Psalm 119:21,22
Since spiritually we belong to another kingdom than the unbelievers do they reproach us and show contempt. We will be despised and scorned. Upon that we can depend. In the measure that we reveal our citizenship to be in heaven, the unbelievers will hate us, despise us, and in the days of the antichrist persecute us sorely.
As citizens of a nation that conquered another land are despised and held in contempt by those conquered, so we are by those who belong to the kingdom over whose prince, Satan, Christ triumphed. That is why the psalmist writes in Psalm 119:21, 22, "Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from Thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept Thy testimonies.'' He is not speaking of reproach and contempt that God hurls at him. In the next verse he says, ''Princes also did sit and speak against me.'' He means rulers besides the citizens that reproached and showed contempt. Those under Satan hate those who are citizens of Christ's kingdom. Even those who should protect them, the princes, however, sit in judgment against them, and speak against them though their calling is to defend them.
This gives us a warning of what is ahead as we approach the end of time. Already we begin to see the world defending as well as protecting those who break God's law. Cursing and swearing are now considered cultured and refined language. Murder, adultery, Sabbath desecration are lauded and defended by authorities! Satan uses churches to ridicule and write scornfully of those that hold to the truth.
But note that God rebukes the proud; and in due time He will punish them. Sing then and get your children to sing (PRC Psalter):
Thou dost rebuke the proud, O Lord,
Who hate Thy holy Name;
But since I keep Thy righteous law,
Deliver me from shame.
Read: Matthew 24:1-22
Psalter versification: #323:3
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
I Samuel 22
I Samuel 23
John 10:1-21
Psalm 115
Proverbs 15:18-19
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Quote for Reflection:
"… If we dislike our calling, because the labor which we undertake appears to be unproductive, yet, when the Lord exhorts us to steadiness and perseverance, we ought to take courage; in the end we shall obtain a happy result, but it will be at the proper time..." --John Calvin
Additional Info
- Date: 18-May
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.