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In Wrath Remember Mercy
This evil impulse we have. Why was it ever formed?
“O wicked presumption, whence camest thou to cover the earth with thy malice, and deceitfulness?”
Sirach 37.3
There is no one who does not sin. Days like today scattered among the rest. Despair. Downtrodden. Depression. These are simply words which describe a particular state of mind when confronted with our sin. A realization of our standing before His throne. Trapped by our own perversity. Utterly lost. And it’s that knowledge that should bring us to our knees.
The severity of God’s judgment struck Habakkuk with fear. The explanation of the punishment God would bring upon the Jews and then the total destruction of Babylon frightened the prophet.
“O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3.2
Do we see our guilt? Do we plead for forgiveness? For our God to bestow mercy? God is indeed merciful by nature. And yet He is also just. The consequences of sin many times leads to ill effects. We need look no further to the latter portion of King David’s reign following his sin with Bathsheba to see this play out. The repercussions are dire. And so, we too cry out to the Almighty:
In wrath remember mercy.
It is a petition on the lips of the saints. One that acknowledges our present helpless state in light of a Holy God. And thus we bellow in agony. For forgiveness. For mercy.
“Hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people O Lord our God. Render to each whose hearts you know. Maintain your cause. Grant us compassion O Holy One.”
But take heart. We can have confident assertion. Our God is faithful. And He delights in forgiveness. Do you recall the deep love of God amidst the picture of Israel’s extreme rebellion and disobedience?
My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.
How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.
Hosea 11.7-8
We need to remember His wrath is temporary. And His steadfast, merciful love endures forever. And in so doing, renews our spirits in the cloak of eternal hope.
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3.21-23
The Father of Mercies. And His boundless mercies are new every morning. Praise God.
The quality of mercy is not strain'd;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd;
William Shakespeare
May our love for Him and righteousness never be likened to a mist that disappears. May God’s mercy season justice. Through His covenant promises we are afforded forgiveness. Deliverance is found in the mercy of God. And realize that salvation is no meritorious reward. God is strong in His strengthening. Rich in enriching. And true awareness of this on our part will inevitably impact us. And help mold us into the very people God would have us to be.
And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
1 Kings 8.30b
It is our hope that grace will have the last word.
