Mercy and Grace

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him

(Psalm 103:10-11)

Meditation

My sins weren’t the worst anyone ever committed. I was most definitely not as evil as many who’ve ever lived. But I am comparing myself to other fallen, sinful people. If they were the final standard by which my guilt would have been measured, I would probably rank somewhere in the middle. When I measure myself against God’s perfect standard, I can only shudder and tremble, because it doesn’t matter what anyone else has done. It only matters what I’ve done. God is so good, my best behavior for my entire life doesn’t amount to a pile of cow dung. I am in awe of his goodness, righteousness, forgiveness, mercy and grace that he will never withhold from me. If I were to be judged without being covered by the blood of Jesus, I would spend my eternity being tortured in the bowels of hell, and deservedly so.

I know I don’t deserve to be saved from the punishment of an everlasting hell. It’s only by the mercy and grace of God, who gave his only Son to pay for my sins, that I can have any hope or expectation of heaven. God shows me his mercy when he doesn’t punish me as I deserve. Can you imagine what life would be like if we go zapped will a lightning bolt every time we sinned. We probably deserve that, but I wouldn’t last the morning if that’s how he handled our sins. He shows his grace when he forgives me though I don’t deserve it. If you ask what other god forgives unconditionally, you’ll hear nothing but crickets. The gods people worshiped in ancient times demanded human blood to atone for the people’s sins. The one true God, by his own grace, provides his own blood for our atonement.

God made it simple for me. I didn’t have to make myself perfect or even a little bit better. He accepted me just as I was, because he loves me with a higher love than I can possibly understand. Even if I should stumble back into sin, in his grace he forgives me. Even though we fear our God, it’s a healthy fear of one so powerful and mighty. It’s not the quaking fear a weak person feels for a robber or murderer. God is full of mercy and grace! All you have to do is repent of your sins, submit to his will and follow his plan of redemption.

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, you hold the keys to the gates of heaven and hell. We are in awe of your power and might. We are thankful for your great mercy. By your grace we can be washed clean of sin by the blood of Jesus. We are grateful for your patience with us. We know you could cut us off from this life at any moment, but you withhold your anger and help us to repent of our sins. We pray for our friends and loved ones who do not know you yet. If it can’t be us, Lord, put someone in their path that will lead them to you. Help us to keep our focus on Jesus and walking in his footsteps. If we stay in the light of your truth, we can have that perfect peace that comes from always trusting in you. Thank you for your plan for our redemption. One that came with great sacrifice from Jesus. Thank you, Father, for not withholding your Son, even from the humiliation of the Cross. Give us courage like his, help us to be fearless, always keeping our trust in you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!