of Living Water from our bellies! You are the Light of the world, Light that shines in the darkness, Light that is life, giving light to every man coming into the world!
So many perspectives, eternal perspectives to Your eternal glory, goodness, and love!
Your glory, Your great glory is truly seen in all creation. We are completely safe and fully satisfied with Your glory in us. Full glory, in and out, forever. Thank You, Jesus!
“Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.There the workers of iniquity have fallen; they have been cast down and are not able to rise.” – Psalm 36:10-12
In and through Christ we continue, for His endless lovingkindness and righteousness and alive in us. He watches over us, and so we are kept, His glory constant no matter what pride and wickedness would do.
Through Christ we shine His light and endless rivers and streams of living water flow, calling out to one and all, for in iniquity we are sure to fall, cast down, unable to rise.
May we all behold and take in this Life and Light!
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