When a wildfire raged through the beautiful canyons near Colorado
Springs, Colorado, it destroyed the habitat of all kinds of wildlife and
hundreds of homes. People across the nation cried out to God, pleading
with Him to send rain to douse the flames, put an end to the
destruction, and give firefighters relief. Some people’s prayers had an
interesting condition attached to them. They asked God to show mercy and
send rain without lightning, which they feared would start even more
fires.
This reminds me of how we live in tension between things that save us
and kill us. With fire, we cook our food and keep warm, but in it we
can be consumed. With water, we keep our bodies hydrated and our planet
cooled, but in it we also can drown. Too much or too little of either is
life-threatening.
We see the same principle at work spiritually. To thrive,
civilizations need the seemingly opposite qualities of mercy and justice
(Zech. 7:9). Jesus scolded the Pharisees for being sticklers about the
law but neglecting these “weightier matters” (Matt. 23:23).
We may lean toward justice or mercy, but Jesus keeps them in perfect
balance (Isa. 16:5; 42:1-4). His death satisfies God’s need for justice
and our need for mercy.
Father, for personal reasons I sometimes lean toward
showing mercy, and sometimes I just want justice now.
Teach me the balance as I look at Your character and
give me the wisdom I need in specific situations.
showing mercy, and sometimes I just want justice now.
Teach me the balance as I look at Your character and
give me the wisdom I need in specific situations.
God’s justice and mercy met at the cross.
No comments:
Post a Comment