A Palm Full of Mercy

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 272: Today, I am grateful for a palm full of mercy. 

"Our Savior kneels down on the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, 'I can clean that if you want." And from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes our sin." -Max Lucado

I love Max Lucado. He has such a way with words. His spirit is gentle. His humility is sincere. He explains big theology ideas with simplicity. Many years ago, I added him to my prayers. I asked God to protect him from anything that might destroy his ministry. I don't know him personally (although a friend's sister did attend his church... and her name is Max, too.) I just know him by his fruits. He is a good shepherd. 

I love the imagery created in this quote. To think at our darkest, ugliest, dirtiest, and shameful moments, we have a Savior who longs to gently clean us up... until we are spotless and ready to be presented to the Father. It is the whole "God incarnate come" piece of theology. Knowing what it feels like to walk in our shoes (or sandals), to "live in our skin", and to face our trials and temptations... He chooses love, kindness, redemption, and restoration. 

If grace and mercy had a scent, I think it would be petrichor. Petrichor is the warm, fresh, and earthy fragrance we experience when rain hits dry ground that is produced by bacteria. Fragrance manufacturers have tried to capture it. Isn't it an interesting combination? Dry ground, water, and bacteria. 

We come from the dirt, made in His image, and God brought us to life with His breath. That will always be mind-boggling for me. Our bodies are more than half water. We know there is good bacteria and bad bacteria in our bodies, too. Our digestive systems need good bacteria to function. When life giving rain falls on dry ground mixing with bacteria in the soil, we get the most amazing scent. 

When His grace and mercy washes our sins away, he makes all things new. It is a fresh start, a new day, fresh rain on a dry thirsty land. 

"Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert. -Isaiah 43:19

This scripture fits, too. 

"And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”" - Revelation 21:5

Today, I am grateful for a palm full of mercy... and the smell of rain.