As I was reading my bible this past Saturday morning I came across these verses.
2 Kings 22:16-20 ESV
Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.’" And they brought back word to the king.
It’s so amazing to see Gods mercy poured out continually throughout the bible. Though he would be fully justified to lay Israel low, he preserves it, for a time, as a mercy to his repentant servant.
Showing again, God loves a contrite heart. Its humbling to realize how far gone we can be, yet find forgiveness in the presence of an infinitely righteous God.
Especially when we as fallen beings can find it so hard to forgive others of such minor trespasses…