Are you in need of mercy? Our God is a merciful God. His arms are always open wide, to forgive, restore, and renew. David made a very interesting comment that helped me to understand just how merciful God is.
He said this: “Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” (2 Samuel 24:14)
Yes, he would rather fall into the hands of our God than into the hands of men. That surely says a lot about how unmerciful we are as people. Do we show the mercy of God to people, or do we lean towards saying, “They got what they deserved?”
(Shared from 2 Samuel 24, Paraphrased)
God was revealing how much His people need mercy. He said, “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying, murder stealing and adultery.” (Hosea 4: 1-2)
Has anything changed today in our world? I think we all know the answer. Here’s what God said, through the prophet, “They will eat but not have enough; they will engage in prostitution but not increase because they have deserted the Lord.” (Hosea 4: 10)
The picture of Hosea and Gomer is becoming more clear. It is a symbol of God’s merciful love towards his people who have given themselves to prostitution.
(Shared from Hosea 4: 1-11a, Paraphrased)
Have we received the mercy of God in a special way?
Jesus asks James and John, “What do you want me to do for you? Their answer, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” (Mark 10: 37)
His followers wanted a special position. They didn’t realize the importance of servanthood. They wanted recognition.
Jesus asked the same question to Bartimaeus, who was blind. His cry to the Lord was “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10: 47) Many in the crowd were telling Bartimaeus to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10: 48)
He hears the cry of a man who wants to see. He hears him by asking, “What do you want me to do for you? (Mark 10: 51) He already knew what he wanted, but Jesus wanted him to ask.
His answer, “Go! Your faith has healed you.” (Mark 10: 52) Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
- Keep asking the Lord more than once.
- Activate our faith in asking.
He opened his eyes not only physically but also spiritually. He chose to follow Jesus.
What are we asking for? What is our motivation in asking? James and John desired a position for recognition. Bartimaeus desired mercy so he could see.
It’s all in the asking! “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2: 13) Here’s why, Jesus, “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 5: 15)
(Shared from Mark 10: 32-52, Paraphrased)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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