September 16, 2017 - - Psalm 78:35-38b God's forgiveness

When He slew them, then they sought Him;

And they returned and sought earnestly for God.

Then they remembered that God was their rock,

And the Most High God their Redeemer.

Nevertheless they flattered HIm with their mouth,

And they lied to Him with their tongue;

For their heart was not steadfast with Him.

Nor were they faithful in His covenant.

But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity,

And did not destroy them.

Psalm 78:34-38b

When a brother sins against another brother, the one sinned against will often fold his arms, get stubborn and expect a groveling and humble apology. God shows a different way. He knows His people are duplicitous. Yet, as often as His people confess their sins, however sincere or insincere they are in asking forgiveness, He is full of compassion and forgives.

Asking forgiveness and accepting forgiveness moves the heart. The attitude changes when one begins the path of reconciliation. It is the work of God to make this path straight and encourage those wandering along it to go fully to restoration. It is the glorious work of Jesus Christ by which healing between people is even possible.

The sticking point for many reading this text will be the start of verse 34: When He slew them. It is a devastating picture, God putting disobedient people to death. The Bible shows this picture: all men and women of the earth are His creation. All the people of the earth belong to God and those who refuse Him are rebellious slaves and fit for death. People belong to God and those who confess His Name are still rebellious, but He is taming rebellious hearts by HIs Spirit so that such people will understand the fuller depths of His steadfast love.

Devotional times help believers to understand this complex pattern. Believers stop their accusations of others and rehearsing how they feel wronged and instead humbly hear God and His perfectly just accusations against their bad conduct. Under His scrutiny the believer humbles himself, confesses his sins and receives the great grace of forgiveness offered in Christ. Then, prompted by the Spirit of God, the believer forgiven by God will seek to be reconciled with others. Willingly enduring mocking and sarcasm, the believer will patiently and kindly work to make things right. This always done with a view to all that he has received from God.

Spirit of Power, help me to quiet all the thoughts strivings against one another in my head. Let me hear, truly listen to, the Word of God. Humble me so that I will live the life of reconciliation and grace that is mine in Christ. Thank You, Father in heaven, that You know my iniquity and falseness and in Your compassion You forgive me and work out Your saving purposes in my life. Glory be to Your Name, now and forever more. Amen.