Pearls of the Word

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They set up their banners for signs

by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf

"Your enemies have roared within your holy place; they set up their banners [oth] for signs [oth]" (Psalm 74:4 Interlinear).

The psalmist noticed that his enemies had desecrated the Holy Place of the Lord by setting up their banners (own signs). Nothing is sadder that seeing the signs of the enemy replacing those of God! Thus said Jesus of the enemy: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10); the signs of the enemy look like him. The psalmist goes on with, "We do not see our signs; there is no longer a prophet; not any among us who knows how long..." (Psalm 74:9).

Can we not also make this observation in our own temple or our own church: the signs of God's presence have disappeared and are replaced by those of the enemy? It is never too late to repent because God is faithful and righteous to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).