One King
5 min read
8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven;
The earth feared and was still
9 When God arose to judgment,
To save all the humble of the earth. Selah
10 For the wrath of mankind shall praise You;
You will encircle Yourself with a remnant of wrath.
— Psalm 76:8-10, NASB
I used the NASB version because verse 10 translates an idea that is not altogether clear. Different versions have very different translations of that verse.
On Sunday, I had made a reference to the “riots” that had recently erupted in response to President Trump’s sending in National Guard troops to LA. Someone asked me what “riots” I was talking about. The person had seen the protests against Trump’s immigration policies and said that they were peaceful.
I realized that I had seen some headlines and images on the NYT front pages but did not dive into the stories to see what was really going on. All that to say, “riots” may not have been the right word to use. I apologized to the person for using a word that may not have been appropriate.
At the same time, I couldn’t help thinking that “peaceful protests” were not really the right words, either—not totally. I dug into the story of the protests a little more, and some of the peaceful protests did turn into riots, at least in LA.
There were people looting and blocking traffic. One reporter actually asked a woman why they were protesting, and the woman said; angrily, “We’re going to bring it all down!”
Whether conservative, liberal, or libertarian, people have a right to disagree with government policies and actions. People even have a right to be angry about them, as long as that disagreement and anger is exercised in peace.
But without Christ in our lives, disagreement will lead to “the wrath of mankind.” At least, it usually does.
But how in the world does the “the wrath of mankind” praise God? And what does it mean for God to “encircle [Himself] with a remnant of wrath”?
The humble of this world are always victims of the wrath of arrogant humanity. They are the “remnant of wrath.” And yet, the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). The wrath of God will save the humble through faith in Christ, but fall on the wrathful. And the justice of God extended toward the faithful and humble will reveal His glory.
There is a King in this world. His name is Jesus. And so many people on every different side want to deny Him. But to deny Him or to try to be Him is to deny peace and justice. The one, true King, however, will deliver His justice and peace. His justice and peace and wrath will prevail.
Father, You are Peace. You are Justice. You are Wrath. But above all, You are Love. Forgive this world for denying Your love—Your peace, justice, and wrath. Be merciful to Your servants and protect us in times of human wrath. And may we be like a belt of glory around Your waist. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
