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| At the beginning of Jesus’ most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), He pronounces a series of blessings called “beatitudes.” The fifth beatitude reads, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). I will forever associate this call for mercy with the story of an aging Hollywood star past her prime. She went to the studio to have some promotional pictures taken and haughtily demanded to the photographer, “I want pictures that do me justice.” The photographer thought about it for a moment and then replied, “Madam, you don’t want justice, you need mercy.” As it turns out, that is a pretty good picture of what mercy is! I have found it helpful to understand the nature and character of mercy by comparing it with its cousin, grace. Both are favor, benevolence, or love – for grace it is extended to people who don’t deserve it; for mercy it is extended to people in misery, need, and helplessness. Grace focuses on the fact that people have not earned the right to be treated favorably and mercy focuses on their desperate need for favorable treatment. Obviously, the same act can be both gracious and merciful. Jesus does not explain what kind of mercy He is referring to – relational (forgiveness), physical (assistance), or spiritual (truth). But in each case it is dependent upon extending love in order to meet a real and felt need. It is interesting to note that the first four beatitudes are directed inwardly, in terms of our attitude or perspective toward ourselves. This is the first one that directs our attitudes and actions outward toward others – we are to extend mercy to others. But mercy is built upon the foundation that Jesus has been laying – a proper perspective of ourselves. The previous beatitudes describe a humble orientation, which understands our need and our dependence upon God. It is the very opposite of the arrogant, self-righteous, self-sufficient, self-made man that has very little tolerance or sympathy for those in need. Such a prideful attitude is the enemy of genuine mercy. Our mercy is born of a deep and humble understanding that God extends love and mercy toward us. It is anchored in a keen awareness of our own neediness before God. Thomas Hooker was a courageous English preacher who brought his flock to the new world and became one of the founders of Connecticut. In 1647 he lay dying with his friends gathered around him. They sought to comfort him, “Mr. Hooker, you are now going to your reward.” But the old Puritan turned and retorted, “I go to receive mercy.” This sort of humble perspective transforms how we view others. We see their need in light of our own neediness and so we seek to help them with the same generosity which has been displayed toward us. Mercy is more than a nice sentiment; it is an obligation for those of us who have received so much! |
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by Dr. J. Patrick Curtis, Senior Pastor |
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