‘Let
the groaning of the prisoner come before you; according to the greatness of
your power preserve those who are appointed to die’ (Psalm 79: 11).
God’s instruction to Israel for the building of the Tabernacle
was that, the Mercy Seat be placed on the Ark of the Covenant. One may wonder
why the Mercy Seat was situated on the Ark of the Covenant which contained the
tablets of the law, in addition to Aaron’s Rod and the Golden Jar of Manna. The
lesson here is that, God’s mercy is higher than the law. It is said that, among
the attributes of God, although they are all equal, mercy shines with even more
brilliancy than justice. ‘Deliverances from trouble are mercies indeed, when
grounded upon the pardon of sin. We should therefore be more earnest in prayer
for the removal of our sins than for the removal of afflictions. (Matthew
Henry).
The nation of Israel went into captivity in Babylon as a result
of their sins. Jerusalem was made a heap of ruins, and God’s holy temple
defiled. Many were killed and their dead bodies were left as food for the birds
of the air and wild animals (Psalm 79:1-3). All this happened after they
had turned on a deaf ear to numerous warnings from God. Finally, in captivity
they cried unto God for deliverance. ‘He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will
suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy (Prov 29:1). How sad it is, that
sometimes the children of God wait until sin robs us of all our dignity and
blessings before we return to God.
The Good News is our God who is full of mercy delivers us when
we sincerely repent and turn back to Him. Mercy is defined as a compassionate
treatment, especially of those under one's power. Grace is what God gives us
when we don't deserve and mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve.
The devil may be condemning you, that there remains no forgiveness of sin for
you. But remember, “as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has
compassion on those who fear him. The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He
rises to show you compassion... But the key is repentance. If we confess our
sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The proud do not receive God’s mercy but
those who humble themselves and acknowledge their sins (Psalms 103:13, Isaiah 30:18, 1 John 1:9, Luke
18:13-14).
Today, as you repent and genuinely confess you sins, may you
receive a presidential pardon from God. The blood of Christ has the efficacy to
cleanse any and every sin. No matter your past sins, may your groaning go
before God and may His great power preserve you, destroying any appointment
with death, that the devil has placed over your life. Finally, may you receive
the God’s grace to pursue righteousness.
