MONDAY 

SHOPHET - Judge

Studying the Name

Justice is ultimately rooted not in a collection of laws or rules, but in the very character and nature of God. He is the only One competent to measure the motivations of our hearts. When we pray to our SHOPHET, we are praying to the One whose righteousness demands perfect justice, but who has also provided a way for us to be acquitted of our guilt through the life, death and resurrection of His Son.

Key Scripture: Psalm 94:2-15

“Lord, God of vengeance — God of vengeance, appear. Rise up, Judge of the earth; repay the proud what they deserve. Lord, how long will the wicked — how long will the wicked gloat? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. Lord, they crush Your people; they afflict Your heritage. They kill the widow and the foreigner, and murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.” Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise? Can the One who shaped the ear not hear, the One who formed the eye not see? The One who instructs nations, the One who teaches man knowledge — does He not discipline? The Lord knows man’s thoughts; they are meaningless. Lord, happy is the man You discipline and teach from Your law to give him relief from troubled times until a pit is dug for the wicked. The Lord will not forsake His people or abandon His heritage, for justice will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”

Discussion Questions:

Who are the victims of injustice the psalmist names? How are such people still victimized in the world today?

What reason does the psalmist give for the brazenness of those who do evil? How does this perception of God shape our own world?

How have you experienced God’s discipline in your life?

Why do you think justice is often something we have to wait for?

TUESDAY - Praying the Name

Reflect On: Matthew 7:1-5 and Romans 2:1-4

Praise God: Because he is perfectly just.

Offer Thanks: For God’s ability to read our hearts.

Confess: Any tendency to judge the motivations of another’s heart.

Ask God: To keep you from becoming critical and judgmental of others.

WEDNESDAY - Praying the Name

Reflect On: Psalm 96:10-13

Praise God: Because perfect justice is perfectly reflected in His character.

Offer Thanks: For God’s promise to judge all people in His truth.

Confess: Any tendency to ignore the plight of the innocent.

Ask God: To help you recognize and counter injustice.

THURSDAY - Praying the Name

Reflect On: Revelation 20:11-15

Praise God: Who reigns over both the great and the small.

Offer Thanks: That God will one day destroy death’s power over you.

Confess: Any complacency that prevents you from sharing your faith.

Ask God: To save those in your life who do not know Him.

FRIDAY - Promises Associated with God’s Name

“Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for Him are happy.” Isaiah 30:18,

“I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. “I assure you: An hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted to the Son to have life in Himself. And He has granted Him the right to pass judgment, because He is the Son of Man.” John 5:24-27.

Continued Prayer and Praise

Pray for the leaders of this country (Psalm 72:1-19).

Pray for God’s judgment on oppressive rulers (Psalm 94:1-15).

Pray that the Lord will establish His kingdom through His perfect justice. (Isaiah 11:1-9).