PRÉCIS ON THE PENITENTIAL PRAYER OF THE REMNANT: IMPRECATION AS MERCY

SCRIPTURE. “Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on and loving-kindness for us, for we are exceedingly satiated with contempt. Our life is exceedingly filled with the scorning and scoffing of those who are at ease and with the contempt of the proud (irresponsible tyrants who disregard God’s Law).” – PSALM 123:3-4, AMPC

KEY TERM: “MERCY.” ‘Chanan’ [חָנֵּ֣נוּ]: “A primitive root, ‘To bend or stoop [low] in kindness to an inferior.’ To favor, bestow or implore; have pity upon; to be gracious toward.” NOTE: “The Hebrew verb ‘chanan’ primarily conveys the act of showing favor or grace. It is often used in the context of God extending His grace and mercy to His people. The term can also imply a sense of compassion or kindness, often in response to a plea or need. In the Biblical Narrative, ‘chanan’ underscores the benevolent and merciful nature of God, who is willing to forgive and bless those who seek Him.”

QUOTATION. “Many at first appeared to receive The Warning; yet they did not turn to God with true repentance. They were unwilling to renounce their sins. During the time that elapsed before the coming of The Flood, their faith was tested, and they failed to endure the trial. ‘Overcome by the prevailing unbelief, they finally joined their former associates in Rejecting the Solemn Message.’ Some were deeply convicted, and would have heeded the words of warning; but there were so many to jest and ridicule, that they partook of the same spirit, resisted the invitations of mercy, and were soon among the boldest and most defiant scoffers; for none are so reckless and go to such lengths in sin as do those who have once had Light, but have resisted the convicting Spirit of God.” ― EDITORS, Remnant Study Bible, NKJV Version, with E.G. White Comments, 2009, p. 95; edited

COMMENTARY. “‘Confidence in God under contempt.’ – Our Lord Jesus has taught us to look unto God in prayer as our Father in Heaven. In every prayer a good man lifts up his soul to God; especially when in trouble. We desire Mercy from Him; we hope He will show us Mercy, and we will continue waiting on Him till it come.

‘The eyes of a servant are to his master’s directing hand,’ expecting that He will appoint him his work. And also to His supplying hand. Servants look to their master or their mistress for their portion of meat in due season. And to God we must look for daily bread, for grace sufficient; from Him we must receive it thankfully. Where can we look for help but to our Master? ‘And, further, to His protecting hand. If the servant is wronged and injured in his work, who should right him, but his Master? And to His correcting hand.’ Whither should sinners turn but to him that smote them? They humble themselves under God’s mighty hand.

‘And lastly, to His rewarding hand.’ Hypocrites look to the world’s hand, thence they have their reward; but True Christians look to God as their Master and their Rewarder. God’s people find little mercy with men; but this is their comfort, that with the Lord there is Mercy. Scorning and Contempt have been, are, and are likely to be, the lot of God’s people in this world. It is hard to bear; but the servants of God should not complain if they are treated as His beloved Son was. ‘Let us then, when ready to faint under trials, look unto Jesus, and by faith and prayer cast ourselves upon the Mercy of God.’” – MATTHEW HENRY, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, 6 vols., 1708-1710; edited

DK’S TAKE. It is my considered view that American Christians in the last ten years have preferred a Gospel that has been neutered from its prescription of Justice toward the impenitent. We have been taught that even when our fellow-Christians attack, malign, mistreat, and do harm to us, that we are never to pray to God for both Mercy and Recompense.

King David’s Psalm and Matthew Henry’s piercing Commentary together annihilate that false teaching handily.

Beloved, True Christian Love starts and ends with our fierce and undying Love for God and Truth and Hatred of the Lie that is to permeate all that we do in demonstrating our Loving Obedience to our King. Therefore, we do not “love” the Oppressor in the same way we love the righteous, nor do we “love” the child molester, nor, fellow believers, do we “love” a President who loves Evil.

To do so is Treachery to the God of Truth!

So we implore the Lord to deal justly with them. That they might be Rescued from their brutalities to God and Man. I wonder in both grief and outrage if anyone in the entire American Church can hear this anymore! I pray so, beloved. For our King has declared it plain for all to heed:

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God? … [Therefore, let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good.” – MICAH 6:8, ROMANS 12;9. AMPC

Selah.