Psalm 119:118-120
The child of God is safe. The wicked of the earth are not only in great danger, but shall most assuredly be punished everlastingly for their sins. Children of God sing that too in this versification (PRC Psalter):
The froward Thou hast set at nought
Who vainly wander from the right;
The wicked Thou dost count as dross;
Thy just decrees are my delight;
For fear of Thee I stand in awe
And reverence Thy most holy law.
These words express the truth of Psalm 119:118-120 where we read: "Thou hast trodden down all them that err from Thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love Thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am afraid of Thy judgments."
History is full of that truth. The wicked are trodden under foot by God. Think of the destruction of the whole human race, with the exception of eight souls, at the time of the flood in Noah's day. Recall what happened to Egypt when ten plagues were sent, and at the Red Sea. But in due time every wicked man dies. How true: "Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross."
Is it any wonder then that the psalmist says that his flesh trembleth for fear of God and that he is afraid of God's judgments? But remember that in verse 117 he had prayed, "Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe." It is understandable that he is afraid of God's judgments, and that his flesh trembleth for fear of God. However, there is no contradiction here.
When the believer sees himself, he has reason to fear God for what He does to those whose sins were not blotted out by the blood of Christ. The torment of hell is enough to make our flesh tremble when we think of it, and when we realize how often we fall into sin.
But those who love God's testimonies, according to the new man in Christ implanted in them, can be sure that God will uphold them according to His word. Hold on to that word for its blessed comfort. God's judgment is awesome; but He gives us a sure comfort.
Read: Psalm 1
Psalter versification: #335:3
(Words and Music of the Psalter)
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
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Song for Meditation: Psalter #418
Why not sing along??
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Jeremiah 2:31-37 ; Jeremiah 3 ; Jeremiah 4:1-18
Colossians 1:1-17
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22
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Quote for Reflections
“How amazing also is the kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ towards us, who, notwithstanding his greatness, and our extreme insignificance, ‘is not ashamed to call us brethren!’ Truly infinite is the distance with regard to dignity between Christ and us — Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and us, who, considered in the most favorable light, are as persons ‘born out of due time.’” ~ Herman Witsuis
Additional Info
- Date: 4-October
Heys, John A.
Rev. John A. Heys was born on March 16, 1910 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was ordained and installed into the ministry at Hope, Walker, MI in 1941. He later served at Hull, Iowa beginning in 1955. In 1959 he accepted the call to serve the South Holland, IL Protestant Reformed Church. He received and accepted the call to Holland, Michigan Protestant Reformed Church in 1967. He retired from the active ministry in 1980. He entered into glory on February 16, 1998.