A Measure of Mercy

Most of us know that mercy is showing favor to those who do not deserve it. What is mercy in comparison to love? In Ephesians 2:4 we see that it is through Christ's mercy that God's love can be extended to us. Proverbs 3:3 and Micah 6:8 inform us that we are not to forsake mercy, but rather that we are required of God to love mercy.

While reading through the Gospels our Bibles have a parable entitled, “The Prodigal Son”. Although he may indeed be the main character of Jesus' parable, I recently learned something important from the older, faithful son. Imagine.

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The sun was draining as the faithful son sunk his mattock into the earth. Despite the famine, he worked long hours in his father's fields. It probably would have been easier if his younger brother were there to help, but  he was gone. Had been for several years. Sometime later he paused. Music? Yes, from across the darkening fields he heard music –and laughter. He was very expectant as one of the servants came from the house. “What has happened?”

“Your brother,” the servant panted, “has returned. He is home.” When the faithful son did not reply, he continued, “Your father has killed his prize yearling. I was commanded to prepare it for supper.” The servant hurried off. The faithful son finished his work and walked slowly toward the house. His mind reeled. My brother disrespectfully insisted on receiving his part of  father's inheritance. He wasted father's living on foolish pleasures and dirty harlots and forsook us in the family work for several years. I've worked harder than ever. Although I know he loves me, father has never honored me with a feast... His thoughts were interrupted by a hearty laugh. He stood outside the door. Everyone inside sounded so overjoyed. Finally his father came out.

“Son, come in; it is time to celebrate!” The faithful son did not move. He took in a breath and began slowly.

“All these years I have done all you've asked. I've never left your will for me. You've never given me a feast to enjoy with my friends. After a few minutes of being gone for several years, you throw him a feast. He used your inheritance on harlots and gambling, Father. Celebrate? Why?”

“Son, you have earned all that I have. It is yours. Now it is right time to celebrate your brother's return –not his leaving. He has repented of his error and did not even expect to be accepted as family– but I've forgiven him. He is a new, faithful son now, and that's why I rejoice!”

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The parable does not reveal the faithful son's response. That is for Christians to answer in their own lives. It does not matter how long you have been saved or how devoted you are to the ministry. What does matter is having the motives of Christ. We become prideful in our faithfulness and forget the mercy by which we were saved. Jude 1:21 instructs us to keep our eyes on the mercy of Christ. The same mercy that saves us also keeps us in God's love. Mercy is not something that we can create in ourselves; for, we are as undeserving as everyone else. We must come before the throne of grace and pray that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need (see Hebrews 4:16) . God is our store of endless mercy.

You will be repaid for serving those you love, even when you do not feel like serving them. But you will be abundantly ~blessed~ when you give of yourself to those who do not deserve your love or cannot give in return. Mercy is one of the truest forms of Christlikeness that can be displayed in the human heart. What is your measure of mercy? 

“There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose to whom he forgave most. And He [Jesus] said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.” Luke 7:41-43

“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:13;14