If there is one thing a disciple of Christ feels more than anything else, it's his unworthiness. We have a very keen sense of God's mercy, knowing that He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. We have a deep knowledge that, but for His mercy, we would all have been toast. This Psalm grasps the extreme extremity of this mercy, stating on one hand that His lovingkindness toward us is as high as the heavens and, on the other hand, that our sins have been removed as far as the east is from the west. And, as the Psalmist says, He literally enfolds us in His compassion. But it's important to note that the Psalmist isn't talking about "unconditional love" here. He says, it's poured out on "those who fear Him". This is not a truth some want to swallow, but it's an inescapable truth in God's word; that though "God so loved the world that He gave...", His love is not personally redeeming until responded to; not once, but all the time. The idea of "fearing" God carries the idea of coming to our senses and recognizing that there is Someone I am responsible to and accountable to as Someone to be reckoned with. It also carries the idea of a grateful and reverent response welling up in full attention, allegiance and affection, with deep and constant regard for Him. This person understands, and can sing with joy, the words C. Bishop, penned in the hymn "Such Love". Let its truth well up in your heart all over again!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
Should yearn to change my sorrow into bliss,
Nor rest till He had planned to bring me nigh,
How wonderful is love like this!
That Christ should join so freely in the scheme,
Although it meant His death on Calvary--
Did ever human tongue find nobler theme
Than love divine that ransomed me?
That for a willful outcast such as I
The Father planned, the Saviour bled and died,
Redemption for a worthless slave to buy,
Who long had law and grace defied!
And now he takes me to His heart--a son;
He asks me not to fill a servant's place,
The "far-off country" wand'rings all are done;
Wide open are His arms of grace.
Chorus
Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
How wonderful is love like this!
Copyright 1929. Renewed 1957 Lillenas Publishing Co.
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