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by Precarious Yates
“Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 NKJV
What hell heaven would be if we all carried our grudges there!
But God came with a beautiful mercy to show us how magnificent it can be. God asked the Israelites to set slaves free during the Jubilee. First, He freed all of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to show them what He means when He says, “Free them!”
God wants us to live at peace with our sisters and brothers. He demonstrated that by showing peace to us, proclaimed by angels at l the birth of Christ:
“Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”
God asks us to forgive others, but first He demonstrates forgiveness by showing mercy to all of us!
“…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” ~ Colossians 3:13
“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” ~ Matthew 5:8
There were many people who saw a baby that night in Bethlehem, but the pure in heart were able to see who He was—the Mighty God and Prince of Peace whom Isaiah prophesied. Joseph, a righteous man, who loved Mary and never wanted to humiliate her (see Matt. 1:18-25), had the opportunity to see Immanuel, God with us, and he knew who He was. Mary was gifted with the revelation from the angel that she would bear the Son of God and gave the gorgeous prophetic declaration that we now call the Magnificat. A few simple shepherds in the field saw the Baby and beheld their Lord and Savior. Wise men from the East, Anna and Simeon in the temple… this may seem like a lot of people who saw Him, but really, since we’re talking the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Word of God having become flesh and dwelling among us—oh, what a magnificent miracle—this really is only a handful. These were the ones who had been watching, waiting, yearning.
Just as we are now.
Were they perfect? No, but they had entered into the mystery of grace, the glorious forgiveness, the beautiful mercy offered to all of us by our gracious Father. And we can extend mercy to one another. When we do so around Christmas time, it’s what makes this season so special. We pour out from our hearts what God has already put in there. And as you do this, may the eyes of your heart be opened to see the face of Christ in those to whom you show mercy.
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”
Matthew 25:37-40 NKJV
Until we see Him coming again, may we show such mercies.
Merry Christmas and blessings to you!
Precarious Yates
About the Author:
Precarious Yates has lived in 8 different states of the Union and 3 different countries, but currently lives in Texas with her husband, her daughter and their big dogs. When she’s not writing, she enjoys music, teaching, playing on jungle gyms, praying and reading. She holds a Masters in the art of making tea and coffee and a PhD in Slinky® disentangling.
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