In what ways can we seek God's mercy when facing our own failures? Setting the Scene “O LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous! We are left today as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in Your presence.” — Ezra 9:15 Recognizing God’s Perfect Righteousness • Ezra begins with the character of God, not the condition of people. • Psalm 145:17 “The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.” • A right view of God’s flawless purity shatters every excuse and prepares the heart for mercy. Confessing Our Failures Honestly • “Here we are before You in our guilt.” No rationalizing, no blaming. • 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Psalm 51:3-4; Luke 18:13—biblical pattern: name the sin, acknowledge it is against God, accept full responsibility. Appealing to Mercy Based on Covenant Faithfulness • “We are left today as a remnant” reminds God of His promises to preserve His people. • Lamentations 3:22 “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail.” • Micah 7:18—He delights in mercy; Exodus 34:6—He abounds in loving-kindness. • Mercy is requested not on personal merit but on God’s unchanging covenant love. Approaching Boldly Yet Humbly Through Christ • Ezra admits, “not one of us can stand” in God’s presence—pointing forward to the need of a Mediator. • Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy…” • Hebrews 10:19-22—boldness rests on Christ’s blood, never on our performance. • At the cross justice and mercy meet; therefore we come lowly yet assured. Turning from Sin and Walking in Obedience • Proverbs 28:13 “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” • Genuine repentance involves decisive action: sever ties with the sin that brought ruin (Ezra 10). • John 8:11—“Go, and sin no more.” Mercy empowers a changed life. Living Continually in Humility and Gratitude • James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Psalm 130:3-4—knowing forgiveness creates reverent fear, not casual presumption. • Colossians 3:12-15—clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, and thankfulness, remembering you have been forgiven much. Practical Summary for Seeking Mercy • Acknowledge who God is: perfectly righteous, steadfast in love. • Admit guilt without excuses. • Appeal to His covenant faithfulness revealed fully in Christ. • Draw near through the finished work of the cross. • Turn decisively from the sin confessed. • Walk forward in humble gratitude, extending to others the mercy you have received. |
    |