Mercy: The Deep Love Of The Lord Jesus

The God Who stoops, in Jesus, rescues us out of the slimy pit of sin and destruction and mercifully sets our wobbly feet securely upon the solid Rock of righteousness. Knowing how we have ignored and insulted God in our rebellion against Him, we are all deserving of every possible ounce of rejection, punishment and wrath. The best of us are conscious that we are mere mortals at best. None of us is without sin - all falling woefully short of the glory of God, Who has every reason and right to respond in unyielding severity, showing no mercy whatsoever. But God (my two favorite words used together in Scripture), Who is rich in mercy, deals ever so gently and compassionately with sinners. He bestows to all those who believe in His Son, forgiveness, love and rest for our sin-sick souls.

Jesus came to rescue those who would believe in His Name and to declare war on all who would oppose Him. Towards His own, He is most gentle and lowly, empowering us through the gift of the Holy Spirit to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. Yet, towards His enemies He is terrifying – a Force that will not be reckoned with.  While God is gracious and rises to show us compassion, He is also a God of justice – His mercy does not keep Him from severity against His enemies. Actually His justice demonstrates His mercy. Sin is not our friend. God looks with sorrow filled anger at its repercussions – as should we - broken relationships in friendships, marriages, families and further in our communities and country. Satan always comes to steal, kill and destroy yet Jesus comes to give life and give it to the full. We too should groan at these consequences – sin always carries with it a death sentence to something. We long for something better, higher. That is why Jesus came – to do what we cannot do for ourselves. As the old hymn tells us, He is mercifully “Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend”. “Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus”.