"The LORD takes pleasure in them that fear Him,
in those that hope in His mercy."
Psalm 147:11
A minister was stopped by a police officer on the highway. The officer said to him, "Sir, did you know that it's against the law not to wear a seat belt when you are driving?" The minister replied, "Yes sir. You've caught me and I am guilty. The only thing I can ask for is your mercy." The officer responded, "Mister, it doesn't work that way." The police officer went back to his car to write the citation. He returned and said, "I'm only going to give you a warning today. Do you promise to wear that seat belt?" The minister said, "I sure do. Thank you for your mercy." The police officer chose to give him a warning rather than a fine. The law had been broken, but mercy was found.
All of us have broken the law of God (Romans 3:23). To offend God's law at one point is to be guilty of all (James 2:10). The only hope that we have is in the mercy of God. His mercy comes to those who admit their wrongdoing (1 John 1:9). Faith receives the mercy of God. The law says to all of us, "You are guilty. You deserve to pay the punishment. You get what you deserve." Faith says, "Yes, you have broken God's law, but God has something better for you. He is merciful and wants you to receive His mercy."
The hope of mercy is for all who have broken God's law. Mercy is only a prayer away. Jesus told the story of a man who was guilty of sin. He prayed, "God be merciful to me a sinner." Jesus said that he was justified before God. He received God's mercy through the prayer of faith. Hope in God's mercy is based upon His loving kindness and tender mercy. It's not about what we have done but who God is. God is merciful. Hope in God's mercy.
"God, be merciful to me a sinner."
