God Promises He Is a Righteous Judge

Psalm 9: 4, 7-9 For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously…7 The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. 8 He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. 9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
 
DAVID was celebrating his army’s victory over Israel’s enemies. He rejoiced the LORD is a righteous judge. Is it easy to say this when we “win” – when the LORD answers our prayers with a big, “Yes!” Can we believe the LORD is a righteous judge when life’s circumstances are difficult, when it seems the enemy is winning?
   In many contexts through the centuries, the Christian church and God’s faithful people could have doubted that God judges righteously. Too often, it appears the enemy is winning and having his way. When people talk of the church’s decline today, for example, where is God’s justice? How do we respond to laws that seem to restrict our right to speak and live our faith?
   One thing to know is that Jesus prophesied to his apostles – and ultimately to his church – the Christian life would be a troubled life with dangerous opposition: Luke 21:12 “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them.”
   Where’s the Righteous Judge as his people are persecuted and killed for their obedience to him? Righteousness defines God’s perfect character. It is his holiness, justice and faithfulness to declare and fulfill his promises to mankind. Jesus’ righteousness is his perfect life, even obedience unto death to be your Savior. Often the LORD is defining his righteousness through the trouble. He wanted Israel, and now the church, to know his way is the true way unto life. Evil leads only to death.  
   God’s righteous justice is a cleansing agent. He will not allow sin and injustice to be in his land. Examples of this are God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. Church history, too, demonstrates times when God cleansed his church of false teachings.
   And do you see his justice in your life? Have you experienced an awakening to understand your thoughts or behavior opposed God’s laws? Do you understand how something you are doing hurts another? Perhaps God is showing you that you lack the faith you need to have a righteous relationship with him. It is possible he is allowing trial in your life, so you know his truth is your only sure help. The LORD wants you to believe Psalm 9:18 But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.
   The end result of God’s righteous justice is your eternal life. You could not expect an end to evil if Jesus had not perfectly fulfilled God’s righteous laws. God’s righteous justice points to his absolute truth. Know that truth. And believe this is  his rule forevermore.