" Two Kisses "

 

Psalm 85:4-13  "Turn us, O GOD of our salvation, and cause THINE anger toward us to cease. Wilt THOU be angry with us forever ? wilt THOU draw out THINE anger to all generations ? Wilt THOU not revive us again: that THY people may rejoice in THEE ? Show us THY mercy, O LORD, and grant us THY salvation. I will hear what GOD the LORD will speak: for HE will speak peace unto HIS people, and to HIS saints: but let them not turn again in folly. Surely HIS salvation is nigh them that fear HIM; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from Heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before HIM; and shall set us in the way of HIS steps."

     The Bible speaks of two kisses that relate to our LORD's substitutionary death at Calvary:

1.) The Terrible Kiss of Betrayal. Judas, the apostate traitor, made an arrangement with the LORD's enemies that he would kiss the ONE WHOM they should take into custody (Matthew 26:48 pictured above). Judas fulfilled his pledge and identified the LORD JESUS with this kiss of treachery (Matthew 26:49 pictured above). A kiss should be a sign of affection, friendship, and oneness. It would have been more consistent with his true character if Judas had slapped the LORD with disdain. Amazingly, after Judas had kissed HIM, JESUS addressed him as "Friend" (Matthew 26:50). JESUS could have called him "traitor" or "villain" or "child of the Devil," and it would have been true, but the LORD returned good for evil, showing love to HIS enemy.

2.) The Wonderful Kiss of Justification. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (v.10). At the cross, the greatest kiss in the history of mankind took place. Mercy and truth will not meet in a court of justice. A righteous court cares only for the truth, for the real facts of the case. If the facts show a person to be guilty, then mercy cannot be shown, for justice demands that the criminal be prosecuted. At Calvary, mercy and truth came together because righteousness was upheld by the death of GOD's SON. The penalty was paid; the demands of justice were met; the holiness of GOD was maintained. GOD could remain just (righteous) and at the same time justify the ungodly without compromising HIS character (Romans 3:26; 4:5 both pictured above). Truth was upheld, the Law was enforced, the penalty was fully paid, and righteousness and peace kissed. How amazing ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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