Psalm 79:8-13.        

Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, God’s grace is drawing and working on behalf of Israel. Yahweh desires that His ways become His people’s ways. It isn’t surprising, then, that we find calls for God to bring justice to the oppressed and downtrodden. It shouldn’t amaze us to find prayers to preserve the lives of prisoners condemned to die. God is concerned with the flourishing and thriving of His people—from cradle to the grave. However, it’s not only Israel He has in mind. As Israel’s priests were to God, so Israel was to be to and for the world. As Israel was repeatedly rescued and redeemed, they were to reflect God’s love and justice to the world and bear His name for God’s glory.

Time and again, God graciously redeems us and meets us where we are as we seek Him, and God’s forgiveness glorifies God. We bear witness to God’s amazing grace—not just with our worship and prayers—but through our lives as we seek to live our love for God for the sake of the world as people of forgiveness.

May all you do bear witness to God’s concern for the world as you live as one forgiven.

Author: Michael Scarlett