True repentance comes out of one’s clear understanding that God is holy and I am a sinner.
Luke 18:13 KJV — And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
This parable, told by Jesus, is an example of each person who has recognized their sin and called upon the Lord’s mercy.
Throughout scripture we see that God is merciful.
Exodus 34:6 KJV — And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Deuteronomy 4:31 KJV — (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Nehemiah 9:31 KJV — Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
Yet, we must not take God’s merciful nature for granted and purposely transgress His commandments expecting to call upon His mercy after the choosing to walk in sin.
Mercy is not a license to live as we think best.
Rebellion brings harsh consequences as both the country of Israel and Judah learned.
Yet, throughout the rebellion of those nations God had prophets warning the people of their coming discipline, offering mercy for those who would repent and turn away from wickedness.
He is the same God today that He was then.
For those who have yet to repent, He’s calling.
For those who have seen the error of their ways and stood before Him with humility and true repentance we have tasted of His mercy.
May we always cherish the incredible nature of God and bring glory to His name through our daily walks with Him.
Psalm 116:5 KJV — Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your continuing work to reach those who have yet to know You. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and compassion, how longsuffering You are, for Your understand our poor state and want to redeem us from our own sin. Lord Jesus, thank You that You are God alone. There is none like You and there never will be. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for the hope of eternity with You. Thank You! I love You, Jesus! Amen.
patientlyhopeful 