Episode 119

I wish more people knew God not only as the God of justice, but also as the God of mercy and grace. You and I received the indescribable gift of grace from God through Jesus Christ. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Mercy—on the other hand—is not getting what we do deserve. Psalm 103:10 says that God “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Psalm 103 isn’t the only place in the Bible that makes note of God’s mercy.

All you have to do is search the Bible for the words “mercy”, “mercies” and “merciful” to see that God is well known for this much-appreciated attribute.

I’ve heard it said that people want justice for those who harm them and mercy when they do harm. I am deeply thankful that with God, mercy always triumphs over justice. While it’s true that God will not let the guilty go unpunished, it’s also true that all who believe in Jesus are covered by his redemptive blood. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 says that, “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The prophet, Habakkuk lived long before Jesus walked the earth and paid the debt owed for our sins. But even in Old Testament times—a period of history marked by the wrath of God—Habakkuk still knew God as a God of mercy. Those on this side of the cross have even more reasons to know of God’s love and compassion, his patience and kindness, his grace and mercy. Let’s affirm that we have heard of God’s fame, and stand in awe of his deeds.

Have you visited my website lately? The “Podcast” tab in the main navigation bar now not only takes you to this podcast, where you can see all the images that I create each week with the declarations on them, but it also provides a link to my new video podcast called, “Find Joy.” The first 10 episodes walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. I’ve already posted five episodes, so we are halfway through, but you can join in at the beginning at any time. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week’s scripture: Habakkuk 3:2-6