In this psalm, we should examine its entirety to unveil the truth found in the opening verse: "Grace and judgment I will sing unto Thee, O Lord." (Psalm 100:1) Let no one deceive themselves into believing they will escape punishment through God's mercy, for judgment also exists. Those who have undergone transformation for the better need not fear the Lord’s judgment, as mercy comes before it. Human judgment, often tainted with mercy, can act contrary to justice, appearing merciful yet lacking true justice; conversely, those seeking to enforce strict judgment sometimes exclude mercy. However, God possesses the ability to maintain the integrity of judgment alongside the fullness of mercy. If we perceive mercy and judgment as sequential, we find the current time to be one of mercy, with the future designated for judgment. Why is the time for mercy prioritized? Firstly, consider God's nature, so that you may emulate Him as He permits... He causes His sun to rise upon both the righteous and the wicked, and sends rain upon the just and the unjust. This exemplifies mercy. When you observe that both the just and unjust bask in the same sunlight, drink from the same waters, are nourished by the same rain, and share in the bounty of the earth, do not conclude that God is unjust for granting these blessings equally. This is a period of mercy, not judgment. Had God not first offered mercy, He would not have individuals to crown with judgment. Thus, it is a time of mercy when God, in His patience, beckons sinners to repent.
Consider how the Apostle differentiates the seasons of life, as he states: "Thinkest thou, O man, that condemns them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?" If one questions why they commit daily sins yet face no immediate repercussions, the Apostle reveals the time of mercy: "Do you despise the riches of His goodness and forbearance?" (Romans 2:4) This is indeed a time of grace. However, let not anyone presume it shall last indefinitely, as he subsequently warns, referring to the impending time of judgment. "But after your hardness and impenitent heart treasures up unto yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds." (Romans 2:5-6) Here, we see mercy and judgment intertwined. While judgment ought to instill fear due to punishment, it should also be desired by the righteous for the reward it entails. The Apostle, while warning the wicked, also offers hope regarding judgment to the faithful, showcasing himself as an example of the grace available in Christ. Given that Paul was previously a blasphemer, a persecutor, and violent, he acknowledges the mercy he received. Yet, his mercy was not without reason; he encourages that through him, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all long-suffering as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. This signifies that Paul’s testimony serves as a declaration of hope for all sinners.
The righteous apostle reminds us that the Lord, the just Judge, will reward him on that day, and importantly, "Not to me only, but to all who love His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8) Thus, dear brethren, we live during a time of mercy. We must not mislead ourselves into thinking God's mercy is eternally granted without heed... "I will sing to the harp, and gain understanding without fault. When You come to me." (Psalm 100:2) To sing correctly and comprehend Divine truths, one must seek to live righteously before God. What constitutes a blameless existence? "I walked in innocence in the midst of my house." This pathway of righteousness begins and concludes with innocence. Why complicate matters with excessive words? Simply be innocent, and you will attain righteousness… Who is innocent? The one who does not cause injury to another, nor to oneself. A person claiming innocence while indulging in personal corruption is false. A boastful soul may declare, "I've wronged no one, nor oppressed anyone; I will thrive on my possessions and enjoy feasting as I please.” Yet, if they neglect the welfare of their own spirit, can they expect to be merciful to others? Can one extend compassion while being unkind to themselves? Ultimately, righteousness boils down to the essence of innocence. He who is devoted to iniquity ultimately despises their own soul. When one loves iniquity, they may think they are harming others, yet in reality, they harm themselves since “he who loves iniquity hates his own soul.” Therefore, wishing to bring harm to another only serves to first harm oneself. True righteousness resides in innocence.
"I walked in the innocence of my heart, in the midst of my house." Within his house, he could mean either the Church, where Christ dwells, or his own heart, our inner sanctum. What is the essence of a pure heart? The one tainted by sin cannot remain there. An individual burdened by a guilty conscience is alienated from their own heart. Such persons cannot find peace within and seek fulfillment in external trifles that please the body. Why would they yearn for joy beyond their inner turmoil? Because true happiness is elusive without a clear conscience...
