SATURDAY, JULY 28
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 28:1

O, lead me to Thy House tomorrow.

APPEAL TO PRIVY COUNCIL OF GOD

Singapore’s legal system allows an accused person, when sentenced by a lower court, to appeal to a higher court. If his appeal to the highest court in the State (which is known as the Court of Appeal where three judges usually sit), fails, he can claim the ultimate step that takes him to the Privy Council in England. This is one good tradition inherited from Colonial days because the Privy Council, which was the highest Court of Appeal for all British colonies, is still available to a number of ex-colonies now become independent states. Being highly detached from local influences, they can see things clearer from afar.

When a king like David comes under suspicion, he has no recourse but to appeal to the Privy Council of God. So can we in the last resort, appeal to “the Judge of all the earth” (Gen 18:25), by swearing in His Name (Isa 45:23). (This does not contradict our Lord who says, “Swear not at all …” for here He is rebuking forswearing oneself, that is perjury.) Insofar as David is concerned, it is hard to pinpoint which event in his life implicates him here in this Psalm. In Joab’s murder of Abner, David declared his innocence by calling on the Lord (2 Sam 3:28).

An innocent person takes an oath before the Judge with boldness and confidence, but a guilty person, who perjures under oath, is afraid in his heart (Eccles 9:2). David’s innocence is exhibited by such words as judge me or vindicate me and examine me and prove me; try my reins and my heart. He not only can wash his hands ceremonially as further proof of his integrity, but also go before the altar of sacrifice. Not only the burnt-offering sacrifice which would be required of him, but also the thanksgiving offering was ready, because his walk before men was upright. Therefore he was confident God would save him from bloody and mischievous men, even those who used bribes to pervert godly justice. His love for God’s House was one more citation of his innocence. Moral power is what every Christian leader, like King David, must cherish, and cultivate.

THOUGHT: (Read Matthew 5:48.)
PRAYER: May I always have a clear conscience, O Lord.