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Mercy Came Running For Me: A Reflection on God's Boundless Grace I've been reflecting on the powerful message from our recent Saturday afternoon Gathering, "When Mercy Came Running For Me." This message, shared at Covenant of Grace Ministry & Fellowship, dives deep into the boundless nature of God's mercy and its transformative power in our lives. The Heart of God's MercyAccording to evangelist Jonathan Edwards, God's mercy is an attribute He has "more gloriously to manifest" than any other. The wonders of divine grace are considered the greatest of all wonders, surpassing even the marvels of creation or the wonders of justice in punishing sin. Edwards states that "Grace, grace!" is the sound the gospel rings with and a shout that will echo in heaven forever. We see this theme of mercy woven throughout Scripture, from the psalmist's plea to the teachings of Jesus. Psalm 51, for example, is a powerful model of repentance. The psalmist, traditionally attributed to King David, appeals for mercy based on God's love and compassion, acknowledging his own sinfulness from birth. He expresses a deep desire for spiritual cleansing and a renewed heart, asking God to "create a clean heart for me" and "put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me". This psalm is a heartfelt cry for transformation and a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. The Parable of the Prodigal SonThe parable of the Prodigal Son, one of Jesus’ most famous teachings, provides a vivid picture of God's mercy in action. The younger son rebels, takes his inheritance, and wastes it all on extravagant living, leading to a life of destitution. After hitting rock bottom, he comes to his senses and decides to return home, prepared to beg his father to take him on as a hired hand. But the father's reaction is what truly shows us the heart of mercy. While the son is still a long way off, the father sees him and is "moved with compassion". He runs to him, hugs him, and celebrates his return with a feast. This powerful image illustrates God’s unconditional love and his readiness to forgive those who repent. It shows that no matter how far we stray, redemption is always possible. The story also includes the older brother, who is resentful and refuses to join the celebration. His reaction highlights the dangers of self-righteousness and a lack of compassion. The father's response to him emphasizes that the joy of forgiveness and reconciliation should be celebrated by all, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's grace. Mercy in Our LivesThe message reminds us that mercy isn't just a theological concept—it's a lifeline. As C.S. Lewis described, God's mercy is "like a river, vast and deep, flowing down from the heights of heaven into the depths of our need". It is the "bridge that God builds to reach out to us in our weakness and failure," as Dietrich Bonhoeffer said. The life of John Newton, the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace," is a powerful example of this truth. Newton was a slave trader whose life was transformed after a storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy. He later became a minister and abolitionist, his life a testament to the "transformative power of divine mercy". He understood firsthand what it means for mercy to come running. Just like the prodigal son and John Newton, we are all in need of God's grace. The good news is that no one is beyond redemption, and joy is found every time a lost soul finds their way back to God. What does it mean for you to have mercy come running? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 
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