Bible Studies

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The Psalms
Psalm 82 – Being God-like to the World
Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 1-2: “God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods He holds judgment; ²’how long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?’” – The psalmist is referring to the god-like status of the Judges of Israel in the manner they rule and issue judgment.
  
  
• 3-4: “Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. ⁴Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – This is a call and a reminder of the importance of taking care of those in need.
  
  
• 5: “They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk around in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.” – The world is filled with people who walk in the darkness of not knowing God.
  
  
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  6-7: “I say, ‘You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you; ⁷nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, and fall like any prince.’” – As the judges sit in their seats of knowledge they fulfill the role of god over those they rule. But even in there positions of self-importance, they will crumble and die just like everyone else.
  
  
• 8: “Rise up, O God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to you!” – Though many people attempt to become god-like in the way they rule others, ultimately there is only one God that all are accountable to.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Are you in a position of power? Do you pass judgment over others? In your god-like role in life, who are you holding in esteem? Do you tend to hold up and emulate the rich, famous, or powerful people in society? Do you overlook those in need, outcast, and downtrodden? The psalmist is asking you to look deeper into your interactions with other people to insure that you are not blindly giving support and special favor to the rich and ignoring those truly in need. Who are your friends and who are you putting down?
  
  
• Are you rescuing the weak and needy? As you count the blessings that God has provided you in life, do wonder what God expects you to do with them? Has He enriched your life so that you can be comfortable and secure or does He want you to be a blessing to others; reaching out into their lives and fulfilling their needs? What have you done today to help those in need?
  
  
• Are you a god? The psalmist suggests as a child of God made in His own image, that you are a god. Jesus used this psalm to argue His own divinity as the Son of God. (see John 10:34-38) If you are a god, if you have a special role in God’s kingdom, what should you do? How should you act? Does this help you to recognize the importance of your actions; that when people look at you it could be their only vision of God in their life? Are you acting god-like and doing god-like things?
  

Promise of the Gospel:

The psalmist is being very critical of the leaders of Israel. He suggests that, as leaders, they should be more responsible in the way they act and treat other people. We can personalize this indictment when we come to realize that as Christians, we are leaders in God’s kingdom. People look to us to gain knowledge and understanding of God. They look to us to find ways out of the darkness and into the light. Because of this, our actions, priorities, and ways we deal with other people come under close scrutiny. Everything we do and all the blessings we have received from God should be focused on bringing the light to those in need and weak in faith. We may not want to assume the role of being god-like but, as Christians and since we are made in His image, we are called to grow His kingdom. We may not feel god-like but the world is watching us in order that they may catch a glimpse of God.

FUMC Devotionals

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