LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Saturday 5th February 2022
THE WICKED FALLS INTO HIS OWN PIT
Scripture Reading: Psalm 9
The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught. The Lord is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah Psalm 9:15–16
God by His nature either extends mercy or executes righteous judgment. If God showed mercy to David, then his enemies would come under His judgment. In appealing to God for mercy, David also described the end of the formidable conspirators who rose up against Him.
It was nations that came after David. This was no single rival or little band of opposition seeking to destroy Him. The attack was international in scale and their intent was to take out Israel’s king. But we see God’s judgment come through for David against His enemies.
What are the characteristics of God’s judgment?
▪ The Lord is known by the judgment He executes. God is a righteous judge; His judgments are always right. In this passage, the psalmist focuses on God’s retributive justice; vengeance is the Lord’s. The same Lord who acts mercifully towards those whose hearts are right, will punish those who act wickedly.
▪ The wicked is snared in their devices. This is why the Lord frequently tells His children not to fret about the works of the wicked. In the end, the righteous God will overrule the wicked. The Psalmist uses two images to describe the devices of the wicked and their outcomes.
• They have sunk into the pit they made.
• They are caught in the net they hid.
Eventually, the wicked fall prey to the traps they set for the righteous. God is able to deliver His people. He takes them out of harm’s way and sets them in a safe place.
We can rest and be at peace in the Lord, knowing that He is a God of justice. He will rule justly on your case. Trust Him to take care of whatever concerns you.
At the end of the statement on how God judges the wicked, the Psalm invites us to pause and meditate.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the righteous judge. Overturn every plan of the wicked.