Vindication

Read: Psalm 9:1-10

For you have judged in my favor; from your throne you have judged with fairness. Psalm 9:4

IN WORD

A raw deal, the short straw, the wrong end of the stick—whatever the idiom, it’s painful and embarrassing to feel slighted, betrayed, or usurped. It’s one thing to lose a game, but another to lose in life’s circumstances. Defeat eats at us and, if we aren’t careful, sows seeds of bitterness in our hearts. When we’ve been wronged, we just want things to be made right.

That’s an implicit promise of Scripture for those who cling to the God of justice. It makes no sense for His Word to declare how just and righteous He is while His people continue to get the consolation prize rather than His full blessings. Yes, we understand the fallen condition of this world and the fact of persecution. We’re humble enough to realize not everything is going to go our way. But we are also in a living relationship with a victorious God who calls us overcomers and promises that all things will work together for our good. Sometimes we just want—and need—Him to vindicate us.

He will. His justice is personal. You can appeal to this God. The Word of God calls Jesus the Advocate. When injustice threatens, when court systems seem callous or nonsensical, when ungodly people inflict suffering, you can appeal to a higher authority. It doesn’t mean He will work everything out as you expect Him to immediately, but it does mean He will work everything out. History will not end with lingering injustices. You will be vindicated everywhere you need to be.

IN DEED

Call to the God of justice. Call to Him persistently, brashly, even relentlessly—just like the widow Jesus commended for pestering an unjust judge. If an unrighteous judge is bothered enough to grant justice, will not a good God quickly establish justice for His chosen ones who cry to Him day and night (Luke 18:7)? Of course He will. He is a God of vindication. He establishes truth and righteousness in His world. And He responds to those who cry out to Him.

ADDITIONAL READING: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.

JOHN WESLEY