Beholding Mercy

Sunrise; such a majestic metaphor, for God's mercynew each morning! Braving a raw heart-cry today for all who havenot yet 'come to the knowledge of the truth' 1 Tim.2:1-6A Call to PrayerFirst of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,  who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all— Behold the mercy from the HandThat unfolds from night, morningLove’s scepter stretched across the landExtends life’s brief adorningWhere Death has not yet tolled the bellThat draws the soul from mortal shellConsider then, the woes of hellAnd heed salvation’s warning Bow Thou beneath the cross of ChristPray, do not thy heart hardenBelieve on He who sacrificedHis Son for our pardonRepent today and do not waitLest alas, you believe too lateFor grace cannot undo the Gate/FateSealed by death’s holy guerdon Behold the cross; behold God’s sonBehold redemption, metedWhere death that comes to everyoneBy One Death was defeatedBehold and then consider wellThe cost of both heaven and hellPray, do not mock the flood that fellAs God’s grace interceded Behold the mercy from the HandWhere nail-scars shape love’s tokenOf suffering love’s stark demandSo sin’s curse could be brokenBehold and do not turn awayBut call upon His name todayConsider well the woes of theyWho leave remorse unspoken Behold and thwart doubt with beliefCome, join all who adore HimWho bore the cross and sin's gross griefFor joy still set before HimWill you reject deliveranceWrought through a Saviour's innocence Consider well, the consequenceIf you choose to ignore Him © Janet Martin Does this song not make you weep for joy??! Jude 17-24But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.Be merciful to those who doubt;  save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. DoxologyTo him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.