There are two readings for this this Sunday’s lectionary, that I want to attempt to reflex on.
The first one is Psalm 103.
The second on is Genesis 50: 15-21.
As we reads through Psalm 103, that I reference in yesterday’s blog, we find a remarkable description of the divine/human relationship. The clarification is spoken in verse 10:
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
“Iniquities” have the meaning, today, of wickedness or evil.
Think about this: Think of the worst of the worst ‘sin’. The one thing you understand as unforgivable, what would it be?
That ‘sin’ can still be not enough to stop God’s love and mercy; God’s never failing compassion and gracious consideration.
14 For he knows how we were made;
he remembers that we are dust.
God’s mind and heart are far greater, and far wider, than anything the human mind can imagine.
How does this bit of information compute in your brain?
As I get older, and continue to study God’s word, I can’t help but wonder about the two characteristics talked about in the two readings for this week,
The two characteristics that God portrays in His love and forgiveness.
I have learned that we — you and I — have no idea how blessed we are.
We have no idea all God does in this life we live. In this world we live in.
A world where the good, the bad, and the ugly share the very same space with God.
I don’t think we have a clue that God is in the middle — surrounding all the crap of life that we create. All the time preparing, and repairing, and recreating something better.
That my friends is an amazing truth!
Just when we think this world is going to hell-in-a-hand basket. God shows up and proves us wrong.
He did that in Joseph’s life.
He did the same thing after 9/11.
And He is still doing it today.
More on this next time.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works vindication
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love towards those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far he removes our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
14 For he knows how we were made;
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for mortals, their days are like grass;
they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
obedient to his spoken word.
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers that do his will.
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.(Ps. 103)
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