HOW MUCH OF HIS MERCY DO YOU NEED?
When Dr. William Carey was seriously ill, someone asked him: “If this sickness proves fatal, what Scripture would you choose as the text for your funeral sermon?” He replied, “Oh, I feel that such a poor sinful creature is unworthy of having anything said about him; but if a funeral sermon must be preached, let it be from these words: ‘Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.’”
In the same spirit of humility, he instructed in his will that the following inscription—and nothing more—be placed on his gravestone:
William Carey, Born August 17, 1761: Died ——
“A wretched, poor, and helpless worm,
On Your kind arms I fall.”
Even the most honored and experienced saints can only approach God on the basis of His free grace. The best of men are most aware that they are only men, at best. Empty boats float high, but heavily loaded ships sit low in the water. In the same way, those who only profess religion may boast, but true children of God cry out for mercy, knowing their unworthiness.
We need God’s mercy not only for our sins, but even for our best works—our prayers, our preaching, our giving, and our holiest acts. Under the old covenant, the blood of the sacrifice was not only sprinkled on Israel’s doorposts but also on the sanctuary, the mercy seat, and the altar. Why? Because sin intrudes even into our holiest things, and only the blood of Jesus can purify them.
If we need mercy even for our duties, how much more for our sins? How precious, then, is the assurance that God’s mercy is inexhaustible—always ready to forgive, to restore us when we fall, and to make our broken hearts rejoice again!
Read more Pilgrim’s Light Devotionals here.