"I will sing of mercy and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises." (Psalm 101:1
No we don't. Try to think of the last time you sang both, "of mercy and justice." Most songs today are in the vein of "I will sing of Your love forever"------ forget that "justice" stuff. Yet this simple but powerful worship song gives deep insight into the reality of our relationship with our Father in Jesus Christ.
Vine gives some insight (which deserves further study) on the whole concept, "of mercy and justice." The Hebrew word for, "mercy," here "refers primarily to mutual and reciprocal rights between the parties of a relationship. But [it] is not only a matter of obligation; it is also of generosity....The weaker party (that's you and I) seeks the protection and blessing of the patron and protector, but he may not lay absolute claim to it. The stronger (The Living Triune God) remains committed to his promise, but retains his freedom, especially with regard to the manner in which he will implement those promises." Of the word translated, "justice," Vine writes that the word "deals with the act of sitting as judge, hearing a case, and rendering a proper verdict," as in Ecc. 12:14, 'For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.'"
Consider the current debates going on all around us in the global scene. In every area of society, political, social, economic, Satan's people are attempting to condemn all Followers of Jesus Christ with the accusation that we are not merciful, that we are a bigoted, narrow-minded lot which have no mercy, when all the time their concept of mercy is just turning a blind eye and overlooking any concept of justice whatsoever. Interpret all political, social, and religious arguments, and all those "talk" shows in light of our text today. You just may be surprised how selective humanity is concerning all areas of human existence, and the gods they have created in order to escape what Paul described as, "judgement to come." Jesus said that, "justice and mercy and faith," are, "the weightier (foundational, heavier) matters of the law." Amazing what we learn when we actually the Bible?!?
Father, in Jesus' Name, I have never done it, but today, "I will sing of mercy and justice." Amen.
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See article on NPR's Firing of Juan Williams @ www.apf327.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
