Today’s Devotion
Topic: Take Advantage While Mercy Abounds!
Text: Psalm 103: 8, 10- 11
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear him; Amen
If you could be an impartial judge of your own life, just for today; what punishment would you have sanctioned on yourself for the many sins committed in a day?
We appoint you judge of your own life for two reasons. Firstly, because no one knows all things you do except you and God, and secondly, because we know that if you had to sanction yourself for sins commited, you would hesitate. You may rather justify your actions or plead for mercy than to easily embrace the condemnation you deserve.
And as you can tell, you are already hesitant to even think about your sins, let alone pronounce a sentence for yourself. Could it be because you agree that sin is a reproach and by its very nature deserves condemnation? If so, don’t worry at all for there’s good news.
The good news is, the ONE and TRUE JUDGE, vested with all the power to condemn us for our sins is rather slow to anger and abounding in love. He hates sin very much, but not the sinner. He is compassionate and gracious to all, especially those who choose repentance over sin.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve nor repay us according to our iniquity. “FOR AS HIGH AS THE HEAVENS ARE ABOVE THE EARTH, SO GREAT IS HIS LOVE FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM” (Psalm 103 : 11).
That is why we are still here, alive and strong, and not because we deserve to be. “The wages of sin is still death but the GIFT OF GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6: 23). It is a “GIFT” that we live, not a right! We deserved death.
What shall we say then, shall we continue to sin, that grace may abound? Certainly not! (Romans 6: 1). “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)
Let us therefore, not take the mercies of God for granted. Repent, right now, from all sin while mercy lasts. Humbly ask the Holy Spirit to plant in you the incorruptible seed of Christ that makes you bear fruits of righteousness unto eternity.
The soul that sins, dies. Run under the cover of the blood of Christ and be washed from all sin. For the day comes when the JUDGE will show mercy no more. Those who choose righteousness now, will live with Him eternally. Where will the others be, then?
Think about this as you prepare for service. In your lifetime, Jesus must be glorified. Mercy abounds today, tomorrow may be too late. Choose righteousness. See you at church.
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