We are starting a new series of devotions for The Lutheran Review. They are called "Drive-Thru Devotions"; in that they are short, but hopefully satisfying. They are written by the Rev. Ronald Jansen. 
Emily Ellison in her novel, First Light, features two sisters named Mercy and Grace. They haven’t always lived up to their names. When their mother, Martha, a real Martha-type woman, dies they struggle with her death and what their life will be like without her. Grace muses that the person you need most in the time of death is the person who has died.
We meet these two sisters again in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need.” We are able to draw near to God without hesitation because Jesus’ death and resurrection has removed God’s judgment against us. Instead of condemnation we receive mercy. We don’t have to worry about whether we have lived our life up to God’s expectations. That’s not going to happen anyway. Because of God’s mercy, Jesus has taken care of our faults, foibles and frailties. We are graced with life, salvation and the hope of the resurrection. Mercy and Grace are two sisters worth making our friends.
By Rev. Ronald Jansen
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