You saw it with your own eyes, heard it with your own ears. So has others. There is no doubting the evidence. What will you do?
They are wrong, rebellious, and clearly at fault! We feel justified in our judgement. And surely we are not as bad as they are. Its kind of a good feeling when others fall in their sinfulness. Our “feel good factor” rises a few points. This causes us to push further with our judgement of others.
Mary carried the clear evidence of sin against God, society, and the one she was about to marry. What more evidence would one want? But Joseph wanted to show some grace by putting her away quietly, rather than making a big ruckus. Was it forgiveness? No, but to some extent he was showing grace.
But God intervened and gave his explanation for the evidence. Now the evidence could be seen from a new perspective. Same evidence, different perspective.
So be considerate and merciful of others even when there is evidence for judgment. God has the last word (Matt 1:19-20).
Your thoughts?
– Please leave your response in the comments section of this blog post.
***Sign up for my devotional thoughts on Blog by Alexi This blog is a reflection on life as it comes. Sometimes it comes with great joy and delight and at other times it hits us in the face with conflict and agony. It’s a journey through life and journey through the scriptures to guide us.
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Tag: Mercy
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They tried to understand him, but they couldn’t. Sometimes they found him at the synagogue teaching and conversing with scholars of his day. But at other times, he hung with the “marginal” crowd that others would never want to be seen with.
But why was he doing this? It’s understandable when people reach out for some benefit they would receive; even if that benefit is received indirectly. Some see some financial benefit by connecting with people on the margins. Others look for popularity among the general public as they are viewed as “compassionate” toward the suffering.
For Jesus, none of these benefits caught his attention. He truly responded from a selfless goal as his mission was to die for these people. I suppose there is no deeper level of selflessness than to die for others.
The religious leaders of his day experienced their greatest confusion ever. They were truly intrigued with their discussions with this unique rabbi. He captivated them as he shared his wisdom. But since he connected with people of ill repute, their own reputation was endangered. There was nothing they could do but to distance themselves from him.
But Jesus would not flinch from his target. They attacked, argued, and threatened him, but he continued in his task of loving and reaching out to the unwanted of his day. The officials viewed his work as rebellious and unacceptable, but that would not move him – he remained determined. Throughout his life, this was his reputation.
Then in death, his legacy continued. He was crucified between two thieves – more misfits from society. The prophet Isaiah said that in death, he “was numbered with the transgressors” (53:12).
Now, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for misfits and sinners like me.*Your thoughts?
—Leave your response in the comments section of this blog post.
*(Romans 8:34).
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