12/21/20

"And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation." (Luke 1:50)
"MERCY"
The definition of 'mercy' is, "compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm". (New Oxford American Dictionary)
The words 'compassion' and 'forgiveness' are some of the nicest words in the English language.
The words 'punish' and 'harm' are two of the scariest words in the English language.
It's what is between those words in this definition that matters most, "one who has the power, the authority, the right, and the where-with-all to punish, or to harm, yet forgives and shows compassion".
Mary, the mother of our Savior, praises God for His mercy! God has every right to punish and harm us because of our sin. He has the means to do so at His disposal. After all, He created hell for the devil and his angels! (Matthew 25:41)
But, God is merciful, with a stipulation. "...his mercy is on them that fear him..." (Luke 1:50) The word 'fear' means 'to revere'. Those who have no reverence for the Lord have placed themselves beyond His mercy! They have done this, and not God.
Mary goes on to say just how long this mercy lasts, "...from generation to generation." (v. 50) It never runs out, and has no end! Isn't that a wonderful thing!
While it has no end, it does have a beginning. God's mercy begins with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Savior. When you asked Jesus to save you, He most certainly did. And God's never-ending mercy was granted unto you. A 'grant' is a gift that you do not have to give back.
When we think of Christmas gifts, mercy is one most precious.
I hope that you have already received the gift of God's mercy, but if not, there is still time. But do it now.
From my heart to your heart.