Learning Precedes Teaching

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(Matthew 9:13) Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

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This Great Commission—to learn of God’s desire for mercy instead of sacrifice—preceded His other Great Commission to go teach, disciple, and baptize people (Matthew 28:19,20). The context here is Jesus—the friend of sinners—collecting, befriending, redeeming, and commissioning people who had been trampled by people and troubled by life.

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The Old Testament prepares us for the New, and in it David demonstrates God’s merciful, benevolent strength. In a similar way, he collected everyone who was in distress, in debt, and discontent in their soul. He told the persecuted, “Stay with me, do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safe keeping” (1 Samual 22:2,23).

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Lord, when David was in this distress, he worshiped You. Thank You for recording David’s thoughts and words in Psalm 63 so I can pray that way, too. Thank You for providing relief, comfort, and direction for my soul, too.