Our Scripture reading today is Micah 7:18-19.
Verse 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."
It would not be an overstatement to say that this verse should be the life verse of every sinner. Why, do I say that? The verse ends with a most comforting and encouraging statement - "He delighteth in mercy." The He is referring to the almighty and all powerful God. The One Who spoke the entire world into existence delights in mercy. The One Who created man from the dust of the ground delights in mercy. The One Who is holy delights in mercy. Let that statement sink in a little bit more.
No sinner deserves God's mercy. We all deserve justice. The justice we deserve is both physical and spiritual death. It might be better said that we deserve judgment, and yet the prophet Micah tells us the best news we could read all day. God is not just merciful. He delights in being merciful. As we consider how this has transformed our lives, we should seek to delight in mercy as well. When we want to lash out at someone or get even with someone, it would behoove us to consider mercy. Remember, God, Who is HOLY delights to be merciful to sinners like you and me. There is no excuse for one sinner not to be mercidul to another sinner.
Your friend,
Pastor