This song comes from the passion of David and the temple writers in Psalm 130.
Yahweh sets himself apart from other gods who demand endless sacrifice for possible protection in return and no other benefit or reason. The Jewish people and King David came to know this more
deeply over the years. They celebrated this difference in Psalm130:
Our God continually forgives our transgressions, and we patiently wait for His counsel and blessings.
Humankind’s understanding of how we become right with God was being developed. David and the temple writers understood the value of how a personal relationship with God would lead to better serving Him.
Jesus brought the value of this personal relationship into full view. He tells Peter in the book of Matthew chapter 18 to forgive a brother or sister in an unlimited way:
Jesus continues by telling a parable about how God forgives in this same unlimited way. But if we continue to try and count how much we forgive or hold grudges, that will negatively affect the relationship with our Father God.
Continual forgiveness allows the love and goodness of God to flow through us. It allows the flow of continual love that God desires to be meted out to the people of the world.
It’s a new understanding that when we count and hold grudges, we give a foothold to the darkness of this world. It’s also a new understanding of how we become right with God.
When you give your heart to the Lord, vow that you will be transformed to show the true character of God to your neighbors and enemies in this way.
They will know you are followers of The Way by your love.
The message from Jesus that God’s justice and mercy were shown by how much we love and forgive was radical for the day. It was common to show love and decency to your neighbor, but not so much to those who think or live differently. Or certainly not to your captors.
Jesus had a hard message for the Jewish people of His day. They were constantly brutalized and suppressed and occupied. This message of love and getting right with God didn’t seem fair.
The message for us today is that our circumstances in this world are rarely fair or equitable. But the will of God is that all people will prosper and navigate this world best when locked in with His continual love and care for our individual self and families and in community.
Even with the need to draw boundaries against mal intent and evil in this world, we can better serve our God and each other with the power of love.
Heavenly Father, how great is Your name. May Your kingdom come to earth. Lord Jesus, continually teach me the value of my right relationship with You and my neighbor. Thank you for the victory over sin and death so I can live my life to the full.
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