OBTAINED MERCY AND ABUNDANT GRACE

Have you enjoyed this book?

Writing it has been a labour of love for me, but the story is not finished yet.

As I write these words, I am in my 67th year and, Lord willing, I have many more years ahead of me.

Every day, thousands upon thousands of people die and step into eternity, whether they believe in it or not.

I remember Harry in the film When Harry Met Sally, who read the last page of a book first so he would know how it ended, just in case he died before finishing it.

I hope you have read this story from beginning to end.

Every story has a beginning and an ending. My story is not finished yet, although one day it will be.

Yet when my story on earth ends, another story will begin. I know, like Job, that my Redeemer lives.

Job 19:25

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

The beloved Apostle Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, spoke words that describe both me and many of the experiences recorded in this book:

1 Timothy 1:13–16

13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

The words obtained mercy and abundant grace perfectly describe what has happened to me.

I obtained mercy. I did not earn God’s mercy through good works or religious effort. In fact, there was nothing I could do that would ever deserve it.

God’s grace was abundantly and lavishly given to me. I cannot give you one reason why He chose to show such kindness to me, except that it was His will to do so.

Sometimes we receive a gift and think, “Surely there has been a mistake.” But there was no mistake here.

The grace and mercy of God are the two most wonderful realities in my life. They are far beyond my full comprehension.

A true believer never loses their sense of wonder at these things. As the hymn writer expressed it, we are often “lost in wonder, love, and praise.”

The path to salvation leads through the Cross. There is no other way.

Jesus said in John 14:6:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The path passes by the empty tomb, where death was defeated, and continues along the road travelled by Christian, Faithful, and Hopeful in Pilgrim’s Progress as they journeyed toward the Celestial City.

Like many believers before me, I have been travelling that highway for many years. I have fallen into the Slough of Despond more than once. I have spent time in By-path Meadow and even found myself in Doubting Castle. Yet by God’s grace I remain on the road, looking forward to that heavenly city beyond anything we can imagine.

The hymn Amazing Grace has been precious to me and to millions of other believers throughout the years. Its message reflects my life, my walk with the Lord, and my hope of glory.

The opening words say:

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”

May those words become your testimony as well.

May you obtain mercy and experience the abundant grace of God.

The Lord has been faithful to me throughout every stage of life. He has carried me through dangers, trials, failures, and disappointments. He has forgiven me, restored me, and given me hope for eternity.

One day this earthly journey will end, but His grace will safely bring me home.

May God richly bless you as you seek Him.

KK