Psalm 100:5
For the Lord is good. His mercy endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a good and gracious God demonstrating your love to the world. However, your goodness does not mean overlooking sins. You also are a just God, holding the world accountable for all the ways we sin against you in our thoughts, words, and deeds. This is where you apply your mercy. Mercy is not giving us what we deserve while at the same time blessing us with what we do not merit. Being a just God, you cannot overlook our sins, so you planned out our salvation from the beginning—Jesus would come to earth at just the right time. Jesus came and lived the life of perfection we could not live, holy and sinless. Then in his innocence, he suffered the punishment of our sins and gave up his life to defeat death and the devil for us. According to your mercy, you placed our punishment upon your Son and credited us with His righteousness. He suffered the separation from you paying our sin’s penalties, so we are given the hope of heaven. All this is obtained as a gift through faith in Jesus—started in us through your Holy Spirit. Your faithfulness will continue to all generations; you will continue to use your Word and Sacraments to begin and sustain faith in all believers. Lord, give us each an opportunity to share this good news with someone new today; they need to know you are good. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
God’s goodness and mercy know no limit; it is always greater than our evilness.