The word for this week is "mercy". In the New Testament we see many times where people would call out to Jesus to "have mercy on" them or someone they cared about. This is the Greek word "eleeo". Strong's Concordance says: to be compassionate (by word or deed). Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to succor the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to feel sympathy with the misery of another, especially as manifested in act. The dictionary definition of compassion is: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. That brings us to the two Scripture passages for today. The first one is found in Matthew 9:12-13 and shows the response of Jesus to the Pharisees who questioned His association with "publicans and sinners".
12 They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. KJV
The second one is found in Matthew 12:7 and is the response of Jesus to the Pharisees, again, as they questioned His disciples plucking corn to eat on the Sabbath.
7 But if ye had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. KJV
This is the Hebrew word "checed". Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: goodness, kindness, faithfulness. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: loving-kindness; steadfast love; grace; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; devotion. The One, True God, Who has given us very much mercy, desires for us to give that same mercy to others! I have dealt with so many people lately who have made it their life's work to point out the mistakes and deficiencies of others. Jesus never said to "go into all the world and tell them they are awful sinners." He DID say to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel" (Mark 16:15). That's the Good News that God is not holding any sin against us, because Jesus has already paid the price for sin and the sin nature! All that is left is the choice to receive that gift or to reject it! Mercy, mercy, mercy is the message! Here is a new song from Hillsong United called, of course, "Mercy, Mercy"! It is so new that the only video available is a lyric video:
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
