Let us consider the timing of mercy and judgment as potentially significant; it is no coincidence that the order is "mercy and judgment" rather than "judgment and mercy." In this framework, our current existence is characterized as a time of mercy, with the future being designated for judgment. Why do we experience mercy first? Reflect on God's nature to understand how we may emulate the Father. He allows His sun to shine on both the wicked and the righteous and sends rain equally to both. This is an act of mercy. When we observe that both righteous and sinful individuals enjoy the same sunlight, water, and bountiful harvests, let us not consider it unjust on God's part to give generously to both. This is a time of mercy, not judgment. If God had not first offered pardon, there would be no one to crown with judgment. Thus, we live in a time of mercy as God's forbearance calls sinners to repentance.
Consider how the Apostle delineates these periods: "Do you think, O man, that judges those who do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?" And if we might respond, "But I commit these sins daily and suffer no consequences," the Apostle reveals the time of mercy: "Do you despise the riches of His goodness and forbearance?" Indeed, he chastises those who underestimate them, emphasizing that "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." While this speaks of the present grace, the Apostle warns that such grace is not eternal. The warning continues: "Thou shalt store up for thyself wrath for the day of wrath." There is mercy, and there is judgment. Judgment should only evoke fear in those who do wrong due to its consequences, yet it should inspire love in the righteous for the rewards that await.
The Apostle brings mercy and judgment to light, instilling fear in the wicked while providing hope for the good. He exemplifies the time of grace found in his own life—a blasphemer and persecutor transformed and pardoned. "In me, Christ Jesus might show all longsuffering," he asserts, giving hope to all who would believe in Him for eternal life. This demonstrates Christ’s ability to manifest all patience, encouraging every sinner to feel hopeful of mercy.
Did Paul alone merit this grace? Just as his admonition instills fear, his testimony provides encouragement. He confidently states, "The Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward me," adding, "And not to me only, but to all who love His appearing." Thus, dear brothers and sisters, we exist in a time of mercy; let us not be complacent in the thought that "God's mercy endures forever."
"I will sing to the harp, and gain understanding without fault," declares the psalmist. To truly comprehend, we must sing with integrity before God—meaning we must work joyfully in His service. What does “a blameless way” entail? The psalmist clarifies: "I walked in innocence in the midst of my house." Innocence begins and ends this path. Seek not to complicate, but simply be innocent, attaining righteousness.
But who is innocent? The one who does no harm to others or to themselves. Some may claim, "I have robbed no one, I oppress no one," while indulging themselves, living lavishly without concern. However, if such a person corrupts their own being, how can they expect mercy upon others? Can a person who is cruel to themselves extend mercy to others? True righteousness boils down to one essence—innocence. He who loves immorality ultimately despises their own soul. The one who desires to harm another first harms their own being, as evil only leads to constriction, while innocence allows for openness.
"Innocently I walked in my heart's purity, within my dwelling," speaks to a heart aligned with God. The house represents our heart, and the plea for innocence pertains to its sanctity. A heart tainted by guilt cannot find peace. Yet, those troubled seek solace in transient pleasures, trying to fill their longing with trivialities, missing the peace that comes from a clear conscience.
"I have not set any wicked thing before my eyes," the psalmist declares. This signifies a rejection of evil and those engaging in faithlessness. When we walk with Christ, we must distance ourselves not only from external evildoers but also from those within. A person is identified as unfaithful if they neglect God's commandments and adhere to worldly ways. It is essential to approach infidelity with a heart that loves the individual but detests the sin that ensnares them.
The psalmist continues, "The wicked heart did not cling to me." A heart aligned with God is not swayed by evil. If one experiences misfortune and questions God, they reveal an unjust perspective. God acts righteously, yet some perceive Him as unfair simply because they refuse to acknowledge their own sinfulness.
When wickedness leaves a person, they may not recognize it, indicating a lack of approval toward ungodly behavior. God is aware of the righteous and the unrighteous, and at the end, His declaration will reveal that those apart from His standards are not recognized by Him. This signifies that they are outside of His kingdom rather than indicating His ignorance.
The psalmist avows, "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I pursue." This highlights the pursuit of righteousness against sin, declaring that he does not indulge the proud or the greedy. Yet, one may wonder at the instances when Jesus dined with sinners and the proud. The key distinction lies in their awareness of their condition—the humble, seeking healing, and recognizing their fallibility.
Moreover, we must discern the feasts we join. Paul teaches that those who seek to harm others feast on the bitterness of their envy and jealousy. Thus, when we encounter divisions among brethren, we must approach them with love, seeking their restoration and repentance without associating with their iniquity.
The righteous and the proud may both host feasts, but their outcomes differ. The righteous feast on the joy and satisfaction of goodness, while the proud find their contentment in others’ downfalls. As the psalmist reflects, "I have not dwelt in pride amid my dwelling." The proud cannot share space with the humble; righteous hearts cultivate unity through meekness.
At day's dawn, the psalmist resolves to eliminate all wickedness from the Lord’s land, hinting at His mercy present in our time yet progressing toward inevitable judgment. This indicates a future reckoning when God’s grace gives way to justice.
He spares the wicked until the appointed time, for it is the night of mercy. It is the time when God embodies patience, awaiting the potential transformation of hearts. Those who refuse to repent will ultimately face accountability. Therefore, in this season of mercy, God calls us through His Word, urging transformation while reminding us of the coming judgment.
THEOSIS