Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 81-83 GWT

Podcast Introduction

This is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 81-83. I’ll have an Essentials segment for you, and we’ll have a time of prayer. I’m calling this episode “To Whom Much Is Given.”

Design: Jason Paschall | Photo: Megs Harrison on Unsplash

Comments on Psalm 82

You probably noticed in verse one where it said, "He pronounces judgment among the gods" and  then in verses six and seven, “You are gods. You are all sons of the Most High."

If you're not reading along with me with a printed or online Bible, I should probably point out to you that the word "gods" here is written with a small "g", meaning that God is not making them equal with Himself. But besides that, what is going on here? Are there other gods? 

Well, of course we make gods of many different things. Anything you put above the true Almighty God (capital "G") has become, for you, a god (small "g"), and that can only spell trouble for you. That's why Jesus told the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 to go and sell everything. Remember that story? The young man asked Jesus what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus told him, "Keep the commandments." The man told him that he had, and asked Jesus what he still lacked. Jesus told him to sell what he had and give to the poor, and then he would have treasure in heaven. Then he should go and follow Jesus. At that point the young man went away, grieving, because he had great wealth. So this young man's god was his wealth.

We must guard against putting anything above Almighty God, our Creator.

But this isn't the small "g" god that is referred to here in Psalms 82.

The word here refers to earthly magistrates and governors (or politicians). We can tell this by the language. It says, "How long are you going to judge unfairly? How long are you going to side with wicked people?” And it goes on to tell them what they should be doing, like defending the weak and defenseless. He is talking to those who were judges in Israel, because he says, "You are all sons of the Most High." And he reminds them that they will be judged because of their own wickedness, " You will certainly die like humans and fall like any prince.” 

Luke 12:48 says, "To whom much is given, much will be required." These "gods" were thinking much too highly of themselves, and had become corrupt and evil. The Psalmist was passing along God's reproach to them. 

This actually makes me think of another scripture. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, "9Whatever has happened before will happen ⌞again⌟. Whatever has been done before will be done ⌞again⌟. There is nothing new under the sun." Corrupt and evil politicians? Say it isn't so.

Let us humbly thank God for the blessings and responsibilities He has given us, whatever they may be. And let us prayerfully consider how He wants us to use those things. We are only temporary custodians. If we are foolish enough to think that they come to us by our own efforts or because we deserve them, we run the risk of a great fall.

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Steve Webb 0:00Are there other gods?

Steve Webb 0:09This is the Lifespring! One Year Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. And podcasting since 2004. I'm your OG Godcaster. Steve Webb. This is Psalms Wednesday, And our reading today will be chapters 81 through 83. I'll have an essential segment for you as well. And we'll have a time of prayer. I'm calling this episode to who much is given. And for those of you in the Southern California area, this coming Saturday,