Begging for Mercy
Theme of the week: Sin: Yes, We Have a Problem
Friday, October 19, 2012
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Key Bible Verse: For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you. (Psalm 86:5, NKJV) Dig Deeper: Psalm 86:1-13; Luke 18:9-14
Jesus tells the story of two men praying. The first is a religious leader, who stands on a street corner and prays, "God, I thank you that I'm not like the rest of the people gathered here—the robbers, the evildoers, the adulterers. And all the people standing around listening to me pray. I'm not even like that guy right there, that tax collector" (Luke 18:11-12, my paraphrase).
The Pharisee never sees his own sin problem.
The second man was a crooked IRS employee. People didn't like him. He knew he was a low-down cheat and a scoundrel. But he did know his sin problem was big.
So when he prays, he begs, "Have mercy on me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13, NIV). He begs for mercy.
Life will fill with junk. We hide secrets, compile lies, form addictions, and take what does not belong to us. Nobody wants to talk about the junk in life. Who needs that? But the truth is we all carry junk. It weighs us down. It ruins relationships. It pulls us away from God. And until we are honest about [our sin], until we beg for mercy, life will be dark.
"Have mercy on me for I am a sinner."
It's all about mercy.
—Palmer Chinchen in God Can't Sleep
My Response: I will spend time thinking about God's love, grace, and mercy in light of my sin.
Thought to Apply: The tax collector is ashamed of his sin. The Pharisee is proud of his virtue. But God prefers the sinner, overwhelmed by his wretchedness, who trusts in God alone.—FrançOIS Fénelon (French theologian, writer)
Adapted from God Can't Sleep (David C. Cook, 2011) by permission. All rights reserved by the copyright holder and/or the publisher. May not be reproduced.
Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Father, I know I'm a sinner saved and sustained by grace; when I'm tempted, remind me of sin's destructive power; give me an obedient heart that seeks what is right, good, and holy.
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