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I NEED MERCY ! How Much Mercy Do You Need?
Just
in case you were concerned that all this talk of mercy and justice was
only an Old Testament concept; today I share the words of Jesus.
Matthew records Jesus’ scolding words in Matthew 23.
If you are afraid to come to Jesus because of some sin you carry, if
you have never accepted the amazing gift of God’s grace and mercy that
Jesus embodies, if you think becoming a follower of Christ is all about
following rules, keep in mind the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 23
are not for the “sinner.” Jesus never spoke harshly to a sinner. God
didn’t sacrifice His only Son to lord your sin over you or simply for
the pleasure of reminding you how wrong you are.
Too Weary to Love
Jesus’ words in this passage
are for those who claim His name. Jesus’ words do sting, only because
God wants His followers to be HIS ambassadors, not free agents
who claim His name. The call of the Christian is not to make our own
rules. The call of Jesus is not to disregard the rules. The call of
Jesus is to give the rules the proper weight.
A few days ago, in the post, Accept No Substitutions
I shared my real-life experience with the concept Jesus was trying to
get across. As I read this passage, it stings my heart because I’m
content to do my best at what I’m good at doing. I will, in essence,
give a tithe of my spices; for me that’s easy. Jesus is saying that isn’t enough.
When I look at the call to be
merciful, just and loyal, it’s then I realize I underestimate my need
for God’s mercy. How can I possibly be merciful to others, if I don’t
completely understand the magnitude of God’s mercy to me? How can I
act justly if I see others as different from me in our need for a
Savior?
Seeking God’s Mercy
This month as I’ve read about
and pondered the notion of justice and mercy I’ve come to realize how my
heart harnesses and stifles God’s goodness. I’ll admit, I need
salvation. I’ll admit, I need grace. I’m reluctant to admit I need
mercy. Remember, mercy is not getting the punishment you deserve. If
I’m reluctant to admit I need mercy, I’m not very likely to act in mercy
toward others.
Have you asked God for His
mercy? How much do you think you need? A few weeks ago, I would have
shrugged at both of those questions. I’ve come to realize I need an
infinite supply of His mercy. I can follow the rules good enough to be
accepted by those around me, but I need a huge, daily shot of God’s
mercy; more than I ever realized, to be truly obedient. I need God’s
mercy not only to be obedient in my motives and actions, but also to
make sense of the world around me.
Lamentations 3
is one of my favorite chapters. I looked at it differently today.
Life is a constant barrage of consequences, inconvenience, suffering and
in some cases pain. In the middle of all of that, regardless of the
situation, God offers new mercy each morning.
For what? To make it through
the day. Each day, I need to rely on God’s mercy for the events of the
day. I need God’s mercy; not for some Herculean task but simply to make
it through the day. I need mercy.
How about you?
Father, thank you for your
infinite mercy. Thank you for giving it freely. Help me truly
understand your desire, not for robotic obedience, to act in justice and
mercy and to seek a deeper relationship with You.
Reblogged from http://blog.febc.org/faith/much-mercy-need
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