Read Psalm 69:22-28. 22Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. 23Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually. 24Pour out your indignation upon them, and let your burning anger overtake them. 25May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents. 26For they persecute him whom you have struck down, and they recount the pain of those you have wounded. 27Add to them punishment upon punishment; may they have no acquittal from you. 28Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.
Here is where the psalmist breaks from Christ. On the cross, Jesus prayed “Father, forgive them,” whereas the psalmist prays, “Father, blot them out.” David wants every good thing to be removed from the lives of his enemies – from fellowship to loneliness. From peace to punishment upon punishment. May God have no mercy upon their souls.
This difference makes us wonder if justice and forgiveness can co-exist. But the cross of Christ answers with a resounding, YES. The cross is the mingling of justice and forgiveness. It is atonement. Sins punished and paid for.
In Christ we must never be complacent about the injustice and evil in the world. But we must also allow the atoning mercy of Christ move us into the forgiveness of God, knowing that his justice is always a reconciling, restorative justice made possible by the One who was blotted out for all mankind. He will judge. And he will judge righteously.
To live is Christ means trusting God’s justice while also trusting his mercy.
Prayer. Jesus, you offered me acquittal when I didn’t deserve it. Let this truth bring a love of both justice and mercy to my heart. Amen.
To Live is Christ 