The Mercy of God
Hey Church,
I have been listening to a new song by the Belonging Co. This last week that has been ministering to me so much. It is called the Mercy of God by Mitch Wong and the message it brings is so raw and humbling and a great reminder of the need for God's mercy towards us. This mercy is powerful but easy to take advantage of. It is free but costly.
The old testament law taught us that justice demands an equal payment for wrongdoing.
Exodus 21:23-25 "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."
Through Moses the law was codified for the nation of Israel but through Jesus, the mediator of a better covenant, the scales of justice are settled in him and through his mercy towards us. By the mercy of God, we don't get what we deserve, we get what we don't deserve- which is grace, love, and mercy.
John 1:17 "17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
Matt. 5:38-39, 43-44 "38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also...43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Jesus flipped the script!
You see justice demands a price to be paid and he was the ultimate price that was paid for our sins and the demands of justice and judgment. His blood speaks a better word than that of Able (Heb. 12:24) that was murdered by his brother Cain and his blood cried for justice from the ground. Jesus' blood does not speak judgment but mercy towards us. James 2:13b "Mercy triumphs over judgment." Amen for that! May we always be mindful of this great mercy towards us and may we not take it for granted!
-Joel
Song List:
I Thank God-House Fires- https://youtu.be/VcmA1QYqubg?si=YwRoaBzV7GnsHSa5
Love Like This-Hope Darst- https://youtu.be/0uoTMW8NMHE?si=ywLxikJzM6yt6YSO
Mercy of God-Mitch Wong- https://youtu.be/bkViF4QNXus?si=FOxlI0o6XCfThVSj
I Know a Name-Brandon Lake- https://youtu.be/2wJKiOEdUsk?si=JxbjFhhBN-Xh8aV9