The Sure Mercies of David
By Francis Monroe Burg
The Manifestation of God’s Love in Forgiving and Cleansing a Sinful Man The reader’s attention is invited to an expression in the fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah which shows the meaning and purpose of the story that is told of David’s experience and of the psalms of praise to which his harp was tuned. In verse 4, the prophet continues, “Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” Why has God chosen this man David, and given him for a “witness,” a “leader,” and a “commander” to the people? In the eighty-ninth psalm He calls David “My chosen.” Verse 3. Why is this choice and appointment made? The answer must be clear to all from the nature of the case. No one is so fitted and prepared to tell men how good and how merciful God is as is the one who has been rescued from the very depths of sin, and who, through the grace and power of God, has been “established” in the higher life. Such was the experience of this man David, at whom men have hurled their bitterest thrusts and their anathemas. The Lord pardoned him because he humbly acknowledged his transgression and the iniquity of his sin, Ps. 51:3. And because of the great and wonderful redemption wrought for him, and because he so greatly extolled the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord toward him (Ps. 89:1, 2), he has been “chosen” and appointed to be Jehovah’s witness to the people,—to tell men the one thing that, more than all else, exalts and honors Him above all gods, and that is that He is merciful to men, and will “abundantly pardon” their sins. The writings of this honored man are placed in the very heart of the blessed Book, and the harmonies of his song of praise make the whole Volume vibrant with his characteristic and favorite theme. David said that among all the gods none is like Jehovah. Ps. 135:5. No other gods to whom the devotion of men is given, are characterized as delighting in mercy. See Micah 7:18. One seventh of the world’s population bow down in a servile devotion to the one god, as they regard him—the Allah of the Mohammedans. Under this command are about two hundred and thirty millions of people. And strange as it may seem, these devotees of Allah see nothing whatever of the element of mercy or love in him. None the less true is this of all heathen deities, which are worshiped by countless millions, than it is of the Mohammedan’s god. Think of the slavish service it is to render all the devotion that the heart, body, and soul are capable of exercising, where not one iota of love or mercy is seen to command the homage! The best that can be offered is given out of fear alone; as in the case of the poor, credulous, benighted mother who will throw her precious babe into the river, to be devoured by crocodiles, in devotion to her god, or to appease his wrath. Does not this world need the story of Jehovah’s love to men? Will anything exalt Him as the theme that filled the soul and engaged the songs of David? “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. And when the precious Babe of Bethlehem appeared on earth, God among men, a choir of angels came down, and men heard them “praising God” over the plains of Judea, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13, 14. This account of the angel host singing over the plains when the Babe of Bethlehem was born is usually looked upon as a pleasing story to interest children on Christmas occasions. It truly is an interesting story for the children; but there are thoughts in this narrative that we will not fathom fully till we have spent the eternal years. There is scarcely an account in all the Scripture record that has a deeper meaning than has this one of the angels praising and glorifying God when Jesus was born. “Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21. Not alone that He is able, but that He is willing, to forgive and save His people, is why He is called Jesus. “Sweetest note in seraph song,
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus!” Willing to forgive! Will “abundantly pardon”! “Passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage”! “Delighteth in mercy”! Will “subdue our iniquities,” and will cast all our sins “into the depths of the sea.” “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” And when on the cross, suffering the “just for the unjust,” He prayed for the forgiveness of His murderers. The “good will” of God toward men, His willingness to forgive, was exhibited in the gift of His Son; and when the Son was born among men, the choir from heaven shouted Jehovah’s praises, and “glorified” Him for His “peace” and “good will” toward a sinful world. So He forgave David his great sin, lifted him up out of the “horrible pit,” and filled his mouth with the ever “new” song, even praises to God. And for David’s gratitude toward Him, God has chosen this subject of His grace, and given him to be a “witness” to the people of His mercy toward men. His songs of praise have been embodied in the blessed Book that points sinners to the way of salvation; and, as David said, many have seen, and feared, and have trusted in God. Many poor souls have been led to repentance and faith, and to trust in the Lord, by hearing the testimony of this witness to His goodness. They are following his lead in the great anthem that will make Jehovah’s praise glorious forever and ever.