Psalm 94

And once again, we encounter an uber-familiar theme in this psalm—God’s dealings with the wicked: “The LORD is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth.” (vs 1) Immediately, we must recognize that the word used here is “avenge” and not “revenge.” In the Hebrew language, to avenge means to set right; to get revenge means, well, to get revenge.

What caught my eye, though, was the ending of the verse: shine forth. I hadn’t ever thought of connecting those two things before, but it seems clear from this verse (and this psalm) that it is God’s presence that “avenges.” It is God’s presence that sets things right. It is God’s presence that resolves wickedness.

How does that work, exactly?

Consider this passage from the book of Malachi: “The day of judgment is certain to come. And it will be like a red-hot furnace with flames that burn up proud and sinful people, as though they were straw. Not a branch or a root will be left. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken! But for you that honor my name, victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays, and you will jump around like calves at play. When I come to bring justice, you will trample those who are evil, as though they were ashes under your feet. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken!” (Mal 4:1-3)

Talking about shining forth! When God comes to set things right, all He has to do is simply show up. His presence burns like fire, but did you notice? Everyone is in the fire! To the wicked, God’s presence is like “a red-hot furnace with flames” that the Bible describes as burning them up. But to the righteous, God’s fiery presence is like “the sun with healing in its rays.”

What we see, here, is the same thing that happened in Jesus’ day with those who were open to God and those who weren’t. When the woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus, an interesting thing happened. Those who were “righteous” (but, really, wicked in their hearts) turned and slunk away from Jesus. The woman who was “evil” (but, really, open to God in her heart) found comfort and healing in His presence.

Here’s one thing to be sure of: sin cannot remain in God’s presence for long. This is good news for us sinners! For if we are struggling with sin, there is but one thing we need to do: hang on for dear life to Jesus. We don’t have to worry about changing our behavior or rooting out our sin. Sin and God cannot coexist. If we refuse to let go of Jesus—no matter how bad things get—our sin will eventually have to surrender. It’s a foregone conclusion.

God’s presence resolves wickedness. Hopefully, we are allowing His presence to daily resolve the wickedness that’s in our hearts right now. Otherwise, His unveiled presence will resolve it after the final resurrection—when everyone will finally see Him face-to-face. May that day come soon!