2372) I was reading a book recently that told the story of groups of courageous people during World War 2, simply titled The Resistance.

These brave men and women put their lives on the line by resisting the Nazi forces, and the individuals I was reading about did just that.

This type of resistance has the potential to help many, and I’m grateful there were people willing to do this dangerous work.

There is a type of resistance, however, that does the opposite work. It’s pointed out in Daniel 9:9. In this verse we read of God’s mercy and forgiveness, and the writer then points out that this gift of God comes for people (which includes everyone) who rebel against him.

The word rebel is מָרַד – marad, which means to resist willfully. How can a God give so freely mercy and forgiveness when we have willfully resisted him? The answer to this question can be stated with one word, grace.

I find I have to tell my brain not to try to fathom this because it is unfathomable. God gives mercy and forgiveness because of grace. Thank God for that!