The message: The core of the statement « God takes pity on us sinners » is that He is full of compassion for us, and therefore, prevents our lives from dying, and our souls from being lost. We, human beings, are at the top of all the living creatures that God had created on earth, because He created us « in His image » (Gen 1:27b); therefore « He does not want any of us to perish », not even a single one (2 Pet 3:9b). However, our transgressions have become a dividing wall separating us from God (Isa 59:2), and our sinning turns God’s face against us, for which He will judge us (Ps 34:16). Sinful human beings are completely weakened, unable to overcome sin by their own strength or mental strength; so, they are bound, as it is written: « people are slaves to whatever masters them » 2 Pet 2:19b. That is why the
Apostle Paul confessed: « For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. […] Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? » Rom 7:18-19,24. So, the expression « God takes pity on sinners » shows His great mercy on us who are sinful, wicked, weak, and bound human beings, as He freely accomplished an act of redemption in order to save us: « For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly » Rom 5:6.He had already shown this mercy to His people Israel long ago when He
said: « Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins » Isa 40:1-2. Since sin is the dividing wall that separates us from God, His reassuring call and command tell us: »[L]et the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon » Isa 55:7. Jesus came for the forgiveness and comfort of all who confess their sinfulness and return to God, as He said: « Those who are well
have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. […] I have come to call not the righteous but sinners » Mt 9:12,13b. He even made us sinners His friends in order to save us; for He said: « No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends » Jn 15:13. And He, indeed, did it for each of us on the cross. Also, « Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household » Acts 16:31.
Monday, 31st : God takes pity on us sinners, and saves us.
« For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God » Ezek 18:32a.
Reading 1: Jn 10:1-10. Reading 2: Ezek 18:30-32. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Ezek 18:32.
Introduction: All human beings are sinners, for ““There is no one who is righteous, not even one”Rom. 3:10. And “For the wages of sin is death”,
Rom. 6:23a, God’s heart had compassion for us, and he sent his Son « to seek out and to save the lost » Lk 19:10. Jesus Christ is the incarnate
evidence of God’s compassion for us, as it is written: « For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him
may not perish but may have eternal life » Jn 3:16.
Tuesday, 1st : God takes pity on us sinners and invites us to repent.
« Now he commands all people everywhere to repent » Acts 17:30b.
Reading 1: Mt 4:12-17. Reading 2: Acts 17:22-31. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Acts 17:30-31.
Introduction: Since the beginning, God has constantly commanded mankind to turn from their evil ways and return to Him, because He cannot stand
seeing sinners lost and miserable far from Him. The Scripture says, « He opens their ears to instruction, and commands that they return from
iniquity » Job 36:10. Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, was still emphasizing this call and command when He began to preach and say,
« Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near » Mt 4:17.
Wednesday, 2nd: God takes pity on us sinners and has mercy on us.
« He saved us[…] according to his mercy » Tit 3:5b.
Reading 1: Hos 6:1-16. Reading 2: Tit 3:3-7. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Tit 3:5.
Introduction: Out of His so loving heart, God decided to forgive mankind’s iniquities. It is granted, free of any charge, as the Apostle Paul wrote:
« For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may
boast » Eph 2:8-9. This is a complete happiness for those who can receive it, just as King David acknowledged: « Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long » Ps 23:6.
Thursday, 3th: God takes pity on us sinners and sends messengers.
« Go therefore and make disciples of all nations » Mt 28:19a.
Reading 1: Isa 40:1-11. Reading 2: Mt 28:16-20. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mt 28:19.
Introduction: God wants all people in the world to hear the good news of His forgiveness of sinners and His salvation through His Son Jesus, so that
they may believe and be saved (John 3:36). So He sends His witnesses into all the world, because He cares for them. Among them is the Apostle
Paul who boldly said: « For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also
to the Greek » Rom 1:16.
Friday, 4th: God takes pity on us sinners and feeds us with His Word.
« You have been born anew, […] of imperishable seed, through […] word of God » 1 Pet 1:23.
Reading 1: Ps 119:33-40. Reading 2: 1 Pet 1:13-23. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: 1 Pet 1:23.
Introduction: The soul is the essence of our humanity. Therefore, God does not want any soul that hungers and thirsts for righteousness to miss their
share; so, He gave them his Son, Jesus Christ, who is « […] way, and the truth, and the life » Jn 14:6a. This is a great assurance and strength for them,
according to the Psalmist’s words, « Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path » Ps 119:105, and the Apostle Paul’s writings, « Take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God » Eph 6:17.
Saturday, 5th: God takes pity on us sinners and intercedes for us.
« Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing » Lk 23:34a.
Reading 1: Rom 8:26-34. Reading 2: Lk 23:26-34. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Lk 23:34.
Introduction: The mission of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Love and Pity of God, was not restricted to His redemptive work for us sinners, since it still
continues in heaven, as it is written: « Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and
faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he
suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested » Heb 2:17-18.
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