Daily Worship

Come on Ref!

John Povey July 13, 2025 3 1
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Psalm 82 (NIVUK)

1 God presides in the great assembly;
    he renders judgment among the ‘gods’:

2 ‘How long will you defend the unjust
    and show partiality to the wicked?
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

5 ‘The “gods” know nothing, they understand nothing.
    They walk about in darkness;
    all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 ‘I said, “You are ‘gods’;
    you are all sons of the Most High.”
7 But you will die like mere mortals;
    you will fall like every other ruler.’

8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
    for all the nations are your inheritance.

Psalm 82 is an expression of the natural human desire for God to intervene in the world’s affairs. “How long…” (verse 2) is a question we often ask. By verse 8 the writer is beginning to get excited! “Rise up. O God, judge the earth”.

There are echoes here of the sports fan shouting from the sidelines,“Come on ref!” Who would be an umpire, an arbiter, or a referee? What an incredibly difficult and stressful position to be in — adjudicating while balancing competing cries of what is fair or unfair!

Taking part in sports and games, learning to play well, to win or to lose well, and to respect the decision of the ref even after our protests, can all be useful in training us for life skills. In this way the things we enjoy doing can become a blessing to us.

In the serious business of life, isn’t it wonderful to know that sitting on the throne of the universe is a God who judges fairly? He is my defence, my provider, my protection. I can run to him, knowing that He cares about my situation. He cares about my predicament.  He cares about my weaknesses. He cares about my needs. He cares about justice and fair play. God, in his power and glory, is my only true guarantee of all of these. What a source of joy to know all of this! Joy springs spontaneously from a grateful heart.

And if God provides for us so well, can we find ways to bless other people around us, showing them that God is on their side too?

 

Prayer:

 

Heavenly Father, I come to You today to ask for enjoyment of life. I know that You are the source of all joy. Fill my heart therefore with Your presence. Help me to see the good in life, even when circumstances are difficult. Help me to be grateful for all that You have provided, and teach me how best to share Your joy with others. Amen.