A Truth Anyone May Embrace

Isaiah 12:1 (NKJV)

O Lord, I will praise you; though you were angry with me, your anger is turned away, and you comfort me.

John 6:37

Christ says, “Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.”

There are only a few sermons I have heard over the years that I can recall the theme. A message based on John 6:33 is one of them. Rev. John Niermann (now graduated to the eternal realm of Christ) was my vicarage supervisor for a time at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Preaching on this text he assured the people that when they turn to Jesus he would not reject them. Over and over he made his point. At the end of the service one woman expressed deep emotional appreciation for sharing that word of truth. That was more than 35 years ago. It was a simple but powerful message.

The ultimate disposition of God toward repentant sinners is one of grace, mercy, comfort, love, and acceptance. This is not good news to the happy sinner, the strong agnostic, or the willful reprobate. They wish only to continue along the path of their own moral judgments, treat God as an optional life-adornment, or continue blissfully ignorant of their need for a Savior.

Those who recognize and acknowledge their sin, however, hear Good News in Jesus’ words. God comforts the contrite. He welcomes sinners. Struggling agnostics, unhappy and distressed sinners, repentant reprobates will find a place in Jesus’ heart. Guilty-conscience-laden Christians, insecure followers, worried doubters, and honest seekers will find Jesus to be a solid rock and tower of hope, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, and love.

God’s ultimate attitude is one of grace. That is a truth that anyone may embrace.