As Johnny Cash sang the Long Black Train the warning of death coming loomed from the story of the song. Songs can tell of life and future of death or judgment. Most of our church songs speak of the cross, mercy, grace, blessings, life or eternity. Seldom do you hear anything about death and destruction because of the believers hope. Death in the form of the cross is not destruction but the hope of eternity of salvation bought and paid for. Sometimes I wonder about the Psalms being sung the type of story they told of destruction to the wicked, for the liars, and enemies of God. Though the destruction of the wicked is victory to God’s people it does not bring hope for the wicked without repentance. Little is said about repentance for the wicked.

If I compare Old and New Testament God of the New seems more merciful to the sinner man. The Old Testament is written for the believer. It written of warning of the consequences of sin or not doing things God’s way. The reality of prevailing of the enemy bring destruction because of sin of God’s people, with only the hope of God’s salvation to come. That is where the New Testament picks up bring the hope of salvation to God’s people and to the gentile world that will believe. Causing ushering in to both Jew and Gentile into God’s family through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is the Gospel message in a nutshell. Paul tell of God’s wrath and being and overcomer. Epistles/letters of the disciples and Revelations the message of overcoming sin and following Christ. The Psalms are typical of the Old Testament and our songs of our churches are much of the expression of the New Testament and in some church speak of the Old Testament too. Depending the church group, the type of songs generally sung.

As David talks about the consequences of sin that it will meet it doom or destruction, that is God’s way of dealing with sin and sin that is continual a problem of people chasing sin. God’s mercy and grace reigns through out scripture for the repentant man, but in some cases the victory of God is more demonstrated then his mercy when it comes to the destruction of the wicked. Without the knowledge of repentance the mercy toward God is not understood by humanity. With knowing the mercy of God it is easier to love God back. Through out scripture it only seems like God is seeking revenge on countries that do nto worship him or obey him, but it has to do with evilness of the land and the consequence of not turning to God and His ways. God’s ways are best for all of mankind not just to a select group. God’s way protect people from harmful ways that causes destruction to groups of people both physically, mentally and emotionally.

Dear Heavenly Father thank you for your word and your songs that teach us about you and your mercy and love for us, along with victory over evil. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study for Devotion: