Mercy

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 | Psalm 103 | Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

JUST MERCY?

“The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, ‘This man welcomes sinners,’” - Luke 15:2

The prophet Micah marveled: “Who is there like You, the God Who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of His inheritance?” (Micah 7:18) Micah was impressed by God’s unique, unparalleled, and unprecedented forgiveness. Others, however, are depressed and bewildered by God’s forgiveness.

Imagine a person raped and murdered your best friend. Then imagine that the rapist-murderer gave his life to God, who then removed the killer’s guilt and pardoned his sin. The rapist wouldn’t be guilty, but forgiven and unconditionally loved. If he died, he would be with the Lord that day in paradise (see Luke 23:43). Nobody gives mercy to sinners like God does. Many people consider this to be unfair to the victims whose lives have been traumatized. This was part of the reason for the complaint of the Prodigal Son’s older brother (see Luke 15:30).

God’s mercy is not unjust, because He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross to atone for sins. Because Jesus has justified us, He is free to have mercy on all those who accept His saving death. God’s mercy is compatible with His justice because of Calvary. God is the Victim as well as the Conqueror; therefore He can forgive.

Prayer: Jesus, You became the ultimate Victim. You took upon Yourself all of the injustices ever committed. Pour out Your crucified mercy to cover all victims, and heal them by Your wounds (I Peter 2:24).