What makes someone incomparable? The great NFL running back Barry Sanders had a brother who gained over one thousand yards in a season. Confusing him for his brother, someone asked him, “Aren’t you Barry Sanders?” He answered, “No one who has ever seen my brother run the ball has ever confused him with anyone else who ever run the ball.”
What makes our God incomparable and unique? He forgives. Surveying the pantheon of Greek and Norse gods, we do not find this quality as a pattern in their lives. Micah tells us that our incomparable God pardons sins, forgives transgressions, and delights to show mercy. This is not just his activity but his identity as God. “You Lord are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you,” writes the Psalmist in 86:5.
A friend told me that someone asked Pastor Andy Stanley, “What do you think heaven will look like?” He answered, “A bunch of forgiven people.” He was right about that! All who have been forgiven never confuse our God with any other god. God is incomparably forgiving. As my friend said, “We all need a fresh start and a second chance.” God’s grace is available. Will we claim it?
