“MERCY!!” was the cry we heard coming from another room.
I’ll never forget the time when one of my children wasn’t feeling well. This child was not one to be graceful when regurgitating. You would have thought that someone had lit a fire in their belly each time they had any tummy issues growing up. One night, they had knelt down to the throne. Not The Mercy Seat you hear about that was on top of The Arch of The Covenant, but you would have thought they did. All of a sudden we heard this roaring call, as if they were possessed by demons, cry out “MERCY!” We all looked at each other in horror, but at the same time cracked up laughing. I am laughing now as I think back on that episode that occurred many years ago. Don’t judge me…not being a bad mom…just couldn’t help myself. And, yes, I compassionately went in to assist my child in any way. (With a smirk, of course).
To this day, I’m not sure if their Sunday school teacher had recently taught a lesson on mercy or what, but my child was “begging for some compassionate treatment in their time of distress”. (Dictionary)
Today’s Beatitude focus comes from Matthew 5:7:
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Because of our sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23. You know what? God owes you and me nothing! But what did He do? He sent His Son to die for OUR SINS so that we can choose to live eternally with Him. He LOVES you! He desires to have a relationship with us.
It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, how bad you think you are, or that you “think” you’re never going to be good enough for God…God loves you!
So, what should you do about it? Do as Hebrews 4:16 says, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Do as my child illustrated years ago, kneel down (it doesn’t have to be the same “throne” they used) and cry out for mercy to our forgiving and gracious God. He WILL give it to you.
“So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” James 2:12-13
Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:13
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36
Jesus is merciful, and we are to strive to be more like Him every day. So, go…be merciful to others. Show compassion, especially to those who are not deserving of it at that time.
Have a wonderful day.
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up THE SON every moment of each day. –Stephanie
