Psalm 14 and Romans 3
Every day at the Covid 19 briefing the government is questioned about tests. When will we have enough tests? Who should have tests? What sort of tests should be available? Who is responsible? Who can do tests? Why is this? It is because we all need to know the reality of our situation and when we do know then we can face the consequences. The first step in solving a problem is always to understand the problem.
In Psalm 14 God sets out the test for humanity. ‘The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.’ v2 The diagnosis is devastating, ‘They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; here is none who does good, not even one. v3 Paul quotes Psalm 14 as he explains God’s law simply shows, ‘everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard*’ Romans 3.21 At the point when we are told we have a terminal disease we ask the question what can be done? When we stand before God and realize that we deserve his judgement we ask the same question. God’s answer is, accept a gift. The gift is, Jesus has taken the wrath of God that we deserve. Paul explains it like this, ‘the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.’ Rom3.25 Propitiation means, wrath bearing sacrifice. Jesus on Good Friday took God’s deserved wrath against humanity, to be received by faith alone.
David cried, ‘Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!’ v7 God replies, it has, through Jesus’ death on Good Friday. Now is the time to give thanks.
*New Living Translation