Vindication

 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me!
Psalm 43:1 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.43.1.ESV

The Psalmist had integrity, and sought vindication from God. We might assume that David is the writer, who faced much opposition, even when he became king of Israel. He knew he hadn't made it in his own strength, but needed God to defend his cause.

If we're seeking to serve the Lord, we need Him to defend our causes too, because we will inevitably face opposition in this hostile world. People by default are ungodly. By nature we're opposed to our Creator.

Ultimately, our battle as God's people isn't against flesh and blood, but against the evil spiritual forces who influence our enemies. As hymnwriter Stuart Townend puts it, 'with the sword that makes the wounded whole, we will fight with faith and valour'. The spiritual sword is the word of God.

I see Christ as the ultimate fulfilment of this verse. In the end, God vindicated Him from the religious and political powers of the day who opposed Him. Sadly, religious and political powers today oppose Christ and His call to love not just in word but also in deed.

'Heavenly Father, thank You for vindicating Your Son, our Lord and Saviour. May we too be vindicated as we seek to serve You, in Christ's name we pray, amen'

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