Read Ephesians 2:4-5
It is hard to show mercy towards anyone who actively opposes or rejects us, but there are some who successfully do so. We have the Biblical example of the loving father who welcomes his prodigal son back home despite his rebellious, disrespectful, and arrogant behavior. We have C.S. Lewis’ example of Aslan who allows himself to be killed instead of Edmond who had displayed selfish, deceitful, and spiteful behavior. Many of us can probably think of other examples, but all fall short of what Christ has done for us.
The Bible is clear that God saved us because of His own love and mercy and not because of anything we have done. In fact, He saved us when we were doomed and sin-dead. There was nothing winsome or appealing about us. We probably stank worse than rotting fish and were as attractive as maggots worming through overripe fruit. Undesirable, off-putting, disgusting, and incredibly flawed, God imputes worth to us in His amazing condescension. ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free.
Some may feel that we aren’t that bad. We’re better than our neighbors and especially better than those people who populate the airwaves. Some may feel that we are too bad, that our thoughts and actions consistently shout the fact that we are frauds and failures. Arrogance, pride, and an inflated sense of our own worth apart from Jesus will take us down a dangerous path. And discounting the power of God and Jesus’ blood will keep us from taking the path of abundant life and true joy. As Robertson McQuilkin famously said, “It seems easier to go to a consistent extreme than to stay at the center of biblical tension.”
Which brings us to the Cross. At the Cross, God’s mercy is on display for all people and all time. The Cross bellows, So free, so infinite His grace. The Cross puts tangible action to the tears of mercy because the Savior died for me, who caused His pain. The Cross demonstrates God’s accurate assessment of our true state, fast bound in sin and nature’s night, and the lengths He was willing to go to make us right, to justify us, to redeem us to Himself. Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
For Reflection:
- Picture Jesus cradling you with tears in His eyes. What do you want to tell Him? How do you want to respond?
by Katherine Riebe
