Friday, June 30, 2017

Under The Law

“Thus says the LORD of hosts:
​
​‘​Execute true justice,
​​Show mercy and compassion
​​Everyone to his brother." Zechariah 7:9

So many prayer needs, and it isn't me this time! No, I'm not off the hook as far as the usual trials; the world still hates those who belong to Jesus. Sometimes though, we realize that the needs of others are much greater than the needs of ourselves and we have a prayer burden as we call it. We got our prodigal out of jail last night and I helped with the computer stuff, like finding him an airline ticket and getting a seat booked. Mike helped in many ways and others pitched in too. We pray that this prodigal made it home last night and to his bed. Of course I am understating what was a couple of days of much prayer and effort by many to help one we feel is being persecuted under the law.

The law of the land has a problem. All along the way it is written, enforced, and judged by people. Yup, fallen man is often our own biggest problem. In God's mercy we do get a lot of things right when it comes to the laws of our nation. If a person is murdering others and appears unlikely to stop on his own, then yes the law does well to lock him away from any further victims. And there are a great many examples each and every day of those serving the law doing right. On the other hand, sometimes compassion and understanding under the law are hard to come by. A person may get on the wrong side through a series of misfortunes and the law may come down on him or her with its full weight, making it very difficult for the person to ever get right again. A man or woman alone simply cannot bear the ponderous weight of the law.

In such times, it is well for us to remember who is greater: he who is in the world, or He who is in us. Through God's Holy Spirit we pray with an immediacy that a message sent by courier to Heaven might not have. (I am imagining a postal messenger in my limited human way; no disrespect intended to our Lord's angels.) Paul told the Philippians that the Lord is at hand. (4:5) At hand is good to recall when we or our brothers and sisters need that help; the kind of help that immediate needs require. Mercy and compassion are good to mix with justice. I pray that we see more of it in our land. And may we as God's people use mercy and compassion before we rush to judge others!

Have a great day in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Bucky

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