good news: there's mercy

Jesus shows up proclaiming the good news of a healed humanity and mercy is evidence of His kingdom breaking through. I think what struck me most in this message was that unwillingness to extend mercy comes from a place of not truly recognizing our own need for mercy. How can I extend mercy to someone if I am in a place of believing that I can pay my own debt or that I don't have any to pay. Of course if I believe I can do it on my own, I would expect others to do the same. BUT, that mindset means I am desperately in need of mercy. I like how March 23rd's staff devo puts it, "Jesus saves for you sweet mercy for your brokenness and severe mercy for your pride." Even when we aren't in a place of recognizing our brokenness there's still more mercy, though it may look different.

Also, none of the beatitudes exist in isolation from the other beatitudes. Those who are merciful are also poor in spirit, they mourn, they are meek, and they hunger and thirst for righteousness. The kingdom of God is breaking into our world and as a result we as his people recognize we are empty handed before the savior of the world, we mourn because we have a taste of what life was intended to be, we realize we don't have to grab power for ourselves but trust the one with all authority, we crave right relationship, and we freely extend mercy because it's been freely given to us. And that's some good news in the midst of such uncertain times.