Great Mercy
Psalm 85
By Jeff Olds
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.
There is so much in this Psalm!
Psalm 85 begins by reminding us of God’s great faithfulness to His people Israel. God looked favorably on their land by graciously taking care of them, His special possession; He brought them back from captivity; and He forgave their iniquity and covered all their sin. What a beautiful picture and foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice for His creation.
Throughout Psalm 85, the psalmist alludes to God’s great mercy. “The word translated mercy is the great Hebrew word hesed, which often has the idea of grace or loyal love. This verse may have been the inspiration for what John later wrote: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). (Enduring Word Bible Commentary, comments on Psalm 85)
Christ’s great mercy compelled Him to lay aside the riches of heaven and tabernacle with us in human flesh, live a sinless life, die on the cross, and rise from the dead. What amazing love and mercy.
During this Advent season, let’s focus our heart’s attention on the great mercy we have received in Jesus Christ.
Father, thank you for your great mercy expressed to us through your gift
of Jesus Christ.