The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth. Psalm 34:16
This verse is set as a stark contrast in the midst of verses showing God’s care for His own. Whereas the LORD watches over the righteous to deliver and preserve them, the LORD watches the wicked to destroy them with His judgment.
I do not think I feel this truth often enough or keenly enough. I eagerly remember and recite the verses that promise God’s steadfast love, care, and mercy, but I do not often remember what happens to those who oppose God. I wonder if I would feel a greater sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel if I were as quick to remember God’s justice as I am to remember His mercy.
“Those who do evil”, who are they?
Lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:2-5
Those who continually practice
sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming… anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk. Colossians 3:5-7
That was me at one time. These people are all too often family members, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and classmates. And all too often I walk through life with them in the comfort of the grace I’ve been shown, instead of remembering that “all memory of them will be wiped from the earth.”
How good God is to send a reminder today. Now the question is, how will that change my thoughts, prayers, and actions today?
thoughts and songs 