Psalm 103:11-13
Yes, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so powerful is his mercy toward those who fear him. As distant as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our rebellious acts from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your compassion for us and your forgiveness intended for all people. However, it is delivered to believers who fear you by trusting in your Son, our Savior. Faith is how you provide this gift of forgiveness to us, and it comes to us through your Holy Spirit. Jesus came here to this earth to suffer for all our sins—our rebellious acts. The sin handed down to us from our parents and our regular sinful desires. We rebel with the same desires of Adam and Eve wanting to be like you or greater than you, to have everything and everyone serve us. Like the old Burger King© commercial, “We want to have it our way!”
Jesus came to earth with the desire to serve you perfectly, setting aside the fact that he was God; he did your will. He lived in complete submission to you, so as he went to the cross, he was without sin. Jesus died an innocent death and suffered the separation from you for our sins. Jesus has removed sin from us as far as the east is from the west for all people, but for those who refuse the gift of forgiveness, you oblige them; they are held accountable for their sins. While some refuse your forgiveness, that does not change your love. You demonstrate your compassion and mercy to those who fear you—who believe in you through Jesus—you have removed their sins. We thank you for not giving us what we deserve, eternal punishment. Instead, you give us what we have not merited, salvation and eternal life. Thank you for sending your Son through your love and compassion and your Holy Spirit to start faith in us, so we believe. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s compassion is far greater than we can ever imagine; look up at the sky just as you cannot see the sky’s limits, and neither can you know the limits of God’s love. So many people are hurting around us; share with them Jesus’ love and forgiveness that is waiting for them.