David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” 2 Samuel 24:10
We are mocked by our neighbors, an object of scorn and derision to those around us.
O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you— on kingdoms that do not call
upon your name.
Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair. Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name.
Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff, asking, “Where is their God?” Psalm 79:3,5,6,8-10
I was in jail yesterday, leading a bible study for the ladies inside. We talked about the attitude of the inmates toward the things of God. Those who showed interest in studying God’s word expected to be mocked. One believer said the hardest thing for her was listening to the unbelievers mocking one another day after day. Their cruel behavior created an oppressive atmosphere. She usually buried her head in a book.
At the end of our discussion, we prayed for God to touch everyone in the jail – officers, residents, sinners all.
Others scoff. We cry for justice from the sins of others. From our sins, we cry for mercy. In God’s eyes, all sins are the same. They deserve both justice and mercy.
Unlike David, Jesus was guilty of nothing, but like David, he didn’t want to see his people suffer. Jesus took the punishment for all the sins of the world. The mockers, the scoffers, and the disobedient are all like sheep gone astray. We all deserve justice. We all need mercy.
The pure sinless blood of a sinless Savior washes away the stain of all our guilt. Based on faith alone, we receive mercy.
yicareggie
Sixty-six books in a year 