Tanner's prompt for today is Mercy.
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." -Hebrews 4:14-16
According to Dictionary.com, "mercy" is "compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm." Think about that in the context of this passage from Hebrews. The author is going on and on about our high priest, Jesus, and how perfect he is. He was tempted just as we are, yet never sinned, not once. He has the power to destroy us for our weakness. And yet...
"...draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy..."
We shouldn't avoid Jesus because of his perfect obedience and his hatred of sin. We should draw near to him, so that we may receive mercy. We can be confident that we will find it there. We don't have to worry. There's no doubt. He understands us, and despite that, or perhaps because of that, he loves us.
The God of the universe looks at every one of our sinful, broken souls and says, "I love you. I choose you. I will heal you."
It's mercy, plain and simple.
Stay tuned for... the next time I write in my blog, since I'm out of writing prompts!
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