Slideshow image
Scripture for the day: Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Thought for the day: Perhaps I’m only speaking of myself (though I doubt it), but if there’s anything I need on a more or less regular basis, it’s mercy. And because this is my great and recurring need, my great God has provided mercy in abundance. Not only that, He’s provided mercy in so many aspects that He’s got all my failures covered even before I cross that line. Look with me at the story of the merciful father as recorded in Luke, chapter 15.
Most of us have heard the story. The younger son decided he knew enough to be on his own and took his inheritance to a foreign land and there squandered all he had. He ended up taking a job feeding pigs, a humiliating occupation for a Jewish man. Finally, the Bible says, he “came to his senses” and headed off toward home, hoping to at least be given a job on his father’s farm. Then we read the rest of the story, the story of mercy beyond imagination; mercy that reaches even me, in just the way I need to experience it. Look with me at the father.
He had EYES of mercy (v. 20). He had been watching for his wayward child all the time.
He had LEGS of mercy (v. 20). As soon as the son crested the hill the father saw him coming and ran to meet him! He didn’t wait to hear endless petitions for grace, and he didn’t look for works of repentance; it was enough that the son had returned to the fold.
He had ARMS of mercy (v. 20). He threw his arms around his son, unconcerned about the grime and stench that clung to every fiber of the filthy rags the boy word.
He had KISSES of mercy (v. 20). We’re told he kissed his son, the one who had betrayed him, turned his back on him and shamed his family.
He had WORDS of mercy (v. 22). The young man said, “I have sinned….” The father said, “Nevertheless …” The approach, the hug, the kisses meant nothing until the words were spoken: “Kill the fatted calf! This son of mine was lost but now is found.”
He had a COVERING of mercy (v. 22). The father ordered that a robe be put on the boy. The robe identified him once again as a member of the family. It was a symbol of authority and distinction.
He had SOVEREIGN mercy (v. 22). The man put his own ring on his lost son’s finger, a sign of authority. Whoever had the ring, had the power to act on behalf of the owner. With the ring came the final step of restoration to the family.
He had a FEAST of mercy (v.23). “Kill the fatted calf!” This was reserved for honored guests; even family members didn’t always receive such honor. When we come to Jesus, we are treated like the most honored of guests; even better, like long lost children.
He had the FELLOWSHIP of mercy (v. 23). “Let us eat and be merry.” “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (v. 10).
Listen, there’s mercy enough to go around. No matter the area of failure I may have experienced, the mercy of the Father is sufficient to overcome every disaster, every disappointment. The throne of grace is surrounded by the mercies of God, those mercies that are “new every morning.” Oh, Lord, give us this day our daily bread, our ration of mercy that is so essential for victory over the “sin that so easily besets us.”
Now go take on your world. - Bill