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THE MERCY OF GOD
In Acts 9 we learn of a man called Saul of Tarsus, one of the most religious
men who ever lived. He could boast, “I have lived in all good conscience
before God until this day.” But what was this pious man doing?
Saul is so full of hatred toward Jesus that he determinedly persecuted the
church of God, even outside Jewish territory. In Acts 9 he is on his way to
Damascus, seeking to destroy the Lord’s people.
Consider God’s action toward this man who became the greatest Christian
evangelist who ever lived.
Suddenly there shines round about him a light from heaven. What for? To
confound him? To put him under guilt and condemnation? To destroy him? To
pronounce wrath and judgment on him? No—but to announce that his iniquity is
forgiven and his sins covered.
Picture Saul lying prostrate before the shining light and hearing the voice of
Jesus, instead of hearing denunciation of a holy God for the path he was on.
The words he heard are, “I am Jesus!” There was not a word of the
wickedness of what he was doing. Why this? The one he persecuted was his
greatest friend.
Beloved, this same Jesus offers us the same mercy. Deserving judgment and
denunciation, we hear him say, “I am Jesus, your Redeemer.”
Thank him this day for the mercy he has shown you.