"License, registration, please."

Driving on a wide open country road, at mid-day, in bright sunshine, while mentally working through church stuff, I became unaware of just how fast I was traveling. Then, too late I saw the police cruiser parked on the side of the road. Glancing down, I knew that I was about to hear those dreaded words, “Sir, may I see your license and registration.”  As I passed him, he swung around behind me.  About a mile down the road, on came the lights signaling me to pull over. Ten minutes later, after a pleasant conversation, I drove away relieved.  Strictly speaking, I deserved a ticket, but the police officer chose to show mercy.

This is the story of my life. The evidence was stacked against me. There was no case to plead. I was guilty! Too many times to recount, I have become aware of my sin and failure too late, only after my conscience is bruised and my fellowship with the Father elusive. But, He is merciful. The Bible says "because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV) What relief, what joy floods my mind when I go to my Savior and make my confession. I regret my failures, despise the fact that too many times my words and/or actions create a dark stain on the family name of my Father. I do not minimize nor excuse my refusal of His guidance around sin. But, I will not run from His gaze, I will not try to conceal my guilt. Instead, I pray David’s prayer: "Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you." (Psalm 51:9-12, NLT)

Some say that accepting God’s mercy encourages more sin. “Cheap grace,” they call it. That is not my experience! My merciful Father pulls me closer to His side. His love makes me even more desirous of doing His will, of living in a way that causes others to seek Him. Are you pushing the limits, living disobediently, carelessly disregarding the Spirit’s call? There will come a moment of realization of your sin. What then? Will you accept His mercy and grace and make a full confession?  You will find grace and forgiveness.  Or will you excuse, justify yourself, or hide from His gaze? If so, guilt will increase, making you a slave to sin.

Here’s a word from the Word. Learn it, love it, live it.

"He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust."
(Psalm 103:9-14, NIV)

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How deep the Father's love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts no power no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Stuart Townend

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