God's character of 'judgment' is seen in today's OT reading. David did a foolish thing that, for some reason, required that the people suffer. God would not overlook the transgression - a penalty was required.
David however, when given three options for punishment, makes a statement that should tell us a little about God's prevailing character (at least as David understood it).
2 Samuel 24.14: “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”
I believe David realized that, although God's wrath is painful, His mercy prevails.
And David was right. The story goes that God relented of His punishment. Dysfunctional as David had become, he still understood his God.
Likewise today, it seems Peter had some concept of God's prevailing character residing in him:
But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” [Acts 3.6]
Not only did Peter comprehend God's prevailing character, but he had a grasp (even if only for a moment) that Jesus had made the way for that character to actually live and work within him.
Father, I have "spoken" my faith a lot. But I want to truly believe what I have - I want to believe Your prevailing character and the fact that You have imparted that same character to me - Your Holy Spirit given to me because of Jesus!
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