Then I saw two headlights come on suddenly to my right.  The thought immediately came to my mind.  “Uh-oh.”  I looked down at my speedometer as I passed the Fort Deposit police car.  Yes, I was going faster than the 40 mph speed limit.  I immediately pulled over and, just as I expected, there were flashing blue lights approaching me from the rear.

“52 in a 40,” said the policeman as he walked up to my open window.  “Yes, sir,” was my sad reply.  I couldn’t deny it or dispute it.

Justice is served when you get what you deserve.  I broke the speed limit; I deserved to pay the fine.  Did I get what I deserved?

No, I didn’t.  The officer said, “How about slowing it down next time?”  My relieved response was a jubilant “Yes, sir!”

I didn’t receive justice; I was shown mercy.  Mercy is extended when you do not get what you deserve.  I couldn’t have been more thankful.

Suppose that I did receive justice on that occasion.  I would have received a speeding ticket.  But suppose after the policeman handed the ticket to me that he followed it up by pulling out his own wallet and giving me the money to pay the fine.  That would have been grace!  Grace is demonstrated when you get what you need but don’t deserve.

Because of our sins – and all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23) – we deserve justice.  What is the penalty for sin?  Death.  “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

But because of His great love, God has extended mercy and grace to us (read Ephesians 2:1-10).  He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  The sinless Son of God took upon Himself our sins and paid the price for our redemption (1 Peter 2:24).  “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

We deserve justice.  But God offers us His mercy and grace.

Why would anyone refuse that wonderful offer?

Won’t YOU accept His offer on His terms?