Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:18-19 NIV
Part of my day job is to make sure all of my people are compliant with the appropriate drug consortium. To ensure continued compliance, there are random drug and alcohol screenings demanded by the consortium at their discretion. Once notified, the candidate has 30 minutes to get to the collection site. There isn't any rhyme or reason regarding who is chosen for them - which is why they're called random. Random is defined as without an identifiable pattern, plan, system, or connection.
Probably the most well-known use of 'random' is "Random Act of Kindness". According to the Internet, there are some conflicts as to how it exactly started, but generally, it began as a way to encourage those in the world who normally wouldn't think to do something kind for someone else unless there was some kind of return or hope for return. As Christians, a Random Act of Kindness is oxymoronic, both by definition and by how we are called to live our lives.
As Christians, we are in this world, not of it (John 17). As Christians, we are residents in a city whose Builder and Maker is God (Hebrews 11). We are sojourners - in a place that is not home, staying for a time that is longer than a vacation, but not permanent... As such, we are to be like Christ - who did what His Father did and said what His Father said.
There is nothing random about God. His way is the master plan, with built-in contingencies of forgiveness and mercy. His mercies are new every morning. Our text for today in The Message reads, ...mercy is your specialty. That's what you love most. The Amplified reads, He delights in mercy and loving-kindness.
Delights in them.
If He does, shouldn't we?
We may not want to do acts of kindnesses for some people, but if we have a so-called reason for not doing an act of kindness, then obviously, we're judging... (and we all know what the Word says about judging others - Judge not, lest ye be judged, right?) If we require further inspiration, let's go to James 2:13 NLT, 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. There is nothing random about God.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. There is an identifiable pattern, a definite plan, system, and a Cross connection. Our lives as followers of Christ should not be a random act.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word, Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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