This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 NLT
I suppose some of us could argue with Paul about who was the worse sinner, but we can all agree that we were bound by sin. We needed a savior and Jesus saw fit to provide for our redemption. Like Paul, we were each saved, not because of who we were, but because of who we would become through His grace. Paul knew exactly why he was still alive, washed in the blood, and empowered with gifts and abilities: “so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners.” As I read that phrase, I have to ask, why did God have mercy on me?
As we head to the gathering of the saints today, how about we ask God to reveal, clarify, and direct us to the answer to that question. Why did God have mercy on you? You need to know. It’s the reason you’re still alive. It’s the grounds on which you will be evaluated when you stand before Jesus. It’s the only place your heart will ever be fulfilled. Don’t wait another day. Agree with me as we pray, “Lord, give me complete knowledge of your will and give me spiritual wisdom and understanding. Let the way I live always honor and please you, and let my life produce every kind of good fruit. Show me why you had mercy on me. (Colossians 1:9-10 adapted)”
See you in church.
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