“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my
transgressions.”
(Psalm 51:1)
These opening words of
David’s great confession call for a quality of relationship that is
undeserved…mercy. David could not claim
his greatness as king before God. His
position and influence would not sway the Almighty. The quality of mercy is unearned.
Timothy Keller, in his
book, “The Prodigal God,” writes,
“Mercy and forgiveness must be free and unmerited to the
wrongdoer. If the wrongdoer has to do something to merit it, then it isn't
mercy.”
One doesn’t view the
cross and think of worthiness. The third
verse of Isaac Watts great hymn, “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed,” communicates
this truth. “Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the
tree? Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And
love beyond degree!”
…love beyond degree…that may be the greatest definition of
mercy.
Prayer: Lord,
have mercy on me, according to your steadfast love…love beyond degree.
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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