Just as important as realizing you have a need, is knowing where to turn for help. How happy we are when friends point us in the direction of a good doctor, a crackerjack lawyer, a competent accountant, or a dependable and fair repairman. We all need advice on where to look and where to find help.
In a spiritual sense, we all need a skilled repairman—someone who can eradicate our sins. The people of Israel knew this and depended on God to provide the forgiveness they needed. One of the ways they kept their dependence on God front and center in their mind was to celebrate solemn festivals.
During a solemn festival at which the people of God were confessing their great sin and their desperate need for cleansing, the nation’s religious leaders stood and, through song, pointed all eyes to Elohay Selichot, “the God who forgives.”
Their song (recorded in Nehemiah 9) details God’s faithfulness to His people. How breathtaking and hard to comprehend! The Israelites had a long track record (which was more like a rap sheet) of being hardheaded, hard-hearted, prone to forget, and eager to rebel.
At one point, they were insanely intent on returning to a life of slavery and captivity. God could certainly justify punishing the people for their disrespect and lack of gratitude.
Yet notice God’s character. Pay attention to His actions. Instead of anger, He is full of grace. He oozes compassion and overwhelms His chosen ones with an ocean of love. And why? Because He is Elohay Selichot; He pardons.
Maybe your life today is marked by guilt and shame. You are overcome by regret. If you see God at all, you see—and fear—His holiness and justice. Perhaps you’re nervous, waiting for the gavel to fall, dreading the treatment you know deep down you really deserve.
Good news! God is Elohay Selichot. “He does not treat us as our sins deserve” (Psalm 103:10). He forgives. In Christ He has provided a way for us to be fully and finally forgiven.
When you see the great sin in your own heart, lift your eyes and see the One whose grace is greater than all your sin.
Why is it hard for people to believe that God is eager to forgive? How do we allow our own feelings of shame and guilt blind us to God’s mercy?
