like a turtle sitting…
like a turtle sitting ... like a fencepost ... we trust God is merciful ... and forgives us entirely
once upon a time ... our ability to trust God was maliciously crippled ... our paralysis was the result of attacks on humanity ... an attempt to demolish confidence in the goodness
we were and are rendered helpless with warped and distorted souls ... as we lived live in a state of confusion ... anger ... arrogance ... brokenness ... loneliness ... and fear.
our only real hope was is for someone to carry us to Jesus in order for us to see the God that Jesus came to reveal
only then could we can we hope to understand the wild ... passionate ... and unconditional love and mercy that is in God’s heart for us
ordinarily ... children are embarrassed by status ... they have not yet learned to think of the importance of themselves
Jesus’ insistence that children have an advantage in following him hinges on the fact that children aren’t afraid or too proud to ask for mercy
they have no difficulty admitting their limitations and that they’re in over their heads.
to children ... a cry for mercy is a straightforward expression of their reliance on those who love them and are glad to take care of them
adults are reluctant if not incapable to call for mercy
we hesitate to concede a weakness or admit that we are in trouble
a call for mercy is like an admission of weakness or even worse ... defeat
calling for mercy is embarrassing
it is a humiliating admission of need and declaration of weakness ... and experiencing that kind of disgrace is the last thing we want
one of the greatest privileges ... highest honors ... and often the most difficult challenges is bringing people to Jesus
above all else ... it is a magnificent act of mercy
you may have to break down some walls of ignorance ... misunderstanding ... pride ... prejudices ... and past hurts
you may have to think for yourself ... adjust your schedule ... modify your budget ... swallow your pride ... and creatively use your gifts
mercy is costly ... but it won't disappoint you
