In spite of all the amazing displays of God’s power, “…THEY KEPT ON SINNING; in spite of His wonders, THEY DID NOT BELIEVE…then they would flatter God with their mouths, lying to Him with their tongues; THEIR HEARTS WERE NOT LOYAL TO HIM, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet GOD WAS MERCIFUL; He forgave their iniquities and DID NOT DESTROY THEM. Time after time He restrained His anger and did not stir up His full wrath. GOD REMEMBERED THAT THEY WERE BUT FLESH, a passing breeze that does not return…AGAIN AND AGAIN THEY PUT GOD TO THE TEST…THEY DID NOT REMEMBER HIS POWER— the day He redeemed them from the oppressor…” (Psalms 78:32, 36-39, 41-42)
We know that this is the history of Israel but is it, at least partially, our history as well? Let’s face it, we cannot continue to live in sin and NOT EXPECT CONSEQUENCES!!! So, here is David’s prayer to God for his sin, let’s keep this nearby. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love…your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. AGAINST YOU, YOU ONLY, HAVE I SINNED and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” (Psalms 51:1-4)
GOD IS HOLY, FOR US TO DO WHAT HE WANTS US TO DO, WE MUST BE HOLY…
-Bill Stockham