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Written by Aaron Sparks
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Friday, 19 December 2008 15:27 |
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” -Hosea 6:6
Jesus later quotes this verse twice in Matthew. Both times it was directed at the Pharisees, a sect of Jews that was known for its dedication to the Law. It was later the sect out of which Paul came persecuting the early Christians in his zeal for what he thought was God, but was actually the old law.
Unfortunately, we can be known more by our judgements against the world, instead of the loving mercy we show in light of Jesus’ life and death. We tend to fault on the side of “being right” more than “forgiving”.
God calls all sorts of people to himself, but all to often we think we ought to play the role of a bouncer outside a popular club. We’re only letting in those who can look the part or can put on a face of holiness. We’ve mistakenly put other things before loving one another. We show favoritism to those who look most like us and write off the very ones of society that Christ would have been seen among.
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” -James 2:12-13
The law that gives freedom is the law that Christ gave us when he fulfilled the old law on the cross. Instead of a new law with new bindings, it’s a law with 2 simple principles: Love God, and Love your neighbor. When we add things that cause others to stumble and make the way to God more difficult, we become much more like the Pharisees that Jesus often warned his disciples about.
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” -Rom. 14:13
How would Jesus interact with those you encounter everyday? How would he show them the mercy that they needed? I pray that God shows you an opportunity to show that mercy this week to someone. |
