7.4 Praise to the Majestic and Merciful God

Read Psalm 113 and 123. What two different aspects of God’s nature are depicted in these Psalms?

Psalm 113 and 123 depict two different aspects of God’s nature: His exaltation and His grace.

1. Exaltation of God: Psalm 113 emphasizes God’s exaltation and His superior position above all that exists. His name is praised, and His throne stands high above the nations and the heavens themselves. The statement “Who is like the LORD our God” attests to the uniqueness and superiority of God over all other powers. This exaltation of God is illustrated by His transcendence – He dwells in unreachable heights, yet He lovingly looks down on the needy and the poor.

2. Grace of God: Even though God reigns in His exaltation high above the heavens, Psalm 113 shows that His grace and mercy are not separate from His exalted position. He stoops down to turn His attention to the needy and the poor, and His generous hand is not hidden. This grace of God is expressed in His willingness to engage with the world and to save the oppressed. Despite His majesty and superiority, God is a gracious Creator and Sustainer who cares for and loves His servants.

Overall, Psalm 113 and 123 show that worship is motivated not only by the exaltation of God but also by His goodness and grace. The greatness and mercy of God find their perfect manifestation in Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself to uplift humanity. Therefore, we have every reason to praise and worship God for His marvelous deeds, especially for the gift of redemption through Christ on the cross.

Reflect on the cross and what happened there for you personally. What has Jesus saved you from? Why is it very important to keep the cross in mind continually?

The cross is a central and meaningful aspect of my faith. It is the place where Jesus Christ gave His life for me and for all humanity to redeem us from the power of sin and death.

Jesus has saved me from eternal judgment and separation from God caused by my sin. He has saved me from a life without hope and purpose, instead giving me forgiveness, reconciliation, and a new life in communion with God.

It is important to keep the cross in mind continually because it:

1. Reminds us of God’s love: The cross is the ultimate sign of God’s love for us. It shows us that God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us so that we may be saved through His death. The cross reminds us that we are loved, valuable, and accepted by God, regardless of our mistakes and weaknesses.

2. Reminds us of the importance of forgiveness: At the cross, Jesus bore the sin of the world and offered us forgiveness. It reminds us that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness, but also that this forgiveness is possible through faith in Jesus Christ. The cross calls us to live a life of forgiveness and grace, both towards others and ourselves.

3. Reminds us of the hope of eternal life: The cross is not the end but the beginning. Jesus rose from the dead and gave us the hope of eternal life. By keeping the cross in mind, we remember that death is not the final word and that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can have eternal life with God.

In summary, it is important to keep the cross in mind continually to recognize and appreciate God’s love, the importance of forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. It reminds us of the heart of our faith and that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.

Psalms 113 and 123 reveal various aspects of God’s nature that influence our daily lives and faith. They emphasize both the exaltation and the grace of God. The exaltation of God is depicted through His greatness and the lofty position of His throne, while His grace is expressed in His merciful willingness to engage with the world and save the needy. These Psalms remind us that despite His transcendent height in the heavens, God still takes part in our lives and cares for the needs of those who call upon Him. Ultimately, they motivate us to worship and praise God not only for His glory but also for His goodness, as most clearly exemplified in Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself to uplift and save us.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-your-mercy-reaches-unto-the-heavens-7-4-praise-to-the-majestic-and-merciful-god/

7.3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins

Read Psalm 130. How are the severity of sin and hope for sinners portrayed?

Psalm 130 portrays the profound reflection of the psalmist on the severity of sin and simultaneously the hope for sinners through God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Firstly, the psalmist emphasizes the great anguish that affects both his own sins and the sins of his people. The sins of the people are described as so grave that they pose the danger of permanently separating the people from God. The biblical notion that sins are recorded and the names of sinners can be erased from the Book of Life intensifies this distress.
Despite this oppressive reality, the psalmist appeals to God’s forgiveness, which can erase the records of sins. He recognizes God’s essential nature as loving and merciful. God’s willingness to forgive sins and not to punish evokes reverence and worship. True worship is based on admiration for God’s love, not fear of punishment.
The believers are urged to wait on the Lord, which does not mean passively surrendering to circumstances but hopeful anticipation of God’s intervention. The hope of the psalmist is not based on personal optimism but on God’s word. Patiently waiting on the Lord is not in vain, for after the dark night comes divine deliverance.
Finally, it becomes clear how the personal plea of the psalmist becomes a plea for the whole community. The well-being of an individual is inseparably linked to the well-being of the entire people. Therefore, one prays not only for oneself but for the community as a whole. As believers, we are part of a community, and what affects one part affects us all.

