Disciples Seek to be Merciful as our Heavenly Father is Merciful
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
~ Jesus
One area of mercy relates to offenses. Mercy is one of the most powerful gifts to share with someone who has hurt or offended you. It is both freeing and redemptive. It is also one of the most powerful and vindictive things you can do by withholding if you choose do to so.
Too often disciples who claim to follow Jesus don't actually follow His teaching about being merciful. Jesus instructs His disciples to do so, warning that unless we are merciful, God will not be merciful to us.
This beatitude acknowledges the blessing of being merciful. In this case, the bible describes a contrasting curse that comes with choosing an unmerciful attitude. Jesus Himself describes it in the parable of the unmerciful servant (see Matthew 18:21-35). Pray that you and those you love can be people of mercy.
Matthew 18:21-25
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
Prayer
Lord God, You are full of mercy, abounding in it even as You maintain Your justice regarding sin. Teach us to be like You, full of mercy toward those we deal with, to the point of personal sacrifice, even as we also yearn for justice in life’s circumstances. We ask it in the name of Jesus, who is emblematic of mercy at great cost. Amen.
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:89-96 (Lahmed, 12th letter)
ל
- Your word, LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens. - Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures. - Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you. - If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction. - I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life. - Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts. - The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes. - To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The letter Lahmed is a traditional symbol of learning, particularly for the heart. The writer’s salvation is tied in this section to having learned the precepts of God.