Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalm 53
This Psalm is almost an exact replica of Psalms 14 except it replaces the name “LORD”, Yahweh, with the name God, “Elohiym” in Psalms 53. Why is this? It may be a different tune played to sing it, but it also represents God as having the same message with His people in covenant as “Yahweh” (Exodus 6:2-8), and the sinfulness of the people of the world as the Supreme Deity, “Elohiym”. This is an important truth as we need to understand that while God made a covenant with His people Israel, He also wants to have a relationship with all mankind.
In verses 1-3, we find the fool says in his heart that there is no God. We are so corrupt that all of us are totally sinful. These verses are used in Romans 3:9-12 to describe the depravity of man, totally sinful and without hope before a righteous God in our own strength and ability. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23) David is amazed that we seem to never learn our need for God to step in with His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”(Romans 6:23) The description is one of the evil ones eating up God’s people and devouring each other as they refuse to call on God.(vs. 4-5) We are reminded that God will crush those that refuse and turn against Him, His People and His Kingdom.
The cry that we all should have is found in verse6: “Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.”(NAS) We long for the Lord to come and restore His people and set up His Kingdom. Our plea is, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”(Revelation 22:20)
Father, we recognize our sinfulness and total depravity before You. Left to my own sinful ways I would never repent and turn to You for forgiveness of sin and salvation. Thank You that in Your great mercy and grace, You sent Your Gift, the Lord Jesus to provide for my salvation, and the salvation of all who would call on You for forgiveness and trust in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of all the terrible destruction and sinfulness of this world I cry out to You, come quickly Lord Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob