Wednesday, January 31, 2024

The Response To God’s Grace is Rejoicing - Psalms 12-14

Psalms 14:7 (ESV)

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,

let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.


To grasp the significance of the above verse, that closes out Psalm 14, we have to read what the writer of the psalm states just previous to this:


Psalms 14:2-3 (ESV)

The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,

to see if there are any who understand,

who seek after God.

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;

there is none who does good,

not even one.


God is looking down from heaven and sees the “children of men” and sees only evil.   As a just God there is only one likely outcome for evil people and that is God’s justice, carried out by His divine wrath.    Yet at the end of the psalm we read this verse of grace and mercy via salvation out of Zion.   God will restore the fortunes of “His people.”  God has a people.  Out of his mercy and grace He makes salvation available to those who put their trust in Him.   Despite the evilness of man’s heart, stated clearly in the text, we have God’s grace on display.   God WILL save those whom He will.   What is Israel’s response: To rejoice and be glad.   Our response to God’s grace is rejoicing.   

No comments:

Post a Comment

God Wants Justice - Deuteronomy 16-19

Deuteronomy 19:15-21 (ESV) Laws Concerning Witnesses 15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wron...