Imprecate: “to call down something bad or harmful, especially a curse, on somebody.”  Some of the Psalms are in the category of being “imprecatory”.  They are the cries of troubled people asking God to exercise wrath upon those who are causing the trouble.  Many times people have asked about the attitude of those who make these “imprecations.”  There is no doubt that a person could sin in calling upon God to do this, but we must remember that the words in these poems are more than the words of troubled people—they are inspired of God!  In this psalm, one of the elements of the proper imprecatory prayer is given in verses 16 and 18—

As we study the four points in this psalm, let us remember that it is right to call upon God’s vengeance toward His enemies, but it is not right to do so for any sinful reason (the New Testament also authorizes this for us; see 2 Timothy 4: 14,15).

The verses in this section identify the enemies as people who were far away from God, and were very “up front” about it.  They were so full of hate, plots, and evil goals that the poet boldly calls upon God to use words and actions against them.  The word for “tumult” is a word “denoting the uproar and tumult of a throng of people: the substantive for multitude, frequently used of a great army” (Kirkpatrick, p. 500; see Psalm 46:3,6; Isaiah 17:12; 29:5,7,8; 2 Chronicles 20: 2,12,15, 24).  Anyone whose desire is to eliminate the name of the people of God from the earth needs to reap as they are sowing!

The writer brings the names of the ones who had agreed on the evil plans before God in this section.  At times, we know who the enemy is, and have the right to say so.  Such is the case in Psalm 83.  At other times, they are more secretive, although just as dangerous.  We should always be careful (although not paranoid!) so that these people do not “have their way” with the cause of God.  Here, the list could be compared with a map, and the comparison would yield the point that Israel was surrounded!  So, for once, they looked up for help (see Psalm 121).

In order to justify the plea and to increase the faith of the petitioners, the inspired author recalls the past actions of God upon those who hated God and the ways of the faithful.  His providential and miraculous powers had been used against individuals and nations again and again.  Thus, it was fitting to call upon Him again.  Today, He is certainly just as able and willing to act against the foes of His word and His people through His powerful providence!  (And let it be noted that when God does such things, it in no way contradicts the fact that He loves these sinners and would gladly accept them if they were to fear Him and keep His commandments; Acts 10:34,35.).

But anyone who wants to take over the “pastures of God” deserves to be punished if he does not repent!

Now we come to the part of the poem that has the “added ingredient.”  Calling upon God to act against people is not wrong in itself.  And if God answers such a prayer (“imprecate” comes from the Latin for “pray”!), it is not wrong for Him to do so.  But in order for the one who prays to pray properly about such things, the ingredient of “loving the sinner and hating his sin” must be included.  We can—and must—love the lost.  But we have the right to ask God to STOP THEM if it is in His wisdom to do so.

In verses 13-15, Asaph makes clear requests for serious things to happen to these people.  But in verses 16-18, he claims that his desire is that these chastisements will lead to genuine changes in them so that they will seek Jehovah.

Sadly, most enemies of God (whether they are from “without” or from “within”) do not get the message that is being sent when their own troubles come.  Thus, their lot is that “the ruin with which they threaten God’s people will recoil upon themselves” (Kirkpatrick, p. 504).

Let us learn to turn all “vengeance” against the enemies of the cross over to God.  Let us learn that whenever anything bad happens to us that the first thing we will do it a self examination, so that if we are in the wrong, we will accept the chastisement of our Father (Hebrews 12:4-17).  And let us decide that when we are on the path that leads to life, we will not turn to the right or the left!

SICK LIST:  Chuck and Jody Northrup’s granddaughter  was born with spina bifida.  She has had two surgeries, and they are hoping she will be able to go home soon.  Katherine Barclay needs our prayers as she suffers complications from diabetes.  Skip’s uncle, Ron Andrews, is not doing well at this time (he has an inoperable malignant brain tumor).  Electa Wilson is at Gwinnett Extended Care.  Let’s remember those who are ill and their families in our prayers.
 

PLANTATION SOUTH:  Group 1 is in charge of services today at 1;30.

CHILDREN’S CLASS:  5:30 today.

LADIES’ CLASS:  Tuesday at 10:00

HOUSEWARMING:    Everyone is invited to a housewarming/pounding for Jeff and April Houston Sunday, May 6, following evening services.  They have recently purchased their first house.  Please bring finger foods and drinks.  

YOUTH WORKDAY:  Saturday, May 12, will be a workday for the young people.  They will be “sprucing things up” for our lectureship.  

VBS TEACHERS’ MEETING:    Saturday, May 12, at 9:30, there will be an informational and planning teachers’ meeting for our VBS.  The dates are July 11-13 (7:30-9:00), and our theme is Leadership (Personal, Home, and Church).  Those who are interested in helping with VBS are encouraged to attend this meeting (if unable to be there, please let William Howard know).

BACK PEWS FOR OUR VISITORS:  The elders are asking our members to leave the center two back pews for our visitors who may arrive late.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

LECTURESHP GUESTS:   There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer for those who are able to open their homes for our speakers for our lectureship.

GRADUATES:  Congratulations to our 2001 graduates:  Devendra Williams — Central Gwinnett, Joshua Reid — Collins Hill, and Neil Weekley — Georgia Tech.  We appreciate and commend these young people for this accomplishment.  Congratulations on a job well done!