Have Mercy On Me
Isn't it divine how God creates "real-life" situations to remind us of His character?
A few weeks ago I parked my truck in a public lot with a "for sale" sign. Little did I know that this was illegal, and as a result I received a parking ticket. I put my ticket some place where I would not forget about it, and as always happens when I do that...I forgot about it. Yesterday, when I finally noticed it again, I saw that I was supposed to have appeared in court last week. Aagghh, the demise of the un-organized!
Knowing that there was most likely a fine to pay, and possibly even a bench warrant for my failure to appear in court, I went to the clerk's office first thing this morning. I was overwhelmingly surprised to find out that with out that the court had given me an extension...No fine, no warrant, no penalty.
After paying for my ticket I drove to work considering my good fortune. I was shown incredible mercy by the court. I had done nothing to merit this favor. Deliberate or not I had disrespected the court by not appearing. It was not even my request to be given an extension. This was an act that the court made on my behalf, even before I had a chance to make my petition.
In the same way, "while we were yet sinners", before we even knew of our demise, God showed mercy on us by sending his Son. Our punishment is deserved. Our sinfulness demands payment. We have done nothing, and can do nothing that will remove this penalty from us. Yet, God in His infinite compassion saw fit to have mercy upon us and deliver us from eternal punishment to an everlasting relationship.
A few weeks ago I parked my truck in a public lot with a "for sale" sign. Little did I know that this was illegal, and as a result I received a parking ticket. I put my ticket some place where I would not forget about it, and as always happens when I do that...I forgot about it. Yesterday, when I finally noticed it again, I saw that I was supposed to have appeared in court last week. Aagghh, the demise of the un-organized!
Knowing that there was most likely a fine to pay, and possibly even a bench warrant for my failure to appear in court, I went to the clerk's office first thing this morning. I was overwhelmingly surprised to find out that with out that the court had given me an extension...No fine, no warrant, no penalty.
After paying for my ticket I drove to work considering my good fortune. I was shown incredible mercy by the court. I had done nothing to merit this favor. Deliberate or not I had disrespected the court by not appearing. It was not even my request to be given an extension. This was an act that the court made on my behalf, even before I had a chance to make my petition.
In the same way, "while we were yet sinners", before we even knew of our demise, God showed mercy on us by sending his Son. Our punishment is deserved. Our sinfulness demands payment. We have done nothing, and can do nothing that will remove this penalty from us. Yet, God in His infinite compassion saw fit to have mercy upon us and deliver us from eternal punishment to an everlasting relationship.
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