Reading 9—Unlimited Mercy
Psalm 51

READ PSALM 51

I recently had an argument with a Facebook friend. I had re-posted a statement that said, “Sometimes you are the bad guy.” Jake (not his real name) could never see himself as the bad guy. Jake is not the only one who thinks that way, but a more common view is, “Well, at least I am not as bad as that person.” A third way to respond to this psalm is the person who believes that they are so bad they could never receive God’s mercy. Finally, is the person who knows he deserves God’s judgement and also know he has received God’s mercy. Whatever your response is to Psalm 51, the truth is you need God’s mercy, and God gives it to you freely.

To Consider

Which of the above four ways is your response to this psalm?

When and how have you experienced God’s mercy?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free spirit. Amen

Judy Schlegel grew up in Lutheran country in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of the old Southeastern Seminary, not to be confused with the present Southeastern Seminary. She is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran and Aldersgate United Methodist Churches, both in Durham.