Daily Encouragement Net (Archive/Print Edition)

Thursday, March 2, 2006

"Only A God Like You!"

"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy" (Micah 7:18).

I consider how around the world the physical, spiritual, and material blessings of those who follow Christ vary so greatly. Some live in functional families where God's love is regularly expressed in the home. Others live in homes marked by division and strife, while others are lonely. Some possess more of this world's stuff than others. Some have good health; others are dealing with a devastating illness. Some live in lands of relative peace, others live under oppression and persecution.

But there is a fundamental blessing we all share and it's the greatest blessing. We are all recipients of God's grace and mercy. Our daily verse is one of those obscure little gems tucked in among the less frequently read Minor Prophets. Today I am especially touched by the phrase that God "delights to show mercy."

Mercy; what an incomparable aspect of our Lord's character. It's extolled by writers throughout the Bible. David declared "His mercy is very great." Zechariah proclaimed the "tender mercy of our God." Paul says we are "objects of His mercy", and that God is "rich in mercy." And James says, "the Lord is full of compassion and mercy." Praise the Lord whose mercies endure forever! And He delights to demonstrate mercy to each one of us today.

I am blessed by a song called "Only a God like You." It is written from the perspective of a devoted believer whose praise is reserved only for the merciful and forgiving God.

        For the praises of man I will never ever stand.
        For the Kingdoms of this world
        I'll never give my heart away or shout my praise.
    My allegiance and devotion
    My hearts desire and all emotion
        Go to serve a Man who died upon that tree.

Today let us renew our dedication to the Lord and offer ourselves fully to Him!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, I thank You for Your redeeming blood that imparts mercy and pardon for my sins. Wretched as I may be Your mercy is greater! Only a God like You chooses to delight in expressing mercy to the undeserving masses that defy Your Holy Name. Thank You for reaching me in the depth of my sin and raising me to the height of Your Holiness – it's only through Your blood and it's only through Your mercy that I come!

"Only a God Like You" Audio Video
(These audio/visual resources are from a church in British Columbia Canada)

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