Stop putting money in the bank and keep writing checks and see how far that gets you. As quick as the balance hits zero the count down begins. Insuficient funds notices will begin to show up in the mail and eventually the phone calls start. In the Kingdom of God we all need mercy and I have learned from that famous school of hard knocks that the flow of mercy toward me is related to how merciful I have been to others. Not to mention Jesus said so. It works in every day terms like a bank, be stingy with mercy and don’t put any in and when you need a withdraw there won’t be any coming your way.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
These two verses are the only place in the new testament that have the word Eleemon which is translated merciful. The one in Matthew is about us being Merciful. The one in Hebrews is about Jesus being merciful.
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Eleemon Strong’s Number: 1655 merciful
It is the example of Jesus being merciful that gives us insight on how we need to in live shown in Hebrews 2:17 so below you find it in context.
Hebrews 2:9-18 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
See how it directly relates to temptation. We fail and give in to temptation and need a fresh dose of mercy and that mercy has been succoured by Jesus. Only our pride stands in the way.
Lamentations 3: 22-24 22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The hope is we can be victorious over temptation. I work for a large company with an incredible safety record one of the reasons why is because a few years ago they changed their philosophy to prevention not reaction. It is high time we live a life of prevention of sin rather than live a life dealing with the after effects of sin. As Christians overcoming temptation is succoured in the work Jesus did on the cross not by our works which are like filthy rags. Be ok with that, rest in Him and lean on Him and be merciful as He was and is merciful.
Growing up we get to do all kinds of cool things the training wheels come of the bike. We eventually find freedom and liberty and drive our own cars and as long as we abide by the rules we continue. Growing up as Christians is similar some restraint comes off freedom comes but the rules are still there. The difference is a fruit of the spirit called self control. That fruit as it is given opportunity to grow gives us access into the crucified lifestyle. We find our selves drawing from more and more Grace which leads to less need for mercy.
Then a new issue arises PRIDE. We stop being as merciful and more self righteous. Take head a fall is coming. Here is where prevention comes. HUMILITY God gives grace to the Humble. Let us be gracious, merciful and walk in humility.
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
I was blessed by this especially where if you don’t bank mercy you won’t have enough to draw from & it is better to prevent sin than live with the consequences. Thanks
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.