"A Prayer for Mercy"

PSALMS 123 [A Song of degrees.]

  As was mentioned by Paul in the last verse of the closing Scripture, degrees can also be a measure of heat, as in the fire that will judge all of our works. There is a little speculation as to when and who wrote this Psalm, but there is no speculation of what it is about; because it speaks about the trampling of the church. Understanding the times that we currently live in, there are places right now in this world where there is seriously harsh punishment for those that call upon the name of Jesus. I had the privilege of getting hold of a book while I was in jail, just after getting saved; the book called, "God's Smuggler," by Brother Andrew. I learned about stuff that went on in some of this countries where being a Christian is not something that is allowed, and having church services is something that can get you killed or thrown into prison. There is no greater privilege that we have as followers of Christ than to be persecuted for the testimony that is within us. I was listening to a message the other day that was about when Peter was chained between two guards inside a jail cell waiting to be put to death; and the focus of the message was about how deeply Peter slept; at least the portion that I heard. It made me think about how easy it is to miss the peace we have in Christ; to simply surrender our lives completely over to Him, just longing to be in His presence. If anything should cause us to feel God's mercy, it should be the understanding of how temporary this life actually is, as we appreciate the wonderful gift that we have been given. As I was sharing in the beginning of the last Psalm, this is God's doing, every last bit of it! He has known all along who are His and He has provided a way, sometimes harsh and sometimes wonderful, to get each and everyone of His to the other side. The glory road is just that, His Glory! In spite of all of our stupid fits of complaining and sinning, He makes a way for those that trust in Him; for those that call out, "Abba Father!" Looking at this in a little stronger light, the suffering Jesus had to endure for our sins was the degree of sinfulness that needed to be overtaken. We should never feel as though we have anything to complain about...

""And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner.'"" (Luke 18:13)