And That's a Good Thing

Scripture:
He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our iniquities.
Psalm 103:10

Observation: This psalm has multiple declarations that the Lord not only loves and forgives us of our sins, but that he does so in a manner that is far greater than is deserved. The psalm declares he removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. This verse is very simple and clear ... the Lord simply has not dealt with us in the manner our sins deserve.

Our sins deserve death, and at the very least they punishment from the Lord, which might include permanent rejection by the Lord. Instead, the Lord does none of the above, but forgives and blesses. This is written by David, a man beloved and blessed by the Lord despite committing one of the greatest sins imaginable ... killing a man to cover up the affair he had with his wife.

Application: The Lord has not dealt with me as my sins deserve. My sins do deserve death, punishment, and rejection. I should be repaid according to my iniquities. For some reason - truly reasons I cannot fully understand - the Lord has not done this to me.

I 'get' the promise. The Lord promises forgiveness and everlasting life to those who put their faith in Jesus. However, there is no actual reason for him to do this, and even so certainly my continued sinning ... over and over and over and over again ... would be justification for declaring that I have broken the covenant promise and/or do not truly believe in Jesus as my Lord and savior if I cannot obey him. The Lord is justified to dismiss me, ignore me, sentence me, and punish me. He doesn't.

I don't get what I deserve, and that's a good thing.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my sins. They are numerous. I continue to need your assistance and strength to overcome them and protect me from deceptions of this world, and I again ask for that assistance and strength today. Please renew my mind through the Holy Spirit so I may do your good work and help others, today and every day. Amen.