Consider the question: “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins – Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3). What does this mean for you personally? Where would you be if the Lord were to keep a record of your sins?

The question from Psalm 130:3, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins – Lord, who could stand?” prompts reflection on how we as sinners could stand before God if he were to judge our sins strictly.
Personally, I view this question as a solemn reminder of God’s holiness and righteousness, as well as the severity of sin. If God were to keep a record of my sins without granting mercy and forgiveness, I would be lost. My sins and mistakes would condemn me before his holy judgment, and I would have no hope of standing.
I would be in a place of despair, separated from God’s presence and with no possibility of reconciliation. My sins would create an insurmountable gulf between me and God, and I would face eternal damnation.
This thought leads me to gratitude for God’s infinite mercy and grace. Despite our sinfulness and unworthiness, God offers us forgiveness through his Son Jesus Christ. Through his sacrifice on the cross, our sins can be erased, and our relationship with God restored.
Therefore, the question from Psalm 130:3 personally means an encouragement for me to continually turn to God’s grace. It reminds me to acknowledge my dependence on God’s forgiveness and to remain humble before him. Without his grace, I would be lost, but through his love and mercy, I have hope for eternal life in his presence.

Psalm 130 connects with our daily life and faith by illustrating the severity of sin and the hope for sinners.

1. The psalmist reflects on personal and communal sins that can cause a separation from God.

2. Despite the severity of sins, the psalmist points to the hope of God’s forgiveness and infinite love.

3. Acknowledging God’s forgiveness and love evokes reverence for God and forms the basis for true worship.

4. The psalm encourages patiently waiting on God and relying on His intervention, signifying an active hope for His deliverance.

5. Finally, the psalm emphasizes the connection between the well-being of the individual and that of the community, calling for prayer not only for oneself but also for others and caring for the welfare of all.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-your-mercy-reaches-unto-the-heavens-7-3-if-you-lord-should-mark-iniquities/

7.2 Create in Me a Clean Heart

Read Psalm 51:3–7. Why does the Psalmist appeal to God’s mercy?

In Psalm 51:3–7, we encounter King David in one of the most poignant prayers of repentance in the entire Bible. David, pouring out his heart before the Lord, pleads for forgiveness for the sins he committed in the darkest moments of his life.
The essence of this prayer is a desperate appeal to God’s mercy. David acknowledges the overwhelming mercy of God, extended to him despite his guilt and unworthiness. He realizes he cannot bear the punishment his sin deserves and instead implores for God’s mercy.
It’s crucial to emphasize that David doesn’t request mercy based on his own merits but on the magnanimous mercy of God. He doesn’t ask for what his sin deserves but for God’s divine character, characterized by love, faithfulness, and mercy.
In David’s deep repentance and humility, we see a vivid example of how we can cling to God’s mercy in the face of our own sinfulness. It serves as a reminder that we can rely on God’s undeserved kindness and forgiveness, even when we don’t deserve it.

Read Psalm 51:8–21. How is the forgiveness of sin portrayed here? What is the goal of divine forgiveness?

In Psalm 51:8–21, the forgiveness of sin is depicted as a profound process that goes far beyond a mere legal declaration of innocence. It’s a transformation that penetrates to the core of the repentant person and brings about a new creation within them.
Divine forgiveness isn’t just about erasing guilt; it leads to a profound change in the heart of the repentant individual. The Hebrew verb “bara,” translated as “create,” describes the divine creative power capable of bringing about radical and lasting change in a person.
King David deeply acknowledges his guilt and longs for purification. He compares himself to a leper banished from the presence of God’s community as long as his state of impurity persists. Despite the sacrifices he can offer, he feels unable to fully atone for his grave sins of adultery and murder.
Yet David knows that only the unconditional grace of God can help him. He pleads for purification with hyssop, a ritual cleansing agent symbolizing a return to God’s presence. He presents his broken and contrite heart as a sacrifice, trusting that God will reconcile him.
Thus, the psalm emphasizes the goal of divine forgiveness: not just the removal of guilt but the profound transformation of the individual and the restoration of their relationship with God. It’s an act of unconditional love and grace that renews the person and grants them peace and communion with their Creator.

If God can forgive David for adultery, deceit, and murder, what hope then exists for you?

