jackpickel

After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, was confronted by the prophet, Nathan, and convicted of his disobedience by the Holy Spirit, he prayed a prayer of repentance that is recorded in Psalm 51.  He begins verse one with…

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Notice that David appeals not to his own goodness or good works for God’s forgiveness, but to the love and mercy of God.  David appealed to who God is … not who David is.  David appeals to what only God can do … not to what David can do.

David makes this clear in verses 16 and 17 …

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

David is clear that the forgiveness of sin that he seeks is found only in God’s love and mercy – not in anything David can DO to attain it.  There you have it – grace in the Old Testament.

And nothing has changed.  When I come to Jesus, I come to him making my appeal based on who HE is and what HE has done – not on who I am and what I have done.  It’s called grace – and it rocks .

Today, this year, live in – enjoy – soak up – wallow in Jesus’ steadfast love and abundant mercy.  Make your appeal to him based on who HE is – not who YOU are;  not on what YOU do, but on what HE has done.

Grace to you.

~ by jackpickel on January 7, 2013.

Posted in Grace