The other day, I thought of some of my past failures and those of my family. I know for sure the Lord has forgiven and forgotten them. It was the enemy's scheme to bring it up to torment my mind.
Just a look at the Lord, in my mind, was enough to get an answer from Him to calm my mind. I have learned by experience to "nip things in the bud". Give a little room to the enemy, he will take full charge of things and it becomes fatal to the spiritual life. So I told my concern to Jesus.
The Lord reminded me of His mercy and justice through the story of Manasseh, the most wicked of the kings of Judah. He not only did abominable things in the sight of God and went away from God, but he also led the whole nation of God astray. [2nd Chronicles 33]
God had to correct him. God's punishment was severe: It was defeat and exile in the hands of the Assyrians. It was really a hopeless situation.
God showed justice to to him in warning and punishing him. Yet, He showed mercy and changed him when he repented.
The Bible records: "The king in his distress sought the favor of the Lord: He humbled himself greatly before the Lord God of his fathers. When he prayed, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manassah knew that the Lord is God". [2nd Chronicles 33:12, 13.]
That is the mercy of God!
Until death, no one is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness. Our merciful God is able to change any one who comes to Him with repentance, through Jesus Christ.
I want to praise God for His mercy today. I pray with faith that He will change all those who need a change of heart and nature, in my family.
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1 comment:
As you point out, God does not remember our past. You wrote that it calmed your mind to focus on the Lord. Isn't He a beautiful savior, King, and all knowing , almoghty, faithful God? What an awesome grace He displayed towards the King. I agree that He is a merciful God--worthy to be praised. Anonymous C
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