The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

GRACE AND FORGIVENESS

Some of the most amazing storylines throughout Scripture involve grace and forgiveness. Typically, when human reasoning would say that bitterness is warranted, God shows that his grace is enough. In this passage, David was extremely gracious regarding Saul. Rather than recount Saul’s shortcomings, David chose to honor him in this song. In spite of all that Saul had done to harm David, he did not hold these things against him following his death.

Likewise, through Jesus, God does not hold the sins of believers against them. When he sees them, he does not see the sin, but he sees Jesus. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps 103:12). In many respects, David prefigured the grace and forgiveness of Christ, foreshadowing Jesus’ gracious response to people through all time. Even while suffering under the hands of his oppressors, Jesus responded with grace and forgiveness rather than employing the powerful wrath of God (Mt 26:53).

Jesus, thank you for standing between my sins and God. Help me to be as gracious with people who hurt me. Amen.