Vol. 16 No. 25 | June 24, 2013
Life in the Kingdom begins when I give myself to God. One could be motivated to make the decision for any number of reasons: to go to heaven; to escape hell; because someone told you should do it. Paul gives another motivation: God’s mercy.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)
“In view of God’s mercy.” Look at God’s mercy. What do you see? Think of God’s mercy. What comes to mind? Ponder God’s mercy, then give yourself to God.
God’s mercy: “A quality of compassion, especially as expressed in God’s forgiveness of human sin. Scripture stresses God’s forbearance towards sinners. In his mercy, God shields sinners from what they deserve and gives gifts that they do not deserve.” (Dictionary of Bible Themes)
In view of God’s compassion that is expressed in His forgiveness of human sin, give yourself to God.
Aaaaah! That makes sense. Not because you are forced to. Not out of guilt. Not to earn your way to heaven. Not to show that you deserve it. You give yourself to God because of what He has done for you.
“If God’s mercy in salvation has been presented in chapters 1–11, then the response of those receiving God’s mercy begins in chapter 12.” (Holman’s New Testament Commentary: Romans)
Although he phrased it a bit differently in Ephesians 2, Paul gives that church the same message:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesian 2:1-5, NIV)
How else can we respond? Why would we respond any other way?
We were dead in our sins. He made us alive because He was rich in mercy. We were lost. He saved. We were far from Him. He brought us close.
When we think of the mercy God has shown toward us we want to give our hearts to Him. When someone loves us like He loves us we want to serve Him. When we have been rescued we want to express our gratitude as often as possible. When the Creator of the universe has shown His great mercy to us we fall before Him and say, “Here I am. I am Yours. Use me. Shape me into the image You have planned for me.”
Some time this week find a quiet place and spend a few minutes reflecting on God’s mercies. Thank Him for His great mercy. Rejoice with Him that He has been merciful. Praise Him for the forgiveness of your sins.
Then, if you have not already done so, give Him your life.
Tom
© Copyright 2013 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.