Our Responses Reveal Our Hearts

Ps 69-70 “Revenge or Forgiveness?–What does your heart say?”

Psalm 69 is the third most quoted psalm in the NT.  (e.g., those who hate me without cause [Jn 15:25], “Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine (some translations use vinegar) and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink… [Matt 27:48].

David begins his psalm with an analogy of physical drowning as he tries to cope with the criticism of others and finds himself in a pit with no way out. David’s loneliness reminds us of the story of Joseph and his cry. Later the brothers would recall his cries: “We saw how distressed he was when he cried to us for mercy, but we refused to listen.”

When we hear the cries of others in distress, do we also refuse to listen?

David’s tone changes as he reminds himself of God’s lovingkindness and compassion, his saving truth, the fact that God alone is one’s redeemer. He pleads with God, “pour out your judgment upon them, do not vindicate them, may their names be deleted from the scroll of the living.” These are harsh words!  In the NT, we see the higher way to seek justice as Jesus becomes our example “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34]

Today may we choose the higher path, the path of our Savior, our True Messiah.