Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus
“To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.” — Psalm 28:1–3

Devotional Thought
In Psalm 28, David does something deeply honest and deeply humbling—he places himself on the same ground as everyone else. He cries out for mercy, not justice. He does not appeal to his righteousness, his calling, or his past faithfulness. Instead, he confesses a sobering truth: if God is silent, he is no different from those who perish.

David understands what we are often tempted to forget—apart from God’s mercy, all of humanity stands in the same condition. In verse 3, he even acknowledges that God could rightly “drag him off with the wicked.” Why? Because David knows his own heart. He knows that he, too, has sinned. He, too, deserves judgment.

This exposes the only real difference between a believer and an unbeliever: the mercy and grace of God.

That truth should radically reshape how we view the world around us. Yes, many live as though God does not exist. Yes, many run headlong into wickedness and self-destruction. Yes, many reject the truth that they are made in the image of God and that Christ has paid the ransom for sinners. But what separates us from them is not moral superiority—it is mercy.

Yet how easily we forget this. When we encounter those who hate God, mock faith, or live in open rebellion, our hearts are tempted toward condemnation. We shake our heads. We think, They’re getting what they deserve. But Scripture turns that question back on us: What do we deserve?

The answer is uncomfortable—we deserve the same judgment. Even as believers, we have sinned against God, sometimes knowingly and willfully. The ground at the foot of the cross is level.

So what should our response be? Not contempt, but compassion. Not pride, but prayer. We are called to pray that God would open blind eyes, soften hard hearts, and draw sinners to Himself. If Christ could forgive us, He can forgive anyone.

And sometimes—mysteriously and beautifully—the most angry, bitter sinner is closer to the Kingdom than we realize. One gracious word. One merciful response. One reflection of Christ’s patience may be the very means God uses to melt a hardened heart.

Reflection Questions
1. In what ways do you find yourself comparing your righteousness to others rather than resting in God’s mercy?
2. How does remembering your own need for grace change the way you view unbelievers or hostile critics of the faith?
3. Who is someone in your life that God may be calling you to pray for rather than judge?
4. How can you intentionally reflect Christ’s mercy in your words and actions this week?

Closing Prayer
Lord, my Rock, hear my cry for mercy. Remind me that apart from Your grace, I am no different from those who are lost. Guard my heart from pride and condemnation, and replace it with compassion and humility. Open my eyes to see others as You see them—sinners in need of grace, just as I am. Use my words, my actions, and my prayers to point others to the mercy found in Christ alone. Amen.