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Psalm 37:30-31
Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom; his tongue speaks what is just.
Psalm 37:31 The instruction of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter.
Psalm 37:32 The wicked one lies in wait for the righteous and intends to kill him;
Psalm 37:33 Yahveh will not leave him in the power of the wicked one or allow him to be condemned when he is judged.
a gospel twist
This promise of God’s protection is also prophetic of the life and ministry of Christ – except for a gospel twist. The wicked intended to kill Jesus, and it was allowed. Jesus was condemned and executed in spite of the fact that he had God’s instruction in his heart and only spoke wisdom and justice. His betrayal and execution were not a mistake. God planned for the death of Christ to atone for those of us who have put their trust in him.
It is essential that this song introduce a hint of substitutionary atonement at this point. Otherwise, yesterday’s section might give worshipers the notion that righteousness is obtained by merely abandoning sin. No, even as repentant believers, we cannot have access to the throne without a crucified Savior.
Lord, thank you for Jesus, who took condemnation upon himself, so that those who trust you can have permanent protection.
