Daily Bible Plan - Day 15

24 February 2025

This bible plan was created by Nicky and Pippa Gumbal.

Prayer of The Day:

Lord, thank you that you are both just and merciful. Thank you that, although I am guilty, you have paid the penalty for me through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Help me to trust in your justice and also to extend mercy to others as you have shown mercy to me. Lord, I pray that in moments of injustice, I will rely on your protection and guidance. Thank you that your justice will one day prevail and that your mercy is always available to me.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

God is Just and God is Merciful

In the Bible, we see that God is both just and merciful. His justice demands that sin be punished, meaning that everyone who acts against Him must face the consequences. However, in His mercy, God sent Jesus to die on behalf of humanity, so that our sins can be forgiven. Through the death of Jesus on the cross, God is able to satisfy the demands of justice, while still offering mercy and the opportunity for reconciliation. This is the depth of God’s love – He upholds justice while extending mercy to us.

Scriptural Foundations for Trusting in God’s Justice and Mercy

1. Rely on the Justice of God

Read (Psalm 9:13–20):

• Key Message: God is known by His justice (v.16), yet David also cries out for mercy (v.13). Justice and mercy come together in God's character.

• Outcomes: Justice is not just about punishment; it is about restoring righteousness.

• Application: Trust in God’s justice and know that He will not forget the needy or the afflicted (v.18).

Action Steps:

1. Praying: Ask God for mercy in times of distress.

2. Trusting: Rest in the assurance that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

   
   

2. Receive the Mercy of Jesus

Read (Matthew 12:1–21):

• Key Message: Jesus rejected legalism and emphasized mercy, quoting Hosea 6:6: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ (Matthew 12:7).

• Outcomes: Jesus combined justice and mercy, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies about God bringing justice to the nations.

• Application: In times of emotional or spiritual fragility, trust that Jesus will handle you with care: ‘A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out’ (v.20).

3. Rejoice in the Sacrifice of God

Read (Genesis 31:1–55):

• Key Message: Even in times of injustice and struggle, God is at work. Though Jacob faced hardship and unfair treatment, God ultimately protected and blessed him.

• Outcomes: God’s justice prevails even when human justice fails. His plans for us cannot be thwarted.

• Application: Trust in God’s justice and mercy in your own life. Even when things seem unfair, He is still in control.

Conclusion:

God demonstrates through His justice and mercy that while He takes sin seriously, He also offers us forgiveness. Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, He fulfills both justice and love, inviting us to find peace in this balance.

References

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