(Psalms 18:41-42) “They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not. (42) Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.”

In these verses, David gives us a bird’s-eye view of the thoughts of the enemy when they know that they are defeated by God. We see, in Psalms 18, the description of the conquered enemy’s desperation to be spared of their life; even, calling “unto the LORD,” Who they did not even believe to be God. This reveals a truth that should alarm every enemy of God; for there came a time that God’s mercy had passed.

Then in the next verse, David manifests the depth that God has purposed for His enemies. If there are any of God’s enemies reading this devotion, take heed; for God is Supreme, and His Judgment is sure and without mercy. Whether you believe in a “hell” or not, it matters not. It is still true; and there is no escape from the “lake of fire” or the “second death” (Rev. 20:11-15).

Now look at David’s words in Psalms 18:41:

“They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.”

This verse is a clear warning to those who expect “mercy” from God when the requester is only calling on God to save his own hide; with no conviction of their sin before God; with no confession that Salvation is of the LORD (or Jehovah or Joshua or Jesus). The “grace and mercy” of God to the sinner is given to those whom God has “called” or “quickened” (made alive) (Eph. 2:1; 2 Tim. 1:7-10; Jn. 6:44).

In the process of God calling sinners unto Himself, these are the ones who are in His Purpose:

1. Those who are not seeking for physical deliverance; but for a spiritual deliverance from the penalty, punishment, power, and practice of sin in their life as revealed by the Holy Spirit of God;
2. Those who confess that they are sinners; that they have broken the law of God and deserve hell;
3. But also, those who come to confess that Jesus Christ is their personal Sacrifice for their sin; their personal Substitute, taking their place and receiving the punishment from God for their sin debt; and know that Jesus Christ Reconciled, Redeemed and Justified them in His Atonement on the Cross; thus, being their Savior (Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:21); and they confess, (Rom 10:9-10) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Many say that God would not do what David wrote. But David was inspired of God to pen down many of the Psalms. Then who has the authority to say that Psalms 18 is not inspired of God? Those who say God would not refuse or reject the plea of the evil worker, say this because they base their belief on human reasoning and not on the inspired Word of God. Many want to make excuses for what David wrote in the text of these verses. The reason is: Their perception of Who God is isn’t based on the Written Word of God.

God is not only a God of Love, Grace, and Mercy to sinners. But, He is also a God of Wrath and Judgment against Sin; which is proven by Christ on the Cross. There is no mercy to those who hate God; hate Jesus Christ; reject the doctrine of original sin and depravity from Adam. To those who believe that Jesus was only a good man or a good prophet; but, that He was not God in the Flesh, yet without sin. To those who see no need of an atonement for their sins; not believing there is a “hell” for all eternity. To those who reject and refuse the Salvation that is in Christ; not seeing that they are sinners in the sight of God and need a Savior, a Sacrifice, and a Substitute to bear their penalty, and punishment of their personal sin against God in the first Adam.

The attitude of David’s enemies was the same attitude of the Jews toward Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry. The Jews called Jesus an imposter; a liar; a fraud; a devil; a drunkard; and a blasphemer. They, like the Egyptians, hardened their heart against Christ; they hated Him, and rejected Him, and finally crucified Him. When the Roman General Titus came and destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD; there was no mercy from God upon that city and upon those who hated Jesus.

The sad commentary of today is that this same attitude of David’s enemies, and of the Jews of 70 AD, abounds upon this earth. The same judgment will be the lot of all God-haters, according to (Rev. 20:11-15); all those whose names are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Oh, Reader, this is the reason that we labor in this ministry to preach, teach, and print the Gospel Message of  Jesus Christ; for it is the “Good News” to the called sinner; for it reveals  (Rom 1:16-17) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  (17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Notice, the sinner does not experience the Salvation of Christ because of his “crying”; but, because of his “repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Know this, it is not by the works of the sinner; but, by the Grace and Mercy of Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). Repentance in the sinner of his guilt of sin before God is a work of the Holy Spirit of God, causing the sinner to see he is guilty before God and because of his sin, he deserves hell (Jn. 16:8-11).  Faith is a gift of God also (Eph. 2:8-9). Justification (or being declared Righteous) is by God, and not by works of man (Gal. 2:16). All men are born sinners, and are born dead in trespasses and sins (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:1); and therefore, must receive a spiritual resurrection by the Power of God.

Conclusion:

          Sinner, God is not your scapegoat in times of trouble. God is the God of Salvation for sinners, in the Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross in His Atonement for sin. There are multitudes of verses that God is a God of Love, Mercy, and Grace to those who come to Him through Jesus Christ; and none of the comers will be turned away who come in confession of their sin and faith in Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

1. (John 14:6) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
2. (John 6:37) “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
3. (Rev 22:17) “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
4. (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
5. (Rom 10:9-10) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

BUT TO ALL THE ENEMIES OF GOD, IF YOU COME ANY OTHER WAY THAN THROUGH JESUS CHRIST – YOUR CRY WILL NOT BE ANSWERED.