“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us.” (Luke 1:78 emphasis added) [NLT]
“1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb … 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said.” (see Matthew 28:1-10)
You need God’s mercy when…
- … you’ve messed up.
“2 At dawn He went to the temple complex again, and all the people were coming to Him. He sat down and began to teach them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. 5 In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do You say?” 6 They asked this to trap Him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse Him. Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger. 7 When they persisted in questioning Him, He stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. 9 When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only He was left, with the woman in the center. 10 When Jesus stood up, He said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, Lord,” she answered.” “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”” (John 8:2-11 emphasis added)
God’s mercy forgives and frees you from your guilt!
“15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
- … you’re missing what you need.
“2 By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool, called Bethesda in Hebrew, which has five colonnades. 3 Within these lay a large number of the sick—blind, lame, and paralyzed [—waiting for the moving of the water, 4 because an angel would go down into the pool from time to time and stir up the water. Then the first one who got in after the water was stirred up recovered from whatever ailment he had]. 5 One man was there who had been sick for 38 years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had already been there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the sick man answered, “I don’t have a man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, someone goes down ahead of me.” 8 “Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your mat and walk!” 9 Instantly the man got well, picked up his mat, and started to walk. Now that day was the Sabbath.” (John 5:2-9 emphasis added)
God’s mercy makes the impossible possible!
“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
- … you’re facing death.
“39 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)
God’s mercy saves you for eternity!
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
“Anyone who asks for mercy from the Lord shall have it and shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21) [LB]
*All bible references are from the HCSB unless otherwise noted.