COME, FOR HE DELIGTETH IN MERCY.

 AUGUST 12

COME, FOR JESUS DELIGHTS IN MERCY.
 
I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:
for I am not come to call the righteous,
 but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:13
 
It was great encouragement which the Psalmist held out,
  when he said, "With the Lord there is mercy."
 
But how much greater is the encouragement given us

 by the prophet,
  who assures us that "He delights in mercy."
 
It is never said that he delights in wrath,
  or delights to punish.
 
But he delights in mercy,
  as if it gave him joy to see the sinner come,
    hear the sinner plead, and
      to pardon the sinner's guilt.
 
Shall I feel reluctant to go to a person
   for that which he delights to give?
 
Surely not.
  If I need it,
    if I desire it,
     if the Lord delights to confer it,
        then what can I desire more?
 
Mercy in God is just adapted to misery in man.
 
Mercy in God sympathizes with misery in man.
 
God's mercy glorifies itself in man's misery.
 
Come to Jesus,
  if you would glorify God,
   if you would please him,
     if you would obtain mercy for yourself.
 
Come, for he will rejoice over you with joy.
 
Come, for it will gratify his mercy to find you at his feet.
 
Satan may suggest many discouragements to your spirit,

   believe him not.
 
Unbelief may throw many obstacles in your way, 

  press through them all.
 
Your own heart may misgive you, but yield not to fear.
 
Let this silence all, "He delights in mercy!"
 
Does Satan say, "You are too great a sinner to be pardoned?"
    Answer, "He delights in mercy."
 
Does conscience say, "It is too late now?"
     Reply, "He delights in mercy."
 
Does the hardness of your heart rise up to discourage you?
  Still urge the testimony, "He delights in mercy."
 
Blessed, thrice blessed assurance this,

    Jesus delights to show mercy!
 
 Therefore he will show mercy to me, to you, to all who come.
Come, then, come to Jesus.
 
For whosoever shall call upon 

   the name of the Lord shall be saved. 
Romans 10:13.
 

James Smith 1855