Psalm 99

1 The LORD reigns,
let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.

2 Great is the LORD in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.

3 Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.

4 The King is mighty, he loves justice—
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.

5 Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel was among those who called on his name;
they called on the LORD
and he answered them.

7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

8 O LORD our God,
you answered them;
you were to Israel a forgiving God,
though you punished their misdeeds.

9 Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his holy mountain,
for the LORD our God is holy.

Something that really struck me as I read this psalm was v8. It describes two of God's characterstics that appear to contradict each other.

1. Our God is a forgiving God.
2. Our God punishes us for our misdeeds.

Actually, the principle is very simple. When we commit sins against the Lord, He, being righteous and just (He loves justice - v4), has to allow us to go through certain bad consequences. Because we deserved it. Another reason is that God loves us, hence He disciplines us - Proverbs 3:11-12, Proverbs 13:24, Hebrews 12:5-7 and Revelations 3:19. This is to deter us from making the same mistake again and again.

But when we humble ourselves and come before the Lord in repentence, He will forgive us. That's His nature. Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".


Today I was reflecting on some of my past sins - some of those committed way before I was a Christian. How I wished that I have never committed them. The consequences of those sins were very real - even till now. But I thank God that He has forgiven me and I can be free from those sins. Yes, I now have victory over them. Thanks be to God!


Things to ponder
1. Are there sins in your life that you have not made known to anyone yet? Confess to your cell leader as soon as possible. Don't let the sin have a foothold in your life.
2. Pray and ask God for forgiveness. He will forgive you.