Thoughts for another day

Feb. 26, 2010

Today's verse: Mi. 7:18. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

D-day had arrived. The man was to be executed. Only a pardon from the king could save him. Even as the squad was preparing to pump in more than 100 bullets into his body, men were standing outside the king’s room with his petition seeking pardon, doubting whether he would. Just a month before, the man’s hired assassins had killed the king’s wife and three of his four sons in a bid to capture power. It surprised all because he was the king’s younger brother, loved and trusted and on whom the king had full confidence. It was a wonder the king survived; the bullets had just grazed past him even as he ducked behind the hard timber of his table while his security fired at the assassin killing him instantly.

The king felt betrayed. Anger and anguish filled him. Were it not for his father’s last request to look after his brother, the king would have got him killed instantly. He was reputed to be a fair man and very sensible. The death of his family had visibly shrunk him and as the men stood outside, his father’s death wish flashed in his mind. He was in turmoil. The aide entered his room and gave the document. The king looked at him hard. Then nodded, giving him the insignia to stamp on the pardon paper. He pardoned his brother. The aide was amazed and as he left the room, and rushed to the palace jail, there was first stunned silence among the men and then much speaking and noise. Many cried; the king was noble. He was indeed a good man they said, not being able to understand how the king could forgive. But he had just done that!

My friend, God is a far greater forgiver than the king or anyone else. Our scripture talks about Him pardoning sin and delighting in mercy. Just look at our God. He even allowed His Own Son to be killed and while this was so, looked at us with mercy, all the while ignoring the shameful and dastardly death of His Son on the Cross. All His power was hidden and He veiled His eyes so that He not look and be angry because that would destroy us instantly. Rather, His mercy came to the fore and the very death of His Son became the reason for Him to forgive us our sins and give us the inheritance which was ours from the beginning, which we had lost due to sin. Our God is truly marvelous and gracious and of course supremely noble. Boy, am I glad He is my God. Amen.