Grace, Have Mercy … thoughts from Me & David Jeremiah

His story is one of rebellion and forgiveness – a sinner most of us would discount, a preacher reached by the amazing grace of God – a human trafficker that became the one who pinned one of the greatest hymns of all times. I am referring to John Newton, the slave merchant reached by God’s grace, who became a proclaimer of God’s mercy – because he had received it himself. And his song is Amazing Grace.

By weaving Newton’s story with a rich study of Paul’s life seen from Scripture, David Jeremiah’s Captured by Grace is powerful, moving, and life-changing work. He clearly shows no one is beyond the reach of a loving God. And this not only touches how God works in us, it shows how we should be responding to those around us.

A rich principle David Jeremiah posits is the distinction between grace and mercy.

Mercy is not getting that which we deserve – punishment. Grace is getting that which we do not deserve -His love, Salvation, Restoration.

Let me show you how the difference is seen in Scripture …

— Mercy withholds the knife from the heart of Isaac, Grace provides the ram on the thicket … Gen 22

— Mercy runs to forgive the prodigal, Grace throws a party with a robe, a ring, and a fatted calf … Luke 15

— Mercy bandages the wounds received from the robbers, Grace covers the cost of full recovery … Luke 10

— Mercy hears the cry of the thief on the cross, Grace promises paradise that very day … Luke 23

— Mercy converts Paul on the road to Damascus, Grace calls him to be the great Apostle … Acts 9

— Mercy closes the door to Hell, Grace opens the door to heaven … Eph 2

My prayer is you’ve experienced His grace and His mercy. And my prayer is that you show that same mercy and grace on others. After all, we are supposed be conformed to His image. So let’s live it.

Live in His amazing grace … Todd