Friends' Favorite - Mercy

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 

Matthew 5:7

Has there ever been a time in your life when you received mercy instead of what you knew you deserved? Were you humbled by it? Did you have a hard time understanding the motive behind it? Were you grateful? At this age and stage in my life, I'm still surprised by the number of people (of all ages) who cry for justice and want nothing to do with mercy...unless the tables are turned on them. Then it's a different story.

I don't know about you, but I am a person who needs MUCH mercy. Our Scripture reference for today is very plain about how to obtain it. I must BE merciful. There are times when being merciful is as second nature to me as breathing. Thank God. But I also have to admit, there are times when I'd just as soon declare, "Off with their heads!" and then help execute sentence! But just as I raise my arm to make the declaration, I catch half a picture in my mind of Jesus with His arm extended, and in that hesitation, there is enough time for me to see the whole picture - both arms extended - nailed to the Cross. 

Death was the price justice demanded for MY sins, my mistakes, my bad choices. The Cross of Calvary where justice was served - Jesus in my place on that Cross was and is mercy beyond definition. At the Cross, where justice met mercy, and love won.

Prayer:

Father,
            Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. We look to you for protection. We will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings until the danger passes by. We cry out to You, O God Most High, to fulfill Your purpose for us. In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen