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Friday Evening Devotionals Abundant Pardon Tom Barnard
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1)
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7 NKJV)
Billy Graham told the story about a boy in the eighteenth century who left home at the age of 15 to join the British Army, but when he faced enemy bullets flying all around him, he deserted, making his way back to England. Eventually he became one of the most famous astronomers of the 18th Century, but his secret sin haunted him for years. In the process of his study of astronomy, he discovered a new planet, Uranus. Hearing of this outstanding discovery, King George summoned him. The young scientist came, but he was fearful the king would order his execution because of his desertion.
In the king’s court the scientist was given an envelope. Instead of containing words of condemnation, the envelope contained a royal pardon. The king said, “Now we can talk, and you shall come up and live at Windsor Castle.” His name was Sir William Herschel. He became known as the Astronomer of the King.
Dr. Graham observed, “This is what God promises us. We are guilty and helpless. But God loves us, and “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5, NIV).
I like these words written by Annie Johnson Flint:
“His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.”
Loving Father, I cannot begin to comprehend your gracious love for me—that in spite of the meager offering I bring to your Table, you give me instead of your abundant love and mercy. I deserve no mercy; I have earned no grace. But out of your “infinite riches in Jesus,” you give, and give, and give again. It is not because of something I have done; it is only because of who you are. I thank and praise you for these blessings today. Amen |