Evidence of Mercy

Think of the worst atrocity in history (sorry so morbid)—committed by a single person. What sort of justice would compensate for his/her crime? Think about your solution, and compare it to God’s perfect justice and knowledge. He knows ALL his/her sins and could punish him/her for everything he/she ever did.

Getting a little squeamish? I hope so. Because if God were only perfectly just, we would be in big trouble. His perfect mercy balances perfect justice.

Who is Yahweh?

How would you define justice? Maybe a court judge rendering equitable decisions in a reasonable, proper, and lawful way, condemning an individual to punishment that fits the crime. How do these Scriptures define God’s justice?

• Deuteronomy 32:3-4
• Romans 2:6-11
• Acts 10:34
• Hebrews 6:10
• 2 Thessalonians 1:6

Read Leviticus 26:14-45. Count the times God says “if you do not” or “if you still don’t.” He KNOWS their rebellious hearts and His coming punishment, yet Leviticus 26:44 reveals God’s relentless mercy. 

Read Daniel 9. Daniel had lived nearly seventy years in Babylonian exile, and still there is no accusation or bitterness in this prayer. How did Daniel describe himself and his people? How does he describe God?

Hesed is the Hebrew word often translated mercy, but it means more. It’s an act of a bone-deep lovingkindness, when one who has everything gives to someone with nothing—motivated only by loyalty and selfless love. Hesed motivated God to offer His Son for a sin-sick world’s ransom.

From Daniel to the Cross

Animal sacrifices were God’s merciful provision—an innocent animal unjustly died to pay the just price for mercifully saving sinful people. 

Read Exodus 25:22 and Leviticus 16:11-16, 30, and describe how both justice and mercy met on top of the Ark of the Covenant—the mercy seat. 

Explain how Ephesians 2:1-6 shows Jesus’ unjust death displayed both God’s justice and mercy?

Read Romans 12:1-2 and Titus 3:4-8. How should these verses shape the life of a believer who has received God’s mercy through Jesus Christ?

Read Matthew 7. In what ways can you show mercy to others today? As you live out a merciful life, watch for ways our God shows you His hesed.

Breaking Babylon’s Chains:

Are you prone to accusing God of injustice or overlooking His hesed? Spend time in praise and worship today, concentrating on both His justice and His mercy.