Tuesday, Nov 03, 2009

11-03 Only the Unworthy are Worthy

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All quiet on the Kreiss’ front. Yesterday was one of those uneventful days in the life of Dennis & Susan Kreiss. Great isn’t it! I have to have a few of those. I did some work on finances… that’s a snoozer. Then I called up Bank of America and talked to a few loan officers about refinancing our home at a lower rate. And then I called up Sprint to talk about my phone which is having intermittent problems with the display. Sometimes it goes pitch dark. They are sending out a new one! I did a few things around the yard, and thought about doing a few more, but didn’t. Worked out. Spent time with Susan. Not much happening here!

Today's Scripture reading is 2 Chronicles 4; Isaiah 55; Acts 19
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Today’s thought comes from 1 Peter 1:3-4 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Should I be merciful? How do we decide if a person deserves mercy or if they should get what’s coming to them? My nephew once asked a question on Facebook, “Does Vick deserve another chance in the NFL?” Everyone was dancing around the discussion of his ability and the seriousness or triviality of the crime he committed when I asked, “What do you mean by the word deserve?” Suddenly the whole conversation changed! Does anyone “deserve” mercy? Mercy, by definition is given to those who don’t deserve it. They committed a crime, offense or sin and deserve to face the consequences of their actions. To deserve something means we are worthy of it! No one DESERVES mercy, only the unworthy are worthy of mercy. Those two words, “deserve” and “mercy” used in the same sentence, are incompatible with one another. So how do you determine who gets mercy? It might be complicated. We might ask, “was it an accident? Why did they do it? Is it worth it for me to push the issue or should I let it go?” And then perhaps the most important question, “what about their attitude? Is it contrite or arrogant?” My guess is that we grant leniency to the humble more than we do to the pig headed. If there were ever a case for “deserving” mercy, this would be it! Now let’s see how God does it. He offers us “abundant mercy!” While we were still SINNERS Christ died for us… while we were ENEMIES he reconciled us… when we were REBELLIOUS he offered mercy to us. (Read Romans 5:6-8) His mercy is so great that not only does he offer to let us off the hook for our sins and indiscretions, but in the interest of justice, he also stepped in to pay the price we were destined to pay for them! And the amazing thing is that mercy is OFFERED both to the contrite and to the pig headed! My offers of mercy are conditional! If you want to go toe to toe with me, I’ll take it to the next level. I’m NOT even going to even offer mercy to a pig headed, rebellious, loud mouthed, ungrateful, arrogant brat! But God offers abundant mercy to all! The offer is extended. God will let you off the hook, scot free – you deserve hell, he’ll give you heaven… but, and here’s where the but comes in… in order to receive this free gift of mercy, you will have to deserve it by realizing how undeserving you are, you must become worthy by grasping how unworthy you are. You must be humble and contrite before God (who in their right mind wouldn’t be!) and gratefully accept his offer of abundant mercy. His mercy is offered to ALL, but received only by those who appreciate their need and request it. Won’t you accept it today?

Dear Father: I am unworthy of your abundant mercy. I realize the seriousness of my condition. Only mercy can get me off the hook and into heaven. I drop all pretence of worthiness before you, and instead willingly and gratefully accept your gracious gift of eternal life. Thanks!

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:14 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

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