Psalms 85:1-2 NIV
[1] You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. [2] You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.
We hsve been covering the acts of God for some time now, and today, we consider one of the songs of the Sons of Korah. We know the popular David, and the many songs he wrote, but it is also instructive to see other people such as these men, being given a platform to also testify of the goodness of God in their own lives. Let us take a step back and consider who Korah their father was. This was a Levite man who rebelled against God, along with Dathan and Abiram, and was severely punished by God when the ground opened up and swallowed up all three men and all they had, together with their families who had joined in the rebellion. Yet, in the same chapter where God's judgement was applied, we read that the sons of Korah did not die on that day. They did not join in the rebellion of their father, and they made sure to stay away from those who had chosen to rebel.
Who else would have reasons to praise God, if not these sons, who had seen God at work but more importantly, had experienced His mercy and grace that day. They would have gone in the ground, along with their families, but the decision to stay away from rebellion saved their lives. It really does matter what my daily decisions are, as they are the foundation of what I get from God, or what becomes of me in the future. God will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. In fact, the more of Him you know, the more you must avoid sin at all cost. These men could praise God for the mighty things He did in their lives, because from the verse above, they could testify of the favour of God upon the land and the people too. I learn from this too: God wants to prove He is God in my life, if I will let Him. He will not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. It has to be a willing surrender.
How did the sons of Korah know about the forgiveness of God and His covering of the people's sins, if they had not experienced it personally? How can you testify of an encounter with God if you do not have one to share? How can you speak eloquently about a God you have not spent time with, in order to know Him, His ways, and His expectations for and from you? The lives of these sons are loud testaments to who God is, and how He deals with us. He has made clear what the standard is, but He also gives grace to enable me align with His standard. He does not just command; He also empowers and enables. He has given a platform of access into His nature, and I must live my life in appreciation of what I have received from Him. He has done His part; the response is mine to sort out. He has made a way for me to be fully reconciled to Him, and there will be no excuse for sin anymore. How would you respond? God's time of favour is here.
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