Spirituality and Faith – Escaping evil
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Spirituality and Faith
Dr. Jeff Fuller
Escaping evil
I recently came across this Psalm in my studies, and there is something needing to be said to us from these words of David:
“Why brag about evil, you hero! God’s faithful love is constant. Like a sharpened razor, your tongue devises destruction, working treachery. You love evil instead of good, lying instead of speaking truthfully. You love any words that destroy, you treacherous tongue!” (Psalm 52:1-4, HCSB)
Here we find David crying out to the God of the Universe as he recalls a terrible, horrible thing which happened in the kingdom, at a time when he was not yet the ruling king of Israel. Saul still occupied the throne, though David had been anointed to be king. And Saul was chasing him with evil intent.
The background is recorded in I Samuel 21 and 22. Doeg, the Edomite, informed Saul regarding David’s presence at the tabernacle of God and the help he received from the priest. Saul, in an evil paranoid state had Doeg kill the priests and others at the tabernacle (I Samuel 22:18-19).
In the verses above David condemns Doeg with strong words. “You hero!” is better understood as “Mighty man,” and the wording is quite ironic. David says of Doeg, who killed 85 priests at the orders of King Saul, that he is a boasting evil man. Doeg is so convinced of his smug self-sufficient superiority he brags about killing men who never touched a sword. David sees a man who should be ashamed of his actions, and I see some sarcasm in his words, “Why brag about evil, you hero!”
In order to brag, the tongue becomes involved. He writes, “Like a sharpened razor, your tongue devises destruction, working treachery.” How we could go on and on about this tiny little instrument which brings such terrible destruction to individuals, families, churches, communities.
It was James who said:
“We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it. Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way.” (James 3:9-10, HCSB)
The evil report of Doeg is the result of an impure heart and mind, through a wagging tongue to rain down destruction like a sharp razor. Doeg loved evil more than good; he desired to get the credit for following the evil king’s command. Some people love evil, and some people love to lie. Doeg fulfilled both aspects. He loved the destruction his devouring words brought.
Yet, in the midst of these strong words against an evil tempest, there is a much stronger phrase: “The goodness of God endures continually.” God’s goodness will always triumph; it will outlast evil. There is nothing compared to God and His never-ending goodness.
“This is why God will bring you down forever. He will take you, ripping you out of your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living.” (Psalm 52:5, HCSB)
Others may love evil more than good; wagging their tongues, saying all matter of things about those who are serving God. Yet, know this: God will have the last word. Those who do evil will be judged. Yet, those who stand for righteousness will be held steady in the goodness of God.
The late great R.G. Lee preached a sermon, “Payday Someday.” In the message he illustrates the reality of sin and points the sinner toward Jesus. He reminds his hearers that no sinner can escape the wrath of God. Payday will come someday for every sinner. The only way to escape the coming payday is through Jesus Christ.
Until next time…
Dr. Jeff Fuller is pastor of Rockford Baptist Church. You may reach him through the church office at 256-377-4900 or by email at rbccoosa@gmail.com.