The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep his anger forever. Psalm 103:8-9

Years ago there was a movie which asked, "They shoot horses, don't they?"

The question referred to the practice of putting down a horse when it had sustained injuries from which it could not heal. Thirty-seven-year-old Lucas Hinch of Colorado Springs understands.

Recently, Hinch, having seen his computer crash a number of times over a period of months, lost his patience and decided to put it out of its misery. To spare the computer from further suffering, he took it out to the alley behind his house and put it down.

That's right; Hinch put eight bullets into his Dell computer.

Hinch considered the gesture an "act of mercy," a humane thing to do. The local police thought differently. They arrested him and cited him for discharging a firearm within city limits.

Anyone who has worked with a computer, which is on its last legs, can understand Hinch's frustration. Indeed, many of us have reached that point where we no longer are gracious or slow to anger with our laptops.

All of this is a reminder that we are blessed to worship the Triune God who is, as David wrote, "merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Those qualities were first seen immediately after our original ancestors sinned. At that time the Heavenly Father promised to send them a Savior -- a promise He kept in the Person of His Son.

So that we might be forgiven and rescued, the Lord Jesus gave His life. He fulfilled the Law, resisted temptation, and conquered death. Now, because of the Christ's work, we have been moved from damnation to salvation.

Sadly, there are many people in the world who disregard the work Jesus has done for them.

That is a dangerous thing for them to do. You see, Scripture proves that, while the Lord is long-suffering, He isn't eternally suffering. The time can come when the Lord says, "Enough is enough."

"Enough is enough" is what the Lord said to the disobedient children of Israel, and only Moses' pleas where able to hold off God's punishment. "Enough is enough" is what He said to the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and not even Abraham's negotiations could stay God's hand.

"Enough is enough" is what our long-suffering Lord is going to say to this world. Then He will return and put this sinful universe out of its misery. It will be a terrible time -- unless -- Jesus is your Savior and Redeemer. If He is, the end will cause no problem. After all, we are going home to a place where never again will we try the Lord's patience.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that I may never take advantage of Your mercy and grace. Let my life reflect the joy which is mine in Jesus. In His Name I ask it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 23    Psalms 54    Psalms 63    Luke 22:47-71

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