So they reward me evil for good,
and hatred for my love.
Appoint a wicked man against him;
let an accuser stand at his right hand. ~ Psalm 109:5-6
As we read further in this psalm, we hear David calling for all sorts of evil against his enemies. The imprecatory psalms always make us a little uncomfortable. How can we ask God to curse another person? But David is asking for justice to be done and for God to be glorified. As should be the case with us, God’s enemies were David’s enemies. He wanted the wicked punished because they deserved it. Jesus taught us to love our enemies, but that doesn’t mean justice should be ignored. God’s justice was served for all who love Him by Jesus taking our punishment on the cross for us. Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t cover anyone who refuses to acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. Elsewhere in the Bible, especially in Revelation, we learn of the terrible punishment that God has in store for those who deny Him. He is a just God and cannot and will not let evil go unpunished. Glory be to Him that if we give ourselves to Him, Jesus suffered everything that we should suffer, and we are made righteous.
Almighty God, You are a gracious, merciful, and loving God, but You are also a just God. Thank You that my sins have been punished—but Jesus took my punishment. I pray for all who are destined for eternal punishment. Open their minds and turn their hearts to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.