Today’s reading is Psalm 64.
In Matthew 24, Jesus foretells the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. Many see what is going on there. However, I was a Christian a long time before I saw how Jesus had been talking about the judgment on Jerusalem for multiple chapters before.
In Matthew 21:33-45, Jesus told the parable of vineyard tenants who kill the son of the vineyard owner. What happens to them? He puts them to a miserable death and gives the vineyard to others. In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus tells the story of a wedding feast. The invitees don’t respond properly to the invitation. Instead, they kill the king’s servants sent to invite them. The king “destroyed those murderers and burned their city.” Hmmm. Which city do you suppose Jesus is really talking about here? In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces Woes on the scribes and Pharisees leading up to a woe on Jerusalem (though the word “woe” isn’t used in that paragraph). The scribes and Pharisees liked to claim they were better than their ancestors who martyred God’s prophets. But Jesus says He will be sending prophets, wise men, and scribes to them. Just like their fathers, they will persecute and execute them. He even mentions crucifixion. He says this will bring upon the generation to whom He speaks all the guilt of all the martyrs. Then He explains how much He wants to protect Jerusalem, but instead she will be judged and her house left desolate.
Do you see why all this is happening? In each case, the destruction of Jerusalem is predicated on the Jews executing God’s messengers, even God’s Son.
“Wait!” You say. “Aren’t we reading Psalm 64 this week? What does this have to do with that?”
In Psalm 64, David does not attack his enemies. He simply takes refuge in God. He rejoices in God. He hangs on to God. But what does he know will happen? God will bring judgment on the enemies for their attacks on God’s righteous one, God’s anointed. That is exactly how Jesus faces the attacks brought against Him. That is exactly how He faces the conspiracy that put Him on the cross. He took refuge in God. He told the apostles He could call 12 legions of angels. But He didn’t. He left it up to the Father to deal with. On the cross, He even cried out, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” Certainly, that could be nothing more than a statement about the impending separation of His spirit from His body. However, I think it is a bigger statement. Jesus was willing to take refuge in God all through the trial, the beating, the crucifixion, and even through death, because He trusted the Father to deal properly with this situation.
On the day of Pentecost, some of those who shouted, “Crucify” were brought to their knees in repentance. Jesus gladly accepted the mercy of God for them. In fact, He offered the sacrifice paying for the mercy they received. Sadly, some hung on to their rebellion, living lives which shouted, “Crucify.” Perhaps even more sadly, some turned to Jesus, then crucified Jesus afresh as they abandoned Him. In 70 AD, God drew His arrow and took aim. He brought judgment for the persecution and martyrdom Jerusalem brought on so many of His servants and especially on His Son.
And all mankind should fear. God brings judgment. But the one who follows in Jesus’s footsteps can take refuge in God and rejoice in Him. We can exult. Praise the Lord!
Next week’s reading is Psalm 65.
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