Bible Reading: Psa 51:1 - To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Our God is a merciful God. We should learn to rely upon that - and when His mercy is shown to us, we should be overflowing with gratitude, not take it for granted. How our hearts need and yearn for mercy when sin has overcome us. And then we continue in our sin because we have a merciful God - as though He were merely overlooking it.
David found mercy in the Lord. But David also had consequences on earth to pay. That, I believe, is the evidence of the Lord's mercies. I mean, the mercy of God is such that His eternal penalty is blotted out. Our account with others must still be paid. The alcoholic has an account with his liver. The meth user has an account with his brain. The gambler has an account with everyone. The murderer as much as the liar has hurt others and owes a debt to them. God's forgiveness does not mean the forgiveness of others. David's household was troubled from then on. So it is for the blended families because people would not marry and stay married. All excuses aside, most divorces are for convenience and selfishness - a lack of conviction and commitment. Many children are the product of illicit sex, and the parents having these kids out of wedlock have a debt for their sin as well - to their kids.
One of the greatest things about David is that he admitted his sin, and called it his - not blaming others. He confessed it to God, and was willing to take his licks. Do you want the grace of God in your life? Then cast yourself at His feet, and allow Him to determine what licks you receive. You will be surprised at His Holy mercy and grace that He gives you - and the strength you'll have when the licks come. Like Paul, you'll be able to hear "My grace is sufficient." What a tender, merciful, gracious Savior we have!
Bro. Greg
Hello Pastor Greg,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. What a coincidence of working and professional interests! Genetics together with consumer research are becoming now one of the "hot" subjects in nutritional epidemiology. For the moment I'm busy with the latter.
I will do my best to visit your blog from time to time! it's very much inspiring!
Be blessed,
Armando