November 8, 2011

“… for mercy is your specialty. That’s what you love most.” Micah 7:19 The Message

God describes Himself as “Gracious and compassionate .. slow to anger (steadfast love/indescribable patience) .. and abounding in love and faithfulness” and yet we form all kinds of images of Him as being unkind .. uncaring .. impatient .. disappointed .. overbearing anger .. limited love .. and conditional faithfulness. AND YET… God’s specialty is MERCY when it comes to your life. It is amazing. With your nails in His hands Jesus prayed that His Father would “forgive” you .. because you didn’t “know what you were doing” when you treated the Lord with closed fists and a closed heart. How could He pray such a prayer? Because His mercy is His specialty abiding in the very lives He prayed for. IF it were possible you would find over every sin in your life these words: “Father.. forgive them .. they didn’t know what they were doing”. Jesus prayed His mercy over you even when you were determined to live without Him and tried with all your might to live on your terms. God’s specialty “was and is” all about finding you in every un-mercy-filled moment in your life. He’s never stopped .. quit .. or given up on you … and never will. You are what He loves. And Jesus .. He prayed for you .. He died for you .. He rose for you .. and He lives in you by faith. And now His specialty is available through you. He really is gracious and compassionate .. slow to anger .. and abounding in love and faithfulness. And He is the same yesterday .. today .. and tomorrow. When it comes to your life today … it only takes a moment …

“Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Mercy-Filled Followers of Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)