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,
We should be terrified of you, given who we are and our sins. Perhaps this is why those who do not know you react as they do; their consciences hold them accountable for all their actions.
Due to our sins, we need you and your plan of salvation. Those who fear and trust in your love and mercy are restored to you through Jesus’ blood. All our loveless actions and failures are forgiven, and this is solely because of your mercy; you lift the condemnation that is rightfully ours because you have placed our judgment on your Son, Jesus. As a just God, you have punished all sins in your Son, so those who trust in Him likewise trust in you, and they will not face punishment again. You grant us your grace instead of the punishment we deserve.
If we should ever wonder how tremendous your mercy is, we only need to look toward heaven. There, we see what seems to be an endless sky, reflecting the vastness of your love. When Jesus took our sins into Himself, he removed them as far as the East is from the West. He took all those rebellious, selfish, and loveless acts and suffered the punishment on the cross for us. Our sins are entirely gone!
This gift of your love and mercy is ours by faith alone; faith is the reverent fear in you, not being afraid but knowing what you have done so that we are once again your children. Father, we pray that you would keep us steadfast in your mercy and love and keep us strong in our faith that we will always fear you. We pray for those who do not know you; allow us to share your grace and mercy with them. Allow us to approach them still with the same love you have shown us so they, too, may believe. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
The power of God’s mercy far surpasses the weakness of your rebellion and sin. Through God’s love and mercy, Jesus has removed your sins forever so that by believing in Him, you have eternal life.