"No evil thing have I set before my eyes. Nothing evil have I loved." (Psalm 100:3) This intertwines with the declaration, "I hated those who do unfaithfulness." Let us heed this call. If you walk with Christ in the sanctity of your heart, or among the faithful, you must oppose those who defy God's law—those who hear yet do not obey. Hate not the individuals, but the disbelief that resides within them. Every man is crafted by God but may choose to embody unfaithfulness instead; cherish what God has made while striving against what they foster in defiance. In doing so, you combat their treachery while honoring the divine purpose of creation. "I have hated the treacherous."
"The wicked heart did not cleave to me." The heart aligned with God's desires is termed upright… A faithful heart follows God while a corrupt heart resists Him. When affliction befalls the wicked, they lament, "God, what wrong have I committed against You?" They seek justification for their actions, declaring God unjust. The irony lies in their hypocrisy; while deeming themselves just, they fail to see their own faults. Instead, correct your perspective and recognize God's righteousness. He is just while you err, and thus, you distort truth by labeling God unjust.
Who do you consider just? Yourself. By questioning God's silence in suffering, you claim your righteousness. Yet, God responds: "You have done nothing to Me; rather, you’ve wronged yourselves." If you did act for Him, your deeds would align with goodness. Whatever is done righteously serves Him, while evil only harms you, for the wicked act solely for their own gain, as their desires are not commanded by Him. In witnessing such individuals, brothers and sisters, kindly admonish them, guide them, and if possible, build them up.
"When the wicked departed from me, I did not recognize him." (Psalm 100:4) I did not approve of him, nor commend his ways, nor appreciate him. Scripture often uses "recognize" to convey "delight." In consideration of who is hidden from God's sight, does He not know both the righteous and the unrighteous? Rest assured, there is nothing He does not foresee. At the final reckoning, some will hear, "I never knew you; depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity." (Matthew 7:23) Did God truly lack knowledge of anyone? His declaration signifies disapproval rather than ignorance. In saying "I never knew you," He indicates a divergence from His path of righteousness. You do not share His ways, for He upholds the truth you have ignored.
"When the wicked departed from Me," signifies that those whose lives contradicted my example were neither willing to emulate my righteous path nor partake in the lives I offered as a model. I did not know them—this means I did not affirm them.
"Whoever secretly slandered his neighbor, him I persecuted." (Psalm 100:5) This indicates a righteous pursuit, targeting not the individual but sin itself. “With a proud eye and an insatiable heart, I did not feed.” To not partake means I refused communion with those engaged in sin. You must remain alert, dear friends, for something profound follows. Just as the Lord dined with sinners who were humble and recognized their need for salvation, He also interacted with proud Pharisees who disregarded His call for humility.
This Pharisee may have hosted Christ at his feast, maintaining pride while angrily distancing himself from a penitent sinner. He did not grasp that Christ’s company with sinners was a call to redemption, not an endorsement of pride. Should we deem Him as forbidding what He modeled? Christ invites emulation; we witness Him feasting with the proud—does He then forbid us from associating with the downcast? Should we refrain from breaking bread with recognized wrongdoers merely to exclude our brethren in their time of need?
If we cease fellowship in order to correct them, we may find ourselves sharing a table with outsiders instead. This notion, however, contradicts Paul’s guidance that one ought to "take notice of that man, and do not associate with him, that he may be ashamed; yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14) We often intercede for the sake of more significant reform, yet alas, we find ourselves dining with those who are devoid of godliness.
A godly heart has its feasts, while a proud heart revels in its own emptiness. The proud heart is insatiable; it feasts upon the misfortunes of others. As the Apostle cautions, “If ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Galatians 5:15) Therefore, keep your distance from such gatherings, for they savor the downfalls of the wicked. Beware, lest you find yourself ensnared among them like a bird in a trap, for the wicked indulge in self-destructive feasting, while the righteous yearn for sustenance from righteousness.
"Where did they feed you from? And what did you enjoy when he did not eat with you?" As stated, the faithful remain present in the world with a purpose: "My eyes were upon the faithful on earth." (Psalm 100:6) Their congregation signifies opportunity for righteousness. The faithful shall occupy thrones and judge the world, aligning with scripture’s declaration: "Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" (1 Corinthians 6:3) Whosoever walks uprightly serves not self, but the Lord.
THEOSIS