BEGGARS OF MERCY - RevelationCentral.com

GOD RAISES DEAD DREAMS

Scripture uses death to identify man’s greatest enemy and there’s nothing man fears more. When a person expires, losing all vital signs, doctors, medicine, and science stand powerless in its presence. Only God can resurrect. But this sermon doesn’t deal with the physical cessation of life, it deals with death of a different nature. The death of God’s divinely inspired promises and visions. I’m persuaded that many Christians are in the gestation stage of a specific promise God has given them. Perhaps years ago He planted a dream and you’re still awaiting its fruition. Maybe even hope has begged you to admit that promise is dead. But the God that resurrected Christ from the dead can resurrect your promise.

WHAT NEVER HAPPENED ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

Let’s journey back several thousand years to Jerusalem during Passover week. This was the holiest of the seven Hebrew festivals that attracted thousands of worshipers. Some traveled hundreds of miles to attend this celebration in the religious capital of the world—Jerusalem. What a sight it must have been! For seven days the Priests appeared in their royal apparel, led the people in worship, offered sacrifices, and blew shofars (2 Chronicles 30:21). Everything was leading to the Day of Atonement when the High Priest would present the blood of a Passover lamb for the people’s sins. Not only was Jerusalem sightly its aroma was pungent.

Speak Lord, But is it Really You?

Of all experiences that exhilarate people, chief among them is when God speaks directly to the human soul. One inspired word to a thirsty, hungry traveler can refresh and sustain more than a thousand meals. It was Elijah who heard God’s instruction to “rise and eat” that received nourishment to navigate 285 miles for the following forty days

A CHRISTMAS TRIP

Luke says as these shepherds watched their flocks during the night, the glory of God shined all around them. Now can you imagine that? It’s pitch black and then, suddenly, everything around them is illuminated! Then an angel appears and announces that the awaited Savior of the world has been born and is lying in swaddling clothes in a manger in Bethlehem. But it’s still not over. Besides this angelic messenger and the glory of God that is all around them, a vast, multitude of angels appears praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (2:13).

PARDON ME!

In Psalm 32, David proclaims the blessedness of the one whose sins are forgiven. And he does this in a unique way. He uses three expressions for sin and then employs three expressions of God’s pardon for sin. Here’s what I mean: David called one category of sins transgressions, which indicates “rebellion against God”; another he simply called sin, which describes “knowingly missing the mark”; and the third category he called iniquity, which speaks of a “vile perversion.” Those terms cover the entire gamut of our sinfulness—major and minor. But then after showing us three categories of sin he uses three expressions to show how God pardons our sins:

Point of Inspiration: Devotionals for Personal and Corporate Worship

Robert D. Pace

The story is familiar: “Two men went to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee the other a Publican” (Luke 18:10). Jesus, the Master of Conversation, knew how to illustrate his point. Perhaps everyone in Jerusalem knew this Pharisee. His name glowed on the Temple registry and his benevolence was renowned among the poor. Thus, with a resume of platitudes, this grand Pharisee marched to the front of the Temple and presented them to God. How could the Omniscient Lord understand the grandeur of this Pharisee without this self-disclosure? Certainly the Lord was unaware of this Pharisee’s stature among men. And when God heard his narrative, it literally moved heaven—the wrong way! God recoiled and the angels retreated. It was “Pomp and Circumstance” of the wrong kind!

But standing far behind the Pharisee, at the back of the Temple, was a Publican—a man that made his living by fleecing the unsuspecting. He was a modern-day loan shark. And the commonfolks had euphemisms for him, tagging him with derision and insults. But there was something different about him today. Of all places to go, on this occasion he walks straight toward the Temple. Without swagger or conceit, he enters its doors and finds a place to pray at the back wall. His words emerged without pretense. Incapable of lifting his head, all the Publican could do was beg for mercy. This man, empowered by the sword of Rome, and who enriched himself by extortion, suddenly became a beggar. Without excuses, he admitted his wretchedness. He knew the crowds were right—he was reprehensible! That’s why he could only hang his head and gush with grief, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Now bankrupt before God, he knew his only hope was mercy. And that’s why the atmosphere changed! God drew near and the angels regathered.

Regardless of who you are—wise or simple; righteous or a wretched; wealthy or destitute—the promise of God’s Word stands true: “a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). While the proud one chases away God’s presence, the humble one plunders heaven of its most sacred treasure—mercy. Mercy rushes to the humble!

Finally, have you noticed the conclusion of this Parable? The Bible says the Pharisee left the Temple dignified; but the Publican left the Temple justified! That means, if you have needs, burn your resume, ignore your achievements, and become a beggar . . . a beggar of God’s mercy. In so doing, you will have access to everything you need. As Jesus promised, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3).