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Psalm 28

Good Morning “Mercy Receivers, Justice Demanders.”  Today we are in Psalm 28.  

David begins this Psalm by pleading for God to hear his prayer.  This is not an unusual way for David to start, but I don’t get it.  Doesn’t God always hear our prayer?  Sure, He knows everything and obviously “hears” everything.  However; when we turn our back on Him by sinning, He may “hear” but doesn’t always choose to listen - as in granting our plea (Psalms‬ ‭66‬:‭18‬-‭19‬).

Think of it like this… when we’re in the midst of disobedience to parents, and at the same time asking for something - they don’t want to hear it.  “I don’t want to hear it… go clean your room like I asked then maybe we’ll talk.”

Having pled God will hear his prayer, now David moves to plead for mercy.  As we’ve talked David claims he is blameless because of his undying faith.  He never claims he’s sinless.  He knows he needs mercy and he knows God is the one who can grant it.

Justice assumes correct treatment and deserved punishment for sin equally to all.  Mercy is withheld judgment or condemnation.  David pleads for mercy - while pleading for justice for the evildoer.  Why the difference?  David asks for mercy because he knows he trusts God alone for his salvation.  In Gods Grace He offers Mercy to David because of his faith… David believes.  The evildoer does not believe.  They don’t realize they NEED God.  In fact they’ve denied God and refused to accept His Grace.  Well then, they’re left only with His Justice.  David prays God will deal with them justly and all that means.

God is perfectly just.  Justice demands that sin must be paid for and as we know the payment required for sin is death (Romans 6:23a), but the Gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23b).  Jesus took our punishment and offers that payment to us.  Apart from Jesus and the payment He made for our sin… guess who must satisfy what justice demands?  That’s right… the individual who sinned, us!  Choose Jesus.  Choose Mercy and Grace.  Desire the same for the lost, then… go get them.

Love you all!  Dig in!