Monday, March 31, 2025

Growing in Mercy

How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. – Psalm 82:2-4

Each January I read the Psalms as a way to begin my Bible reading for the new year. Reading five chapters a day, I complete the longest book in the Bible on January 30 (keeping the 31st available, if I fall behind). One thing that you notice as you read the Psalms is God’s call for mercy toward the orphan, lowly, needy, and the poor. Over and over again, it is lauded as the cornerstone of faith-filled leadership by the king. The Psalms also note the lack of mercy in a king as an absence of devotion to God. 

I’ve been thinking of this particular passage, which I read on January 17. In the psalm, God is crying out for justice among his people. He’s admonishing them for their injustices and inequity. There’s a bit of a “you should know better” feel to the psalm. God is grieved by their apathy, for it obscures his image within them. 

I am so grateful to be part of a church that is merciful to those in need. Rather than turning a blind eye, members respond and help. Especially during Shelter Week, I see our church’s practice of mercy on display. Through the generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure, we live out the mercy that we’ve received. We share it freely, because freely it was showered upon us. I’m grateful for such opportunities since I can always use the practice. 

As I grow in mercy, I draw closer to Jesus and his way. One of the gifts of practicing mercy is that we begin to see the people around us as neighbors. Mercy blurs the “us versus them” line and creates a welcoming space for community. So, may we be a people receiving and living out God’s mercy each day.

Prayer:
Merciful God, you have shown us the power of mercy through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of your only Son, Jesus the Christ. As humble recipients of your mercy, may we commit to live lives of mercy, so that the widow, the orphan, and the poor would know your love through our love. Amen.

Rev. David Eardley