Mercy at the Throne

Reflect:
The prophet’s defense is beautifully simple: I did not choose this, and I am not for sale. He was a farmhand. He had no credentials, no pedigree, no institutional position to protect. He had only a calling — and that is precisely why he could not be silenced by a threat or bought with a warning. The Word of God does not depend on the impressiveness of the one carrying it.

But here is where the whole book, and the whole plumb line, must finally lead us. If God’s standard is perfect, and He sees us as we truly are, then no wall stands. Not Israel’s, not Amaziah’s, not yours, not mine. If judgment is deserved for a leaning life, every one of us is condemned.

And this is where the gospel breaks in like sunrise. Jesus Christ, the only perfectly straight life ever lived, went to the cross and absorbed the judgment our crookedness deserved. He was measured by the Father’s perfect standard and found flawless — and then treated as though He were the crooked wall. Three days later He rose from the dead in triumph, and that empty tomb is God’s public receipt that the debt is paid in full.

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

The same God who holds the plumb line holds out the throne of grace. Come to it today.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Consider:
The greatest evidence of spiritual health is repentance. What will you bring to the throne of grace before this day ends?

Pray:
Lord Jesus, I cannot straighten myself. I come to the throne of grace with nothing but Your finished work. Thank You for the cross, thank You for the empty tomb, and thank You that mercy is available in my time of need. Make me quick to repent and glad to obey, all my days. Amen.