Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Mercy and consequences Saturday, March 6, 2010 Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like unto thee, who removes guilt and pardons sin for his purged and precious people. You don't nurse your anger and don't stay angry long; you delight in showing mercy. You will turn again, you will have compassion on us, you will subdue our iniquity and you will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Luke 15:20-24 Jesus told a story: "While his long-gone son was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, kissed him. "Beginning his prepared speech his son said, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.' "But his father ordered his servants: 'Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fat calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast! Because this son of mine was dead. And now he has come to life again!'" This might be just about everybody's favorite Bible story. The prodigal son was lost, and now he's found. His father rose magnificently to the occasion with forgiveness and mercy. Everyone was happy except the older son, who felt cheated and ignored. He complained to his father, who said simply, "I love you both." Can I just let God do that? When I compare myself to others I come out better sometimes, worse sometimes ... do I really expect God to see us the way I see us? Or can I let God love us both? Equally. Even when we're not equal at all in so many ways? That doesn't seem fair. Can I reorder the time I spend reveling in either self-righteousness or shame-and-guilt. God's love for me is equal when I'm very very bad and when I'm very very good. Santa Claus songs don't apply to God. The permanence and stability of my Father's love lets me take the risk of being honest with myself and others. I can be myself and so can they. We can think what we want and say it. We can feel what we want and say it. We can want what we want, and say it. We don't have to measure up to anything, just be God's kids. Our conversations with God reveal everything we need to know about how to live. With my inmost being I praise you, Lord. Let me remember all your blessings: you forgive my sins and heal my diseases, you redeem my life from the pit and crown my life with love and compassion. You satisfy my desires with goodness and I am always young in your presence. --- Psalm 103 "; Add      Edit    Delete