How can we seek God's mercy when we recognize our wrongdoing? A Moment of Desperation “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me that he will not put his servant to the sword.’” (1 Kings 1:51) Why the Altar Matters • The horns symbolized safety and atonement—Adonijah knew where mercy could be found. • No bargaining chips, no excuses—just a plea for the king’s gracious restraint. • His posture illustrates the first step toward mercy: fleeing to God’s ordained place of forgiveness. Tracing the Pattern through Scripture • Confession: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us …” (1 John 1:9) • Brokenness: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion …” (Psalm 51:1) • Transparency: “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) • Confidence in God’s character: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy …” (Hebrews 4:16) • Humble plea: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner! … this man went down to his house justified.” (Luke 18:13-14) How We Seek Mercy Today • Run to the true altar—the cross of Christ. • Acknowledge sin without minimizing it. • Appeal to God’s covenant love rather than personal merit. • Submit to the rightful King, surrendering every claim to self-rule. • Stay near His presence; mercy is not a one-time refuge but a lifelong dwelling place. Living in the Aftermath of Mercy • Gratitude replaces fear; obedience flows from received grace. • Restoration leads to responsible service under the King’s authority. • Continuous confession keeps the heart tender and the conscience clear. The Assurance We Carry Because God has provided an unshakeable altar in Christ, anyone who clings to Him with honest repentance can echo David’s confidence: “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” |
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