 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. 3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God? 5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them. 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. Meditation God’s sovereign grace rescues all who trust in Him! God’s rescue fuels rejoicing and gladness in our hearts. Psalm 53 parallels Psalm 14, emphasizing the judgement of the wicked and protection of the righteous. The structure of the Psalm climaxes in celebration of God’s salvation: Accusation (1-3): No one does good (2, 3) or calls upon God (4). Judgement (4-5): God will defeat His enemies and protect the righteous. Restoration of His people (6): God brings salvation! And hearts will rejoice and be glad. This hymn of doom celebrating the demise of God’s enemies is a song of hope for all whose trust is in the Lord. All humanity shares the same realities- No one does good. We all have fallen away and together become corrupt. Paul emphasizes this truth in Romans 3 because Scripture wants us to see the depth of our need. The promise is praise, prophecy fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus. Jesus is the salvation come from Zion. Jesus was destroyed to death so all who trust Him can have our fortunes restored. The justification believers receive from the work of Jesus fuels rejoicing and gladness in our hearts. The foolish heart rejects God and gives itself to the corruption and abomination of the world. The full heart looks to God and His salvation for redemption, rescue, restoration, and renewal. The fool takes their work and the world’s empty promises more serious than Jesus and His work. The wise worshipper welcomes the righteousness we receive from Christ alone by faith alone, salvation for all who believe! Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially how the structure climaxes in celebration of God’s salvation? -Do you live foolishly, as if there is not God? How is that working for you? -Where do you need to focus your faith on God, His salvation, His work through Jesus Christ? Be specific, and ask the Spirit to fill your heart with joy and gladness! Key Verse 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
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