# 03 2022 Dev. Psalm 130:4. Forgiveness! Read all of Ps 130 first. We invite you into God’s space, to hear and think about His Word, God’s Story. How will His Story shape your own? All passages are taken from the NIV.
Psalm 130:4 “But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
Intro. Ps. 120-137 is a series of Psalms that include 15 “songs of ascents.” Songs of ascents were sung at the temple by the Priests walking up the 15 steps entering the sanctuary, also sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the three feasts required, Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, as well as during the return from Babylon back to Jerusalem.
Psalm 130 is a four stanza song of ascents that cries out to the Lord on the way to the temple in Jerusalem (city of peace). The psalmist is in a bad place; they seek peace. The Psalm is in the first person but all the people are represented here; they cry out for Mercy.
Vs.1-2 is the request (cry) “Out of the depths…” The Psalmist is in a bad place; it appears to be a matter of sin. We all identify with that problem; for true followers of Jesus, sin drives us into a hole of depression. “I cry to you Lord; Lord, hear my voice… to my cry for mercy.” There is only one place to go and that is to plead for God’s grace in Jesus.
Vs. 3-4 the Psalmist anticipates God’s grace and mercy: “if you, Lord kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” Could you stand? I cannot. “But with you there is forgiveness,” when we seek grace and mercy, God removes our sin as far as east is from the west (Ps 103:11-12) In God’s grace we are able to serve “with reverence” and a clear conscience. Praise the Lord!
Vs.5-6 …my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” This is what we also must do. “Be still, and know that I am God;” (Ps 46:10). “I wait for the Lord…” repeated here for emphases. Waiting, perhaps for a length of time, is difficult for us, but we wait like a watchman, anticipating the morning.
Vs. 7-8 Paraphrased. Followers of Jesus, (Israel) “put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” God in Christ, “will redeem” all of God’s people (Israel) “from all their sins.” Praise be to God!
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