Amazing mercy
by Pastor Peter Bean
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‘Shouldn’t I show concern for the great city Nineveh, which has more than one hundred twenty thousand people who do not know right from wrong?’ (Jonah 4:11).
God’s mercy never ceases to amaze. And upset! And anger!
I like to hear about God’s mercy for me. I’m sure you like to hear about God’s mercy for you. But when it comes to other people; well, we mouth the words that mercy is for all, but in reality?
Whether, like in Jonah’s time, it is the people of Nineveh, or in Jesus’s time, the prostitutes and tax collectors. Or in our time, the corrupt politician; the cheating spouse; the dishonest business person; the premier who closes borders; the premier who leaves them open; the lazy no-hoper (who decides that?); the overpaid selfish sportsperson; those who avoid tax; the one who has offended us greatly … mercy for them? C’mon, God, you’ve got to be kidding.
That’s what Jonah said, what the Pharisees say, and, if we are honest, what we think and perhaps even say. As a generality, mercy is wonderful, but when it comes to specific people, mmm … not so easy.
That’s why we have this ending to the story of Jonah. Jonah, God’s servant, remembered for his journey in the whale, had a much more difficult journey to go on. It was a journey of understanding and accepting God’s mercy for