Today's Verse: Matthew 9:13

Thursday, August 16, 2007

But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is merciful. Yes, we can probably recall some of those occasions when God was fed up and furious with the unrighteousness and rebellion of his people. But, we also remember them precisely because they did not occur that frequently over the hundreds of years he led the Israelites. God has shown us his heart by being gracious and forgiving with his ungrateful and forgetful people. God revealed his heart to us in Jesus' compassion as the Lord dealt with sick, broken, grieving, and sinful people in his earthly ministry. God has demonstrated his mercy and love with you and me by calling us, while we are sinners, to his side and to bring us salvation (Romans 5:5-11). He will not leave us unchanged and content with our sins. Yes, he does call us to change our ways. However, the generosity, mercy, and love of the almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth, to invite us near and give us a chance to experience his mercy is almost too good to be true - no wonder this same God calls us to share his mercy, love, and grace with others. We have been blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:10-15).

My Prayer...

Thank you, Almighty God, for being tender as well as powerful, forgiving as well as righteous, and merciful as well as holy. Please mature me in these sets of character-defining traits. I don't want to be self-righteous but righteous. I don't want to be a bully, but compassionately strong. I don't want to be sanctimonious but loving and merciful. Please fill me with your Spirit and gently confront me in those areas that need growth and transformation. May others see in me a reflection of you and your righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 9:13 — But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, August 16, 2007

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Every sifting comes by divine command and permission. Satan must ask leave before he can lay a finger upon Job. Nay, more, in some sense our siftings...."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our..."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right..."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[Peter continued explaining what happened with Cornelius, saying:] "Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.