In this exploration of Psalm 85, we're invited to rediscover the profound concept of seeking God's mercy. It's not just about asking forgiveness for sins, but about approaching a holy and awe-inspiring God. We're challenged to reimagine our spiritual journey as a pilgrimage - one that doesn't end with easy comfort, but with a transformative encounter with the Divine. The psalm reveals a tension between God's past mercies and our present need for His grace. This teaches us that intimacy with God often comes through a process of longing, journey, and even holy dread. By examining biblical stories like Moses at the burning bush and the elders on Mount Sinai, we're shown that God's presence is like fire - both terrifying and purifying. Yet in this fire, we find not consumption, but transformation. This message urges us to cultivate a deeper, more reverent approach to God, one that recognizes His holiness while trusting in His unfailing mercy.

Here are some questions for reflection or discussion:

How does the concept of pilgrimage, as described in the sermon, challenge or enhance your understanding of spiritual growth and closeness to God?

In what ways might our modern Christian culture lack a 'category for penitence,' and how could recovering this concept impact our relationship with God?

How does the image of God as both 'fire' and 'good' (referencing C.S. Lewis) reshape your perception of divine holiness and mercy?

What parallels can you draw between the pilgrims' experience at the temple and your own experiences of drawing near to God in worship or prayer?

How might regularly praying for God's mercy, even when we don't feel we've sinned, change our approach to spiritual life?

In what ways does the story of Moses and the burning bush illustrate the tension between fear and intimacy in our relationship with God?

How does the image of being 'saved in the fire' rather than 'from the fire' (referencing Daniel in the furnace) challenge or comfort you?

What does it mean to you personally to 'stay close to the fire' in your spiritual journey, and what challenges might this present?

How might incorporating more prayers for mercy into our personal and corporate worship affect our understanding of God's holiness and our own need for grace?

In what ways does the sermon's emphasis on approaching God with both reverence and intimacy challenge or affirm your current spiritual practices?