The Mercy Gift
Soul Snack S17 ... Mercy me?
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Lk 23:34a)
An inexorable sadness was so deeply resident in His dark tear-stained eyes. Two meters above the ground these eyes looked hurt but lived love.
Staring helplessly through blood smeared vision Jesus saw all who hated Him.
He heard their malevolence and received their angry disbelief.
The illegitimacy of the cross is now carried through history by these unassailable words of grace. As the betrayal and injustice fall, the words of grace arise.
Injustice had so easily prevailed. Righteousness easily sacrificed on the altar of self interest.
The disciples had to a man broken their promises (Matt 26:35). Lies were well accepted as truth (Matt 26:59-60). Goodness and fidelity simply shelved.
Yet surely, feeling and receiving injustice correctly feeds anger?
Vengeance is heard loudly over the din of injustice. Its voice so coercing, legitimate and enduring.
Justice cries at its absence.
Justice reels at its rejection.
Justice screams to be received.
At this greatest injustice in history, elevated pierced and tortured hands plead for mercy. The same hands deliver an absent wrath. A tortured body and mind is graced with mercy and not vengeance.
Mercy is the righteous choice of a healthy heart. Mercy is doing for another what they have already refused to do for you. Mercy is refusing to claim due justice.
Mercy is how to express His grace each day.
Today’s Soul Snippet:
I can't outlive Jesus and I can't outgive Jesus.