Justified For Mercy - by Joel Hempel Is God’s mercy intended for us or to be given through us? Yes! As was noted in last week’s devotional, Jesus, the brilliant storyteller, tells the story about a hero who is the hated enemy of most Jews, who not only has compassion but also demonstrates mercy to a Jew who has been beaten and left for dead. This enemy-hero becomes involved in the broken man’s life and loves him back to health.1 Important cameo appearances are made by an influential priest and a respected Temple official. Jesus presents both as those most likely to care for someone of “their kind” in need. But they fail miserably simply by walking past or stepping over the beaten brother. Several implied questions are raised in the story for all of us to consider:
- What needs to die in us to be as accepting as the good Samaritan?2
- How sacrificial are we called to be in service to others?
- Is it ever acceptable to exclude someone from Jesus’ extraordinary love, which He now intends for us to provide?3
God’s merciful love for us and through us is for all people without exception! There are, however, people God does not want within his fold: People who push their own agenda and create division.4 People who refuse to repent of ongoing sinful behavior.5 But we need to be careful about who to exclude from Christian fellowship. How should we relate to people like the woman at the well, the thief on the cross, Zacchaeus the dishonest tax collector, or the woman caught in adultery? I propose the Good Samaritan Principle: Love first. Ask questions later. 4. The Bible tells us we cannot claim to love God, whom we have not seen, if we don’t love the person we see in front of us.6 Therefore, when faced with suffering, who deserves compassion (heartfelt, active love) and who does not? But it’s not that easy, Lord! The answers to these questions are complicated! He knows. That’s why we need His mercy. We need the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. To be as receptive, welcoming, and truth-telling as our Heavenly Father calls us to be, we need His love – which we have, and His wisdom – which will increase as we study and apply His Word. 1. Luke 10:25-37 2. Accepting does not necessarily = agreeing. 3. John 5:1-9; Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 5:1-20. 4. Titus 3:9-11 5. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 2 John 1:7-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15. 6. 1 John 4:20-21 |
