“For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” – Psalm 86:13

Scripture reading: Psalm 86:1-13

As we look ahead to the great events of salvation, which we remember and celebrate on Good Friday and Easter, our thoughts turn to the intensity of Jesus’ suffering, and the pain He endured at the cross. What is the motive that caused God Himself to make such a sacrifice? Why did Jesus willingly walk the road of suffering for our salvation?

Psalm 86:13 reveals that motive. It was God’s great mercy. Because of that divine mercy, God sent His Son Jesus, Who paid the price of our ransom at Calvary. This is the Lord’s sovereign work. Our text declares, “You have delivered my soul…” We cannot boast in human strength here, for only God has the power to save. It is God’s marvellous, irresistible grace that draws us out of sin, out of the old self of sin. So great is God’s mercy, that it motivates the Almighty to stoop down and save even you and me!

Yes, God’s great mercy caused the Lord to win salvation for us, His chosen ones. As we look ahead to Good Friday and Easter, let us prepare by thanking God for His mercy. Let us celebrate His mercy so full and free. For the great, saving work of Jesus, there is a motive, a reason, and that is God’s great mercy. Once again we witness from the words of Scripture the greatest story ever told: the Gospel of salvation. We humbly receive the saving benefit of Christ’s sacrificial death, and we rejoice in His glorious resurrection.

Suggestions for prayer

Give the Lord wholehearted thanks for His mercy displayed to us in His Son, our Saviour. Make this a time of prayer focusing on thankfulness

Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.