Pure Punishment

 “O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud.” Psalms 94:1-2 NKJV

The book of Judges displayed a series of judges and counter judges among the people of Israel and their enemies, depending on the switch in states between “Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” and “…and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord”. When we cry unto man as judge, we end up with proud punishment; but when we cry unto God as the Judge, we get pure punishment. Invariably, at any time a man takes the judgement seat, there is always the temptation to be proud, thinking vengeance belongs unto me. Whereas, the psalmist’s understanding that “O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs“ sustains the hope in the existence of pure punishment from the Lord. The tenure with proud punishment from man is highly deceptive, and many unsuspecting children of God are often carried away by human display of affluence, authority, arrogance and atrocity. Even Gideon of old in the prime of his exploits as a mighty man of valour fell into idolatry because of the privileges from proud punishment. Therefore, everyone, everywhere and in every season needs the refuge offered by his hope and belief in pure punishment; and should always pray “O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!”.


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