Beholding...
Ammer shared about the never-ending supply of God's mercy during Sunday's service last week and this chapter reiterates this quality. Consider siblings who went trick-or-treating together on Halloween and one gathered more candy than the other. The child complained that it was unfair for the other to have more candy. Let's say you, as their parent, are the owner of a candy company and can offer your children an endless supply of candy. Wouldn't it seem ridiculous for your child to be discontent about having less candy? God's mercy is abundant and endless. We can keep going back for more and more. The author points out that when we stay fixed on how merciful the Father is, we can "move ever closer to true contentment and grateful praise" (page 173) so we don't have to be the bitter older brother of the prodigal (Luke 15: 25-32). Turn to behold God's mercy when you feel life seems unfair.
Becoming...
Wouldn’t it be logical that if we are people who behold God’s unending mercy, we would be people who know how to be merciful? Of course humans are often governed more by our emotions than logic! When we face pain, disappointment or challenges as a result of another person in our lives, it is difficult to be merciful to them. On page 181, we read about David in Psalm 57 turning to God's mercy at a time when King Saul was out to kill him. "Heartaches can either mold us into confident worshipers or defensive doubters." In David's case, he shifted his perspective to behold God's mercy. By trusting in God's purposes and promises, David was able to show mercy toward his enemy Saul. Reflect on Romans 8:28 printed at the bottom of page 181.
Although this is not a part of the reading, if you enjoy learning Old Testament background, read 1 Samuel 26. It's the story of how David could have killed Saul but didn't. And for more, read 2 Samuel 9 about the story of how David took care of Saul's disabled grandson. I know you're busy but these stories are better than TV drama!
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