The Lord told Israel through Moses before they crossed the Jordan, “Never will I leave you, nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5) The author of Hebrews quotes this to the Church. (Hebrews 13:5) However, this promise to Israel and the Church comes with the warning to not worship idols and money. (Joshua 24:20) All Israel experienced the consequences during the time of Judges for they cried out, “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals.” (Judges 10:10; 1 Samuel 8:8) Baal religion was all about prosperity and easy living. The Lord sent their neighboring nations to rob them of their prosperity and enslave them.
David, who admits his folly and guilt (5), is fully aware that what is happening to him is the punishment from the Lord, his God (2 Samuel 11-12). As a good Father disciplines his son, so the Lord disciples his people. During his near-death experience, trouble from all sides, David continues to repent and pray in verses 16 through 18. Asking God, “Do not hide your face,” is saying, “Turn to me and see my sackcloth repentance and suffering”. God sees all. David is wanting God to have mercy. Biblical mercy is God withholding the punishment that is deserved due to sin.
A growing movement in the western congregations in the last few decades is prosperity and lazy Christian living. Jesus said to the church in Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (Revelation 3:15-18) Is it time to put on sackcloth and plea for mercy?
