In Sunday's sermon Pastor Joy highlighted Habakkuk 3:2: "O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
Habakkuk's prayer has historical precedence. I am reminded of King David and also of Moses: both men had the experience of appealing to God's mercy even as He was in the process of meting out judgement.
King David, after his sin of numbering the people, suffered the consequence of having a plague sent upon Israel which caused the death of 70,000 people. After interceding for the nation, David followed the counsel of the prophet Gad and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The LORD accepted his offerings, and the plague was stopped (see Second Samuel 24).
Moses pronounced the judgement of God against Korah and his followers, and the people of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron after the incident. God's response was to judge the entire assembly, and a plague went through the community. Moses instructed Aaron to make atonement for the people, and the plague stopped at the place where Aaron stood "between the living and the dead" (Numbers 16).
It is a relief to know that, even in the midst of judgement being executed, it is possible to appeal to God for mercy. While there are cases in Scripture where the appeal is not granted (i.e. Second Samuel 11:1 - 12:23), we are nonetheless encouraged to pray. As King David said, "Who knows? The LORD may be gracious..." (Second Samuel 12:22).
Are you suffering the consequences of your own sinfulness? And have you truly repented? If you have, pray for God's mercy. Perhaps He will shield you from further suffering. Perhaps His grace will cover you. In Your wrath, O LORD, remember mercy.
Who knows?
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