Forgiven

Today's Verse:

Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah... Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. ~Psalm 85:2, 10

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The nation of Israel had experienced serious foreign oppression, imprisonment, and the seizure of much of their assets. This occurrence resulted in a national humility, repentance, and a turn back to God. Psalm 85 is a reflection and commentary on the forgiveness of God. This morning, let us consider the priority of having God’s forgiveness for sin.

We see the reason for God’s forgiveness.

Forgiveness is necessary when one party has offended another party. It is a necessary action on behalf of someone who has broken a law, a contract, an oath, or a promise. In Israel’s case, they had departed from God by disobeying His commands and worshiping idols. King Jeroboam introduced golden calf worship at Bethel and Dan. The Jews saw this worship as being convenient, suitable, and little in true commitment. God told them that worshiping idols was similar to adultery in marriage. Israel continued their sinful practices over a long period of time and refused to turn back to God. After the heartache, grief, and much loss, they realized that they were in need of God’s forgiveness.

We see the reconciling in God’s forgiveness.

In v. 10, the psalmist made this remarkable declaration: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Truth demands justice against an offending party. Mercy is when pity and a spirit of restoration are applied in spite of the grievous offense. Righteousness also demands truth and justice. When righteousness and peace meet, there is no breach, hurt, grief, or need for punishment. Verse 10 uses the analogy of a marriage ceremony at an altar. Thus, reconciliation is like a marriage: a marriage made in Heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” God’s forgiveness removes the penalty for sin. God’s forgiveness restores favorable fellowship.

We see the result from God’s forgiveness.

Forgiveness is powerful! It results in the remission of sin. It results in exculpation of all sin. The psalmist said, “Thou hast covered all their sin.” All confessed sins are forgiven and forgotten. There is peace between the two parties. Things broken are restored. “Truth shall spring out of the earth.” Blessings and power are restored. What a blessing to know that God is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins. David said, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

Are you restless in spirit and lacking peace between you and God because of sin that has not been dealt with? If so, come to God today, confess your sin, and ask for His forgiveness. Don’t allow the power of sin to control your life. Instead, let the power of forgiveness set you free! Realize today that when mercy and truth meet, this is a marriage made in Heaven.

Have a forgiven God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Nehemiah 10-11

#Psalms #Forgiveness #Mercy #Truth