Devotional
After four days of exploring how we cannot control, contain, or partially commit to God, you might be wondering: ‘So how do I actually connect with this awesome, unmanageable God?’ The answer is beautifully simple: you meet Him at the mercy seat. The Ark of the Covenant wasn’t just a golden box – it was topped with the mercy seat, the place where God promised to meet with His people. Not at the seat of judgment, not at the seat of performance, but at the seat of mercy. This is where relationship with God begins and continues. You don’t have to clean up your act before coming to God. You don’t need to perform enough religious rituals to earn His attention. You don’t have to figure out how to manipulate Him into loving you. You simply come to the mercy seat, acknowledging your need and His grace. The mercy seat points us forward to Jesus Christ, who became our ultimate mercy seat. Through His sacrifice, the way to God’s presence was opened permanently. No more religious games, no more trying to earn favor, no more fear of rejection. This is the most encouraging truth of all: the God who cannot be controlled chooses to be found by anyone who seeks Him with a sincere heart. The God who demands total commitment offers total forgiveness. The God who refuses to be manipulated freely gives His love to all who come to Him in faith. When you feel distant from God, don’t try harder to impress Him. Don’t attempt to bargain with Him or manipulate Him. Simply return to the mercy seat. Come as you are, with your failures and fears, your questions and doubts. He’s waiting there to meet you, not with condemnation, but with grace. This uncontrollable God has made Himself completely accessible through mercy. What amazing love!
Bible Verse
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection Question
How can you approach God today at the mercy seat rather than trying to earn His favor through your own efforts?
Quote
“While the law inside said, you’re guilty, the mercy above said. But God can set you free and give you hope, and God can meet you at the seat of mercy.”
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, that I don’t have to earn my way to You. Thank You for the mercy seat, for Jesus who made the way open for me to come boldly into Your presence. Help me to rest in Your grace rather than striving in my own strength. Meet me at the mercy seat today and every day. Amen.