Daily Devotional for Thursday, October 31

The Petition of Israel

“Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion. Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up: wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom. Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we bless you in the name of the Lord,” Psalm 129:5-8.

The psalmist poetically describes the plight of the righteous, stating, “Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion” (verse 5). In the face of opposition and hatred, the psalmist acknowledges the challenges faced by those who stand for righteousness. However, the focus is not on victimhood but on the resilience of God’s people. Despite the hostility, there is an unwavering commitment to remain steadfast in the faith, refusing to be deterred by difficult circumstances.

The vivid metaphor of the fields of the wicked paints a picture of a barren harvest. This imagery serves as a reminder of the emptiness that accompanies a life lived in opposition to God. The punishing yoke of sin and rebellion against God leads to an empty existence. In contrast, the righteous, unlike the grass on the housetops, find fulfillment in their commitment to God.

Despite adversity, the faithful Christian becomes a source of blessing to the world. In the face of hatred and opposition, the triumph of the Christian becomes a testimony to the power of God’s grace. As the children of Israel petition God for help, His response brings glory to His name and help to His children.

REMINDER
In our perseverance, may we shine as beacons of hope, testifying to the enduring faithfulness of our God.

Steven Ridings