The story of God’s forgiveness toward David gives me, as an individual, hope because it demonstrates the boundless love, mercy, and forgiveness of God. If God could forgive a man like David, who committed serious sins, then it means there’s hope for me too.
In this story, I recognize that my own mistakes and sins don’t have to have the final say over my life. God’s grace is greater than my sins, and his love is stronger than my mistakes. This means that, no matter how far I’ve fallen or what errors I’ve made, I always have the opportunity to turn to God and ask for forgiveness.
My hope lies in knowing that God loves me unconditionally and that his forgiveness is always available to me. As long as I sincerely repent and open my heart to him, I can experience forgiveness, healing, and a new chance. I can trust that God will help me change and lead a life that aligns with his will.
The story of David’s forgiveness reminds me that no one is too far gone to be reached by God’s love. It’s a reminder that God can forgive not only those who are considered “pious” but that his grace extends to each of us, regardless of our actions or our past. This gives me hope and encourages me to trust in God and be guided by his love.

For our daily lives, this means that we should be aware of the importance of divine grace. We should seek forgiveness for our sins and long for an inner renewal that is only possible through God’s grace.

Ultimately, Psalm 51 reminds us that in our darkest moments, we can trust in God’s grace to forgive, heal, and renew us.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-your-mercy-reaches-unto-the-heavens-7-2-create-in-me-a-clean-heart/

Lesson 7.Your Mercy Reaches Unto the Heavens

In the seventh lesson of our study, we explore the central theme of God’s goodness as portrayed in the Psalms of the Old Testament. The Psalms are a rich source of worship, reflection, and instruction about God’s nature and his relationship with humanity. In this lesson, we will delve deeper into the Psalms to recognize the various facets of God’s goodness, ranging from his mercy and forgiveness to his infinite faithfulness and care.

We will examine how the Psalms reflect God’s goodness amidst various life circumstances and human experiences. In doing so, we will see how God’s goodness is portrayed as a constant source of comfort, hope, and trust for those who turn to him. At the same time, we will discover how the Psalms urge us to respond to God’s goodness, whether through praise, gratitude, or obedience.

Furthermore, we will explore the significance of God’s goodness for our daily lives and our faith. How can we experience God’s goodness in our own lives, and how can we pass it on to others? How can we remember God’s goodness, especially in difficult times, and how can we trust that it will never leave us?

Through the study of the Psalms, we will discover that God’s goodness is incomprehensibly great and surrounds us in all circumstances of life. May this lesson help us to delve deeper into the amazing reality of God’s goodness and to experience it in our daily lives.

7.1 His mercy endureth forever

Read Psalm 136. What is the dominant thought of this psalm? Where does the psalmist find evidence for his predominant statement?

Psalm 136 is a hymn that praises the unwavering mercy of God, which is manifested both in creation and in the history of Israel. The psalmist calls upon the people of God to acknowledge and praise this mercy by mentioning the many deeds of God that demonstrate His love and faithfulness.

The predominant message of the psalm is the infinite mercy of God, which is evident in His creation and His relationship with Israel. The psalmist finds evidence for this mercy in the wonders of nature, such as the heavens, the earth, and the celestial bodies worshiped by the nations. This creation attests to God’s greatness and glory, while simultaneously exposing the limitations and inadequacies of pagan gods.

Furthermore, the psalm illustrates God’s faithful guidance and care throughout Israel’s history, from the liberation from Egyptian bondage to the settlement of the promised land. Every act of mercy and salvation that God has shown His people is evidence of His boundless mercy and love.

The psalmist also emphasizes the universality of God’s grace, which extends not only to Israel but to the entire creation. This encourages the whole world to join in praising and worshiping the Lord.

Overall, Psalm 136 invites us to acknowledge and praise God’s mercy and faithfulness, and encourages us to have confidence in His enduring grace, which extends across all generations and throughout the entire creation.

How does the image of Jesus on the cross, dying vicariously for our sins, most strongly reveal the great truth of God’s eternal love?

The image of Jesus on the cross, dying vicariously for our sins, most strongly reveals the great truth of God’s eternal love in various ways:

1. Sacrifice out of love: Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world to redeem humanity by dying on the cross. This sacrifice demonstrates God’s immeasurable love for us, as He gave His only Son to redeem us from our sins (John 3:16).

2. Forgiveness and reconciliation: Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we can obtain forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God. This illustrates God’s unwavering love, which is willing to forgive us and draw near to us even when we are sinners.

3. Redemption and liberation: The cross also displays God’s infinite love through the redemption and liberation made possible by Jesus’ sacrificial death. By taking our sins upon Himself, Jesus granted us access to eternal communion with God.

4. Continuous love: The cross is a timeless symbol of God’s love that transcends the boundaries of space and time. Even today, the cross speaks to us of God’s unconditional love, which has manifested itself through the centuries and remains ever close to us. Overall, the image of Jesus on the cross, like no other representation, reveals the deep and enduring love of God for us humans. It is the ultimate sign that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39) and that this love endures forever.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-your-mercy-reaches-unto-the-heavens-7-1-his-mercy-endures-forever/