(Day 11)
The fifth blessing in the Kingdom of Heaven
(Matthew 5:7) Blessed
are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
The dictionary defines “mercy” as a
disposition of being compassionate towards the pain of others or forgiving of the
offenses of others. But this definition falls short when we refer to God’s
mercy. His mercy is deeper and it encompasses more.
In the Hebrew language there are
three words that are commonly translated as “mercy or compassion”. We find all
three in a verse in the book of Exodus:
(Exodus 34:6) The LORD passed before him and
proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to
anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
1. heb. Rajum: merciful, full of
mercy
…as a mother has compasión for the
son she had in her “womb” (heb. Rejem)
2.
heb. Janun: to extend grace,
a non deserved favor
… as a father that leans towards his
son, whenever he needs it. Even when the
son has failed him, he gives him a second chance.
3. heb. Jesed: (heb.) kindness, piety
God used these words when he
described himself to Moses. This was after the people of Israel
God is not required or forced to be
merciful. The Bible tells us that He delights in mercy.
(Micah 7:18-19) Who is a God like you, pardoning
iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He
does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He
will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
(Psalms 103:8-13) The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor
will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above
the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as
the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As
a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to
those who fear him.
The fact that we receive God’s mercy
and forgiveness doesn’t give us a “licence to sin”. Better yet, it gives us a
second chance, not to continue doing our will, but to do what we must.
(Romans 2:4) Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and
patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Just as the Lord has shown mercy
towards us, He expects us to follow His example and have mercy towards others.
Jesus said: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew
5:7).
(Psalm 41:1-4) Blessed
is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land;
you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The LORD sustains him on his
sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. As for me, I said,
"O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!"
(Proverbs 14:21) Whoever
despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the
poor.
Mercy is one of the virtues that God
expects His children to have.
(Micah 6:8) He has
told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do
justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Tomorrow we will continue speaking
about mercy towards our neighbor…
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for your compassion
and mercy towards us. You are righteous, but also compassionate and forgiving,
slow to anger and abundant in mercy and faithfulness. I am so grateful.
You forgave my iniquity and passed
over my transgression. You have not dealt with me according to my sin, or
compensate me according to my iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above
the earth, so great is your mercy towards those who fear you. You showed
compassion on me, and casted all my sins into the depths of the sea. As far as
the east is from the west, so far you removed my transgressions from me.
I feel blessed because my
transgression was forgiven, and my sin was covered. As a father shows
compassion for his children, you have shown compassion for me, Lord.
I did not deserve your compassion,
but you extended it to me, because you delight in mercy. I recognize that I am
not as merciful and compassionate as you are, but I am willing to learn.
[Micah 7:18-19; Psalms 103:8-13; Exodus
34:6; Psalms 32:1-2]
Comments
Post a Comment