August 2, Day 214 – Recognizing God’s Great Mercy
- Dr. Eric Stricker
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Today we come to chapters 11 and 12 in 1st Chronicles. In chapter 11, we see that David becomes king over Israel. Significantly, all the people – “all Israel” – came together and gave their allegiance to David; they recognized clearly that he was “the one who led Israel on its military campaigns,” and that the LORD unmistakably gave him the responsibility “to shepherd His people Israel” (verses 2-3). In verses 4-9, the Jebusites arrogantly “said to David, ‘You will not get in here [i.e., Jerusalem].’ Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion – the City of David, where he took up residence. David became ever more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him” (verses 5-9). When the Lord is with us, who can be against us? Who are the Jebusites in our lives today? In reality, they have no power or authority over us – if God is with us. We need to remember that God is our Authority and our Strength, and nothing can prevail against Him. In the next section, we see a list of David’s “mighty men who gave his kingship strong support” (verse 10). In chapter 12, we also see another list of fighting men who joined with David in his flight from Saul. We notice their military prowess – “they were armed with bows … able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed – kinsmen of Saul” (verse 2). Although Saul “banished David from his presence” (verse 1), his own kinsmen saw through his foolish behavior and wisely came over to David. These kinsmen recognized that in spite of Saul’s poor, selfish leadership, God was “with David” (cf., 1 Chronicles 11:9). We also see that many other men “defected to David” (verses 8 and 19). As Jesus said, “wisdom is proved right by her actions” (cf., Matthew 11:19). We would be wise to follow these same biblical examples.
Today, we finish Psalm 89 (verses 46-52), which concludes with a brief series of great philosophical and prototypical questions that are common to all men and women everywhere. The answer to these questions is “remember” (verses 47 and 56) – because God remembers. The psalmist calls upon God to remember our predicament, from which our only hope is to trust in God’s redemptive work. In this, He forgives and forgets our sins (cf., Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; and Hebrews 8:12). “Who can escape the power of the grave?” (verse 48). This question is validated by our hope in the resurrection – which only God can accomplish – and has already accomplished in Christ. Apart from such work, life is rendered absolutely “futile” (verse 47). Thus, based on God’s promises (cf., verse 49), the Psalmist says, “the LORD is to be praised forever!” (verse 52). This entire Psalm should inspire hope in our hearts and praise from our voices.
Yesterday, we mentioned that gray areas often characterize our lives. In light of those gray areas – especially in the Christian life – Paul, in Romans 14:19-15:13, lays the responsibility for “peace and mutual edification” squarely on the shoulders of each individual believer. We are to “keep these things between ourselves and God” (verse 14:22). We should work against being offensive and offended in our relationships so that “the work of God is not destroyed” (verse 20). Our goal is to accept “each other as Christ accepted us” (verse 15:7), so that ultimately, we may “glorify God for His mercy” (verse 9). Indeed, in recognizing God’s great mercy toward us, may we praise and glorify Him forever.
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