Perfume and Mercy

 

I am MARVELING about....

Perfume and Mercy

A good friend of mine posted a picture recently of herself standing in front of Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Oh, the memories that came to mind. Several years ago, my husband and I were blessed to take a dream vacation to Europe, and it did not disappoint, as they say.

Being in Rome, for example was an amazing experience. To actually walk the streets of such an ancient and Biblically historical city was a gift of an opportunity! And so much fun:)

As I considered the area there by the famous Trevi fountain, my mind went back to an alarming experience that I had.

Close to the fountain, just down the street is an expensive perfume shop. While my husband waited outside I went in for a look-see. Sitting on a tall pedestal were some sample bottles of perfume. I took one, sprayed it on my wrist and returned it to the table. It tipped precariously and to my horror came crashing to the floor, expensive perfume pooling around the broken glass.

My heart sank. I wondered how much this would set us back financially. There was actually a security guard nearby who observed the entire thing. I looked up at him and asked how much I owed. He smiled, shook his head and told me I could just leave.

In amazement and with humble gratefulness, I thanked him and walked out of the store.

As I headed towards my husband and the others in our group, I was overcome with a feeling of such appreciation for the pardon I had been extended, the mercy that I had been given.

And then I thought of Him, who paid the ultimate price, and provided the greatest pardon of all!! Mercy, sweet mercy.

Thank you Jesus!

As I considered posting this, it occurred to me (oh my ever-thinking mind), "What if the owner of the store happens to read this (yeah, right:) ) and reneges and seeks me out for payment!" (just a passing thought, mind you :)). But then, I realized with renewed thankfulness, that our Savior will never renege on His forgiveness; that He forgets our trespasses when we humbly repent and He removes our transgressions as "far as the east is from the west".

Thank you Jesus!

For the reminder today....of Perfume and Mercy!

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5