Psalm 99-2.9.22
Scripture
Psalms 99:8 NLT
“O Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong.”
Observation-What does it say?
This is a psalm that writes about God’s holiness, righteousness, and how He rules from His throne with justice. God is holy and worthy of all of our praise! But in this particular verse, it points out that Moses, Aaron, and Samuel were amongst God’s priests. They heard from God and followed His ways. If they ran into trouble, they would call on God for help and He would help them. But if they went down the wrong path and went astray, God would forgive them of course, but they would be disciplined for their wrong doings.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Our God is forgiving, but He is also righteous and just.
I have a friend at work who likes to push my buttons when it comes to my faith. Whenever I share with him about tithing, serving in ministry, or even when it’s just about flat out doing the right thing, he always likes to play the devil’s advocate and tries to convince me that “God is a forgiving God. He will forgive you if you slip up this time.” To which I respond, “Yes He is forgiving, but He is also righteous and just.” Sure we all know God is forgiving and loving. But there is also another side of the coin too. A side that is fair and just. A side who is loving, but also a side who hates sin. It’s a fine line we need to be careful to walk on correctly. It’s kind of like our own kids when they mess up and break our rules. Sure, as a parent we have an unconditional love for them and we are going to forgive them. But, we also need to discipline them whenever our kids break those rules. Because what kind of parent would I be and what kind of kid will I be raising if I just continue to just let my children break the rules without any consequences?! What kind of example would I be setting to allow this sort of chaos to take place? There needs to be rules. There needs to be respect for the ones who make them. That is why I remind my kids about their actions in life. I remind them that there are always good and bad consequences regarding every decision they make in life. They should always seek God for wisdom regarding these decisions. This not only goes for them, but for we as adults too. We need to make sure the decisions we make are godly ones; decisions that will reap good rather than bad consequences in life.
“For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”-Proverbs 3:12
Life Application
Be a child of God, striving to live a life that pleases the Father.
Father God I pray that You forgive me of my sins. Forgive me for taking advantage of your unconditional love, kindness, and forgiveness. Help me to listen and obey to Your Holy Spirit. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. May my life at work and at home bring You glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi