Tuesday, August 20—Psalm 99, 2 Samuel 24 – Additional Reading, Ministry of Healing, Chapter 36 “Searching into Divine Mysteries”

1. Why would God interpose His strength and sovereignty with justice? (Psalm 99:1-4)

2. How important is the symbiotic approach between equity and justice? (Psalm 99:4)

3. After David’s sin and confession, what was his wish? (II Sam 24:10-14)

4. What underlying importance is given to redemptive vs punitive punishment? (2 Sam 24:15-17)

According to scholars, Psalm 99 is the sixth of the “royal psalms,” it emphasizes that Jehovah is exalted above all nations, not just Israel. In other words, God is a big God and the foundation of justice. In the great debate about equality vs equity, we find the interposition of justice…for all, including the unjust. It is a very common practice today for society to associate strength with sovereignty and justice as punitive. However, it is a tremendous fortune to note the interlink of mercy through strength to enact justice. The Psalmist highlights one significant fact about God: He loves justice.

It cannot be overstated that equity cannot be separated from justice. It appears to be an indistinguishable approach that God takes in relation to humanity. The extent of His righteousness is meted out with equality and fairness. This is the goal that we should aim to accomplish in relation to our sisters and brothers and society at large. According to Wiersbe, “A leader who loves justice will have the strength to obey God’s Word and will seek to please Him.” While equality means treating everyone the same, equity means ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities and recovery.

Forgiveness is the great forerunner of redemption. In 2 Samuel 24, David had “done foolishly” by sinning against God. Through the prophet Gad, God offered three options for punishment. David responded in verse 14 by saying, “Do not let me fall into the hand of man.” It proved to be a great decision. Even during the administration of plagues, “the Lord relented from the destruction.” God saw that it was enough. Justice is not merely administering a penalty but also empathizing with the penalized. God did not just extend punishment, but he also extended His presence. No wonder David felt safer in the hands of God. It is also interesting that David became very passionate about shielding others from the consequences he deserved. When justice is administered righteously, the remorseful recipient relishes reciprocity.

The old adage remains true: we reap what we sow. What are the seeds that are being sown in your garden of life? While our trees may deserve to be cut down by Mother Justice, mercy will come knocking and add the fertilizer of a second chance called grace. “To the lost sinner, God’s throne is a throne of judgment, but to the believer, it is a throne of grace” (Wiersbe). The question then is, how do we show our appreciation to this great God of justice? A strong suggestion is to pray and seek HIS face through our obedience to God and service to society.

My prayer today: Almighty God, please help us to walk humbly, love justice and show mercy. In Jesus name, amen.