Psalm 68

“Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.”  Psalm 68:1-6 (NKJV)

While Psalms 66 and 67 articulated God’s desire for the nations to worship Him, we are reminded in Psalm 68 that many people will reject God. Not everyone will choose to follow Him, even though He chooses to extend His grace and mercy to them.  Salvation comes only to those who would repent, believe in Him and receive His grace and mercy.  The rebellious should fear His presence, but the righteous will be glad at His return!  We serve a God Who resides on high, yet he defends the fatherless and widows.  Consider Jesus’ words:

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:26-27 (NKJV)

You may have chosen to follow the Lord at the protest of your family.  Fear not, because God sets those who are “solitary” for His sake into “families.”

“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?’  So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.’” Matthew 19:27-29 (NKJV)

Again, while judgment awaits those who reject the Lord, Jew or Gentile, the Bible is very clear that even those from among the most wicked of nations will receive forgiveness if they turn from their idolatry and choose to follow Him!

“Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; oh, sing praises to the Lord, - Selah - to Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:31-35 (NKJV)