Where we expected judgment in our lives, Jesus came in mercy. Again, it’s the upside-down Kingdom where things work the opposite of the way we’d expect. Every little incident of kindness in our lives has been Jesus showing us how much He loves us. God pursues us in loving-kindness. We falsely contrast the justice of God with His mercy, but God’s justice is actually described as that which would neither break a bruised reed nor snuff out even a smoldering wick (see Isaiah 42: 3). That means God handles us with great care and concern, not with raging, angry judgment. The justice of God and His mercy are one and the same in Christ. His justice is His greatest mercy— it’s both perfect and unspeakably gentle. God came to earth not to punish, but to forgive. We think we are punished until we repent, but in another upside-down twist, we are actually lavished with love until we turn back toward God. When we claim Him as our Father, it’s then that God disciplines us in love, never in anger. He creates protection around our lives because He loves us. He brings order so that we can flourish in freedom and peace. He knows our hurts, and He is slow to anger and quick to show mercy. He is always in favor of our advancement, teaching and growth. In every portrait of Old Testament judgment, God wept over every judgment and then restored and blessed those whom He “rejected.” Dawkins, Robby (2013-06-15). Do What Jesus Did: A Real-Life Field Guide to Healing the Sick, Routing Demons and Changing Lives Forever (p. 69). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 04:31:54 +0000
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