“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10
There are those moments when the word just flows across the lips of the offender. In these moments there seems to be genuine heartfelt sincerity behind the word. But at other times the word flows across the lips as simply a way to get beyond the moment without any repercussions.
What is the word? The word is “sorry.” It is a common word in our society. It is a word that is used time and time again to describe someone’s response to being confronted with their offense. Question, “Have you ever used this word to describe your feelings toward God when you were confronted with your sinful condition?”
Think it through:
The Psalmist is praising God for restoring the fortunes of his people, 85:1. He is lifting up the name of the one who has forgiven the sin of the people and has covered their sins. He is thankful that God has removed his wrath from the people.
In this moment I wonder, “How did this happen?” Did the Psalmist do something to change God’s mind? Did the people do something to change God’s mind? Answer, “no in both cases.”
Psalm 85:10 is the key to what really happened. Our God is a just God who cannot tolerate sin. This is why he is just. But at the same time, he is the God who does not desire that any sinner would perish (II Peter 3:9). So what must happen so that God’s justice could be honored and what must happen so that God’s mercy could be given?
Answer, “Jesus.” R.C. Sproul writes, “Justice and mercy came together in the cross of Christ.” Cited from Pg. 812, “Reformation study Bible”
Jesus did more than say, “Sorry.” Jesus offered to God the sufficient payment for our sin, I John 2:1-2. Because of his payment our coming to God to proclaim our sorrow has much more weight.
Our response:
This very day we must understand that all of our sorrow falls short of meeting the just demands of a holy God. But if we couple of sorrow with the cross of Christ we will be forgiven. This very day, I am sorry for my sins and I trust my life to the just payment of Jesus Christ for my sins. This is why I call him Savior and Lord!!!