FB Devotional Thought for Today… In this great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes the character of citizens of the kingdom of heaven or His kingdom. Jesus’ description is the opposite of anything these Jews had ever heard; His speech is completely contrary to their traditional way of thinking. Jesus teaches “blessed” people are those who are poverty-stricken in spirit or (“poor in spirit”), they grieve over their sins and the misery of their spiritual condition (“they mourn”); they accept mistreatments and accusations from others in meekness; as a result of their emptiness and complete dependence on God, they hunger and thirst for righteousness. The next three Beatitudes are descriptions on how righteousness is displayed in the lives of citizens of the kingdom. The first of these acts of righteousness is in verse 7. Jesus declares, “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.” Only after people realize their spiritual condition, grieve over their sins, learn how to be gentle, and have a deep passion to please God will they display the mercy of God. What does it mean to be merciful people? The story is told of a mother who once approached Napoleon asking for a pardon for her son. Napoleon replied that the young man had twice committed a certain crime and that for justice to be done, the man deserved to die. “But I don’t ask for justice,” the mother explained, “I plead for mercy.” Napoleon replied, “But your son does not deserve mercy.” “It would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all that I seek for him,” replied the mother. Because of the mother’s sound and clear reasoning, Napoleon said, “Well, then I will have mercy,” and he spared the woman’s son. People who are merciful give to others what they do not deserve. The greatest example of mercy, i.e., not giving people what they deserve is God. Every one of us deserve eternal death, but God who is rich in mercy allowed His only Son to pay a debt for us that He did not owe. God asked His Son to suffer on our behalf (see Ephesians 2:4-5). This is mercy! Mercy is not only forgiving others, but it implies a willingness to help others in need. Regardless of their race, beliefs, social class, or life style, if people are in need – extend a helping hand. Jesus, in the story of the Good Samaritan, makes this point (see Luke 10:30-37). The man injured is most likely a Jew and an enemy of the Samaritan. The Jews called the Samaritans “dogs” and treated them like “dogs.” But this Samaritan extended mercy to this Jew. In the eyes of most Samaritans, he was someone not deserving mercy and got what he deserved. Remember, citizens of the kingdom don’t give people what they deserve, but mercy. The Samaritan was a merciful person. The million-dollar question is, are you a merciful person? Be merciful! if your planning on doing this today...write YES I WILL
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 12:41:09 +0000
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