6 June 2019
In Mark 5, I read of the compassion with which Jesus spoke to the man, who lived among the tombs. This broken man had parts of his personality that were trapped in tombs and graves. He was in such a bad condition and could not fix himself. The darkness took over his life. He needed help – help from the true Savior – Jesus Christ.
Jesus helps all of us in the different stages of our journey. And no one’s journey is the same. After being delivered and healed, this man was overjoyed and thankful, asking Jesus if he can please go with Him. But Jesus said to him "No, go home, and tell the people how I had mercy on you".
I pondered His words, "Go and tell the people how I had mercy on you". This statement, brings tears to my eyes.
How do we as children of God treat broken people? Or just people that walk a difficult or different path than us. What do we say to them? What is our attitude towards them? Do we extend a hand of help, or do we lift a finger in judgment? How do you know what goes on behind the closed door of peoples’ lives?
I always stand amazed on how people discuss, gossip and have a mouthful to say about those who are down and out. They always seem to have the answer.
And here we see Jesus, asking this man to return to those who judged him – those who seemingly had the answers to his healing. Jesus sends him back so that they can smell the beautiful fragrance of mercy. If you have ever received the mercy of God over your life – then you will know exactly what I am talking about.
Mercy is the sweet smell of Christ within us, carrying us through the ups and the downs, the victories and defeats of life. It is the kind of fragrance that still smells good in the evening after a difficult day.
The more you look into His eyes, the more mercy you receive.
The fragrance of mercy is longsuffering, patience and it endures trials and hardship. You know this when you are so tired, discouraged and overwhelmed and still the fragrance of God’s mercy is all around you.
In my life, I have found that the more mercy I received, the more mercy I have to give. Mercy will change your heart and your whole life. And if you are still operating out of self-righteousness you will have a form of godliness but will certainly lack power!
God’s mercy wakes us up every morning – a fresh and new supply. If you allow it; His mercy will open up your mind and will reveal the true condition of your heart. And from this place you will much rather embrace in mercy than point a finger in judgment.
Abba, how can people be so hard, so outspoken – merciless in their judgements? They don't even know the true journey that we walk, daily, in the privacy of our lives.
"Retah, you can only give mercy when you carry mercy. When you walk in self-righteousness, you carry the fragrance of judgement and real hard outspoken words towards others. That is why I wanted the broken man that stayed in the grave to go back and allow the people to smell the beautiful fragrance of mercy on him".
And remember that judgment is merciless for the one who judges others without mercy. So, by showing mercy you take dominion over judgement (James 2:13 TPT).
I want to encourage you today. Don't lose heart or allow your struggles or even judgmental words of people to cause you to be discouraged. Don't let your testimony of mercy be taken away from you. Refuse to fall into the trap of the enemy – as he wants us to accept the words of people, wrapped in arrogance, pride and their many accomplishments. Don't agree with it – silence their opinions with the blood of the Lamb. Choose God’s mercy and keep your eyes upon Him.
It doesn't matter if you are completely disheartened today, just make sure you drink from the cup of mercy so that you will have a testimony of mercy.
Even David knew this place and said in 1Chron 21:13 I am in great and distressing perplexity; let me fall, I pray you, into the hands of the Lord, for very great and many are His mercies; but let me not fall into the hands of man.
Remember just like faith is designed to lead us to the Father – the same with Mercy. Mercy comes out of the Father’s heart.
So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness (Heb 4:16 TPT).
I bless you my dear friend.
Thank you that we can walk this journey together.
Retah and family.