53 - Horror hath taken hold upon me
because of the wicked
that forsake thy law.
The original Hebrew word is "zalapah." It literally means "burning heat." Maybe that's why my grandma used to say, "That just 'burns me up!'" And, in moments of animated discussion with me, perhaps that's where my kids get the phrase, "Now don't go gettin' 'all fired up...'". Perhaps "Southern English" is closer to original Hebrew than anyone realizes? Who knew?
But this verse--verse 53--does indeed validate my indignation over certain issues to some extent. In this day of tolerance and everybody-has-their-own-reality atmosphere, it is nice to know that even David got "all fired up" over the actions of others that forsook the law of God. He was filled with burning indignation. He was mad. And mixed with his anger was a horror, a sadness, a desperation to defend his God mixed with grief for the fate of the wicked.
There are inappropriate responses to wickedness in which Christians should never indulge. The love of God should motivate all we say and do. Love for the lost and the wayward should color every action we take toward our fellow man. But there also comes a time when we are to be "set for the defense of the gospel."
Jesus Christ died to save us. This is all the reason we need to be emphatically staunch in our defense of the His gospel. And to pursue whatever measures possible to snatch the lost from their inevitable destination.
Passive tolerance of wickedness is not an option for the redeemed.
"Those who are the firmest believers in the eternal punishment of the wicked are the most grieved at their doom. It is no proof of tenderness to shut one's eyes to the awful doom of the ungodly. Compassion is far better shown in trying to save sinners than in trying to make things pleasant all round. Oh that we were all more distressed as we think of the portion of the ungodly in the lake of fire! The popular plan is to shut your eyes and forget all about it, or pretend to doubt it; but this is not the way of the faithful servant of God."
~ Charles Spurgeon
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