291 – Psalm 11 – coals of fire

There are just two verses we haven’t considered in Psalm eleven. Let’s take a look at Psalm 11:6-7. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it would be best if you would read all of Psalm eleven for context. There are only seven short verses.

I know I’ve talked about this before, but it bears repeating. There tends to be a modern-day concept that God was one way in the Old Testament but is entirely different in the New Testament and following. It is sometimes thought that God was harsh before Christ, but now that Christ walked on the earth as the God-Man, died on the cross, rose from the grave, and ascended to Heaven, God is just a god of love. I think that’s a dangerous perspective because it is not scriptural and therefore inaccurate. Both the Old and New Testaments tell us God does not change.

Malachi 3:6 (NKJV)

     6       “For I am [Yahweh], I do not change;

     Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

James 1:17 (NKJV)

      17       Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 

Therefore, we can conclude that God is no different than He has ever been. Now let’s look at the last two verses in Psalm eleven.

Psalm 11:6-7 (NKJV)

     6       Upon the wicked He will rain coals;

    Fire and brimstone and a burning wind

    Shall be the portion of their cup.

     7       For [Yahweh] is righteous,

    He loves righteousness;

    His countenance beholds the upright.

As we consider verse six I have a question for you. Have you ever read something in the Bible, then tried to validate its claims by what you see in the world around you? You have seen and probably even know some very wicked people, right? Have you ever seen God “rain coals” down upon them? Ever? You might dismiss my question by suggesting the verse is metaphorical. Let’s say that it is metaphorical. What would “rain coals”, “Fire and brimstone”, and “a burning wind” upon the wicked represent? God’s judgment, His wrath meted out upon the wicked, right? Do you see God judging the wicked?

I hope you are following what I’m trying to get at. The Bible declares the truth and only the truth. Whether or not we see evidence of those claims has no bearing at all on their truthfulness. The situations we witness or experience are not the final judgment of the truth of the Holy Bible. Is it therefore unfair of us to ask, “why don’t we see God judging the wicked today”? I think the question is perfectly valid. We just need to be careful where we look for the answer. I would suggest the only place that offers an answer is the Word of God itself. Consider a few verses in Psalm 37.

Psalm 37:1-2 (NKJV)

           1       Do not fret because of evildoers,

    Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

           2       For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

    And wither as the green herb.

9     For evildoers shall be cut off;

    But those who wait on [Yahweh],

    They shall inherit the earth.

           10       For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;

    Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,

    But it shall be no more.

There is quite a bit more that could be considered in Psalm 37, but I just want to share one last passage.

Psalm 37:12-13

           12       The wicked plots against the just,

    And gnashes at him with his teeth.

           13       The Lord laughs at him,

    For He sees that his day is coming.

You and I may never see Yahweh’s judgment upon the wicked but be assured an individual who does not put his faith in Jesus Christ shall one day be subject to God’s Holy wrath. Just as surely, the righteous will be rewarded by the God who is righteous. You’ve probably considered the verses that declare that God IS love. Have you ever stopped to consider the verses, like Psalm 11:7 that declare that God IS righteous? The skeptic wants to accuse God of wrongdoing if He judges the sinner. But truth be told it is Yahweh’s righteousness that demands judgment upon sin. In God’s love, He provided Jesus as the complete and total price paid for our wickedness if we will simply place our faith in Him. If the free gift of salvation through Jesus the Christ is refused, the wicked will be judged by Yahweh.

Yahweh truly is worthy of all Praise, Worship, and Adoration. Won’t you worship Him?