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Forgiven - Psalm 103
Forgiven - Psalm 103
Our reading today covers Psalm 102-104. Ps. 102 is a heart-wrenching cry for mercy. There is no hiding of his guilt by the Psalmist. As we turn to Ps. 103 we encounter one of the most remarkable statements in all of the bible: "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:10–12).
IF God dealt with us according to our sins, we would all be cast out of His presence. Instead of justice and wrath, we can encounter the loving kindness of God and find forgiveness. God has no pleasure in our sins OR in our condemnation (cp. Ezek. 33:11).
I find myself, when listening or reading the 'news' of the day, becoming angry and disgusted. I long for justice to be handed out to 'these evil doers'. Sometimes I even imagine what I think the punishment out to be and how it out to be carried out. In such a state of mind, I even begin to think I understand how a holy God responds to these people. I am only partially able to understand.
Yes, God's wrath is revealed against ungodliness. Yes, there will be a day when unrepentant sinners will be cast out of the presence of God. Still, there is God's desire for their repentance that He can forgive them.
At some point, I must simply make all of this personal and look at my own life and all of its sin, rebellion, and ungodliness. Only in such acknowledgement of my own moral failures can I begin to grasp the mercy and kindness of God. Thru Jesus God had provided that I am forgiven. Thru Jesus God has removed my transgressions 'as far as the East is from the west'.
The first reaction, even as it was with the Psalmist, is to break forth in praise and thanksgiving for the mercy of God. The second reaction should be to in turn be willing to show mercy and kindness to others who sin against me. I am reminded of Paul's instruction: "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32). Hugh DeLong
