Our scripture this morning is Psalms 103:2-4 (NLT).
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
This psalm speaks of God’s goodness, perfection, compassion and forgiveness (Filament Bible Study). It offers Him our praise and thanks for the blessings He provides. Even before Jesus came to be with us, this passage sings that God “redeems me from death”, His promise of eternal life for those who accept His love.
There was a tendency in ancient societies to associate illness with sin, God punishing us for our actions. We know that God doesn’t work that way, that He wants only the best for us. We read “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases”, exactly what Jesus did while He was with us.
Many times we find this connection between the Old Testament and New Testament teaching, because God’s love is consistent and unchanging in eternity. He has been sending His love to us through different means since we were created. God offers us the gift of eternal connection to Him, something only He can give. When we say yes to His love, we can be forgiven and freed from sin’s grasp forever.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the number of times we rely on ourselves rather than You. Forgive us and bless us to be the disciples of today, going in Your name to all the world. Amen.
