He will abundantly pardon

    The reality is we are living in a world where works can mean everything. We work hard to achieve and to feel accomplished. Many times we work hard for the approval of others, specifically some significant person or other in our lives. 
    What I love about God, is that He never asks or expect us to come to Him perfect. He knows we are not because, after all, He created us. In fact He created us so that we would need Him. So, although we may try so hard to win the approval of others to feel good about ourselves, we don’t have to strive to win God’s approval. We don’t have to strive for His love. We can come to Him just as we are and He will help us as needed. His mercy toward us is great and doesn’t require any “goodness” on our part to obtain it.
    Here, I think about the story of Jesus and the crucifixion (Luke 23:32-43). He is wrongfully accused and convicted and His sentence is death. He humbly accepts it knowing the ultimate and greater purpose behind it. But, while he hangs there on that cross, He is not alone. There are also two other men, criminals, who are crucified on either side of Him. One of them hurls insults at Him saying that if He is Messiah, He should save them and Himself. But there is the other criminal, the one who somehow is able to discern the reality of what is happening. He rebukes his fellow criminal. He asks him if he doesn’t fear God and asserts that they deserve their fate but Jesus does not because He has done nothing wrong (v.40-41). Then, turning to Jesus in humility, he asks Him to remember him when He comes into His kingdom (v.42). To this Jesus responds, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v.43).
    I find myself smiling as I read Jesus’ response. He could easily have told that criminal that it was too late, He could not honour His request. He could easily have reminded him of his sin and his crime and told him that he should have done some more good to be able to have his request granted. In short, Jesus could have turned him away … but He did not. This criminal was the reason why Jesus came to this earth to die. And, while that criminal was still alive, even though he was a short time away from death, as far as Jesus was concerned, he still had a chance to receive eternal life. He did not need to have lived a good life filled with good deeds. He did not need to come down from his cross and do a few good works before he died. At that moment, when he felt convicted of his sin and chose to turn to Jesus, it was enough. Jesus knew what He had to do and He did it … He offered him eternal life.
    If works were the perequisite to eternal life, many who chose to turn to God on their deathbed would have been turned away by God. But the reality is, it’s not about our works or how good we are, it’s about God’s mercy. Ephesians 2:8-9 says: “For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Mercy is defined as: compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. God’s choice to pardon us and give us another chance is His act of mercy towards us. 
    God is more than willing to pardon us when in fact what we deserve is punishment. Lamentations 3:22-23 says: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” I don’t know about you, but that is an encouragement to me. I am not serving a harsh, judgmental, God who is eagerly waiting to punish me at every opportunity. Rather, I am serving a God who does not run out of compassion and love for me, a God who consistently sees the opportunity to forgive me even though what I deserve is punishment. 
    So, I encourage you today, no matter what you have done or failed to do, don’t ever think of turning away from God. Rather, run to Him for He is more than willing to abundantly pardon.
    If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God is the God of mercy, more than willing to forgive you because He loves you and desires the very best for you. Be encouraged!

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