Friday 22nd May

Psalm 21 vs 3 
“You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.”

In relation to the verse we looked at yesterday the commentator John Goldingay holds that the desire in David’s heart was to rule, in contrast I suppose to Saul his predecessor who was hiding among the luggage when he was sought. I think we can take from that David’s desire to serve God rather than to embark on a course of self aggrandisement.

The link to this verse then and God’s granting of his desire is that rather than waiting to receive him, he comes to meet him, and gives to him the rule of Israel in the form of a crown of pure gold. Ian White in his sung version, remember it a few days ago, puts it in memorable form, “you welcomed him with all your richest grace.” It brings to mind the character of God rather than the worthiness or otherwise of David.

God knew this man like all others except one would fail, but he knew also David’s heart. Our God is a God of compassion, a God who treats us with mercy we do not deserve because of our failings and cannot earn despite our many attempts. It is the character of God and his unchanging nature that gives us assurance that we like David will be welcomed when we seek God humbly.

This morning as I thought about this verse the parable of the prodigal son came flooding into my mind and with it the striking similarity to the picture we have here. There, if you remember the foolish boy went and squandered what his father had given him on riotous living with good time friends keen to help him spend it. Those friends abandoned him in need and at his lowest point the young man came to his senses and went home to earn a place as servant in his father’s home. His father though spotted him a long way off and overcome with compassion and love ran to welcome him put a ring on his finger and the finest robe on his back and threw a party. You can read the story in Luke 15:11-24.

If you are on the run from God, or afraid that you’ve done something too terrible to receive mercy or be greeted with anything other than the richest welcome take heed.  If that’s your concern do these examples of grace not reassure you or the consistent witness of the bible convince you that God is compassionate and gracious to those who look for him humbly and sincerely?

PRAYER
In your own words tell God of you failures and you sins. Tell him your concern and the things that trouble you. Be honest, open your life and heart and let him deal with you in love.

LISTEN