Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from Psalm One Hundred and Thirty verse Three, “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand,” (NRSVB). In this psalm the psalmist draws the reader’s attention to the kindness of God, his forgiveness of sins and his grace in that bestows righteousness to those who ask forgiveness. God does not keep an account of the wrongs committed, but he does keep an account of the tears shed and the prayers of repentance. Those who come the the Lord will never be cast away, they are reconciled with God.
The Apostle Paul writes in the Third Chapter of the Letter to the Romans in verses Twenty to Twenty Three, “For no person will be justified in God’s sight by observing the works of the Law. For the function of the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin, not only in mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith and holy character. But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets. Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ, the Messiah. And it is meant for all who believe. There is no distinction. Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honour and glory which God bestows and receives,” (Amplified Bible). Through Jesus Christ our iniquities were carried and forgiven and we are brought to the sanctuary of God, able to stand before him, bestowed with his grace through the work of Jesus Christ, on the Cross, for us.
In the Second Letter to the Corinthians in Chapter Five verse Nineteen, the Apostle Paul explains God’s presence and his purpose and plans for the world and her people, that has been achieved through the work of Jesus Christ, “It was God, being personally present in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favour with Himself, not counting up and holding against humanity their trespasses but cancelling the trespasses, and committing to us the message of reconciliation and of restoration to God’s favour” (Amplified Bible). There is no fear of the Law, for Christ came to obey the Law on our behalf, and through his obedience to the Law and the Will of God, we are forgiven and restored to enjoy God’s favour. God’s favour makes his face shine upon us and we are restored to peace and joy.
Father God, we thank you that you see us through eyes of forgiveness and love, you have redeemed and restored us to receive your loving-kindness and your enduring mercy, Amen.