December 17, 2020
I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today is from the book of Psalms 12:5, “ For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, says the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffs at him.”
The psalmist begs help of God, because there were none among men whom he could trust. – This psalm furnishes good thoughts for bad times; a man may comfort himself with meditations and prayers. But what really makes the times bad? If we ask the children of this world, what makes the times bad? They will tell you, scarcity of money, decay of trade, and the desolations of war, make the times bad: but the Scripture says, the badness of the times shall come, when sin shall abound; and man will turn to wicked ways.
David says when piety decays times are really bad. When the poor and needy are oppressed, then the times are very bad. God himself takes notice of the oppression of the poor, and the sighing of the needy. When wickedness abounds, and is misused by those in authority, then the times are very bad. See we are here furnished for such bad times; and we cannot tell what times we may be reserved for. Firstly, we have a God to go to, from whom we may ask and tell all our grievances. Secondly, God will certainly punish and restrain false and proud men. Thirdly God will work deliverance for his oppressed people. His help is given in the fittest time.
Though men are false, God is faithful; though they are not to be trusted, God can be trusted always. The preciousness of God’s word is compared to silver refined to the highest degree. How many proofs have been given of its power and truth! God will secure his chosen people, however bad the times are. As long as the world stands, there will be a generation of proud and wicked men. But all God’s people are put into the hands of Christ our Saviour; there they are in safety, for none can pluck them thence; being built on Him, the Rock, they are safe, notwithstanding temptation or persecution might come their way .
For the oppression of the poor – indicates the wrong done to the poor – by the abuse of speech. On account of the slanders uttered against them, when they uttered words of “vanity” and “flattery”. When promises were made but, only to be broken, in such a state of things the “poor” are the most likely to suffer. In performing service for others – in daily labour on a farm or in a mechanical employment – they would depend on the promises made by their employers; and when their pay was withheld, they and their families suffer..God says, to such people I will set him in safety. I will make him safe. I will save him from the evils which they thought to bring upon him. God is the vindicator of the poor and the oppressed.”Rich people regard them as insignificant and worthless. But God assures to support the poor and needy. God will support you and your family if you happen to go through hard days in life. Are you oppressed by your Boss? Is the higher official causing trouble to you? Are you being subjected to criticism and ridicule? Look to God. He will lend a helping hand to you at times of such crisis. Just trust in God the Almighty. He will save you. God Bless you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Lord we pray for the strength and protection of the Lord. God, our heavenly Father, you know that we are set in the midst of so many great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection, to support us in all danger, and carry us through all temptations; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
