Psalm 130: The Forgiving God
Psalm 130: The Forgiving God
4. But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
7. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
◇ This morning I was deeply moved once again by the profound truth that forgiveness belongs to God alone.
In verse 4, the psalmist declares, "But with you there is forgiveness." The Hebrew word for forgiveness here carries the beautiful meaning of gracious pardon—a generous, merciful releasing of debt and guilt.
As the psalmist ascends toward the temple, what he desperately and earnestly seeks is forgiveness. He waits for the Lord more eagerly than watchmen wait for dawn, precisely because the Lord offers this gracious forgiveness. Yet gracious forgiveness is never easy.
Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president, spent 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid before his release in 1990 and election as president in 1994. He established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation as he worked to heal his nation's past wounds.
When a journalist asked him, "How can you forgive those who imprisoned you for 27 years and forced you into hard labor?" Mandela reportedly replied, "Harboring hatred and resentment would be like drinking poison and expecting it to kill someone else."
Forgiveness is never easy. This is especially true when someone has caused us deep emotional pain or material loss. It becomes even more difficult when the wrongdoer refuses to acknowledge their fault or ask for forgiveness.
This pilgrim, ascending toward the temple and desperately seeking God's forgiveness, recognizes his sin and repents. Therefore, God forgives him.
Even King Ahab, who killed the Lord's prophets and priests and worshipped idols, was forgiven when he genuinely repented (1 Kings 21:27-29).
While we find it difficult to forgive even when forgiveness is sought, God forgives anyone who acknowledges their sin and seeks His pardon.
♧ Merciful and righteous God, thank You for Your forgiveness. Pour Your forgiving heart into mine abundantly! Grant me the grace to forgive even when forgiveness is not sought! Holy Spirit, make me strong and bold! Amen.