Abundant Mercy

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

Psalm 103 starts with “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! It continues with remembering God’s goodness and worshipping Him for all His faithfulness and mercies towards us. 1 Peter 1:3 is a reminder to bless God for giving us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 

Since Adam sinned, humankind has been trying to hide from God. We cover our sins by sewing fig leaves of charity and goodwill, thinking our good deeds will buy us God’s approval. And when that fails, humans are quick to pin the blame and imagine themselves to be holy and righteous. The truth is we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God as quoted in Romans 7:24 – “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

God is a righteous judge, and only He has the authority to forgive our sins and deliver us from death. And that is exactly what He did, when He sent His only begotten Son on the cross. 

1 Peter 1:3 reminds us of this mercy. We were long dead in our sins. Our spirit was disconnected from God. Our work, including charity and goodwill, deserved eternal damnation. But to God be the glory, who gave us a new life through the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus out of His abundant mercy. Through our faith in the resurrected Christ, we are a new creation. We are born again as the sons and daughters of the Highest. We are called holy based on the righteousness of Jesus. 

Let every heart look at the cross and remember the resurrected King who conquered the grave. Let us give Him praise and worship His Holy name. Let us bless the Lord with everything that is within us. Amen. 

Prayer: Loving Father, I bless your holy name. I praise you as I remember my sins and your forgiveness, the cloak of righteousness you clothe me with, and this new birth and identity you have given me. Thank you for your abundant mercy and grace through which I am saved. You have been good to me. As your son and daughter, I trust and believe I have an incorruptible eternal life.