By Ed Wittlif
“The LORD’s
lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are
new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23
NASB).
Jerusalem has been
destroyed and most of the people are taken into captivity. There is only a
remnant left. There is great lamentations over God’s punishment. However, there
is hope because of God’s mercy.
Mercy is God not
treating me as I deserve. Grace is God treating me not as I deserve. Because of
my sins I deserve death, that is separation from God. Ephesians 2:1a, “And you
were dead in your trespasses and sins.” That was once me for I was without God
and was dead. I reached a point in my life where I was searching for answers.
As I found out when you are actively and diligently looking God will respond.
Thanks to a
friend’s wedding I met a minister and we started studying. To paraphrase Romans
chapter 6; I was immersed into Christ Jesus, united with His atoning death, my
old sinful self was crucified with Jesus, and like He was raised by God’s power
I too was raised to a new life. Because I am in Christ, I am united with Father
God and am now alive.
“But God, being
rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we
were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace
you have been saved) (Ephesians 2:4-5). Since I am in Christ, God treats me as
if I never sinned. God demonstrated His love through the sacrifice of His Son
on the cross.
For this reason, I
love the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and have committed my life to serving
God. I encourage you to see the love of God in the cross.
Hymn:
“Redeemed” by Fanny J. Crosby
ABBA Father, I can never express in words
my thanks for my redemption. I can only hope to demonstrate my love through my
obedient life. May I never forget the price paid for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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