“For You are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You” (Psalm 86:5).
Dear Praying Friends:
This past weekend, we all heard music and messages proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Today, I want to think just a bit on one result of those immense displays of God’s pity and his power: Forgiveness of sins and abundant mercy.
Once again, David faces enemies: “the proud” who have risen against him and “a mob of violent men who have sought [his] life,” evil men who “hate” him to death (Psalm 86:14, 17).
It’s easy to see why Psalm 86 has long been classed among the “messianic” psalms, for our Lord had to endure constant threats from evil men who sought to kill him and eventually succeeded.
But not for his own sins. He bore the penalty for our transgressions, iniquities, and foolish wanderings from his way (Isaiah 53:5-6).
I don’t know about you, but for me this is good news. Without his atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, I would be bound for an eternity in hell. With it, you and I can confidently call upon him for forgiveness and mercy.
Thank you for praying last week. God enabled me to write a monthly prayer letter; start the conclusion to the book on Lit-Sen Chang; begin writing notes on Hebrews 13; and call several people.
Last Sunday we watched an early showing of “A Great Awakening,” about George Whitefield, Benjamin Franklin, and the 18th century's First Great Awakening in America. It is a splendid film, with powerful acting, beautiful music, and a dramatic tale of both the events of the Awakening and the deep and moving friendship of Franklin and Whitfield. (If you'd like to watch it, just go here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4-rMC88ylQ. You can also read more on this pivotal movement in American history in my book Christianity in America: Triumph and Tragedy (https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-America-G-Wright-Doyle/dp/1620320592).
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth [faithfulness]” (Psalm 86:15).
Yours in his unending love,
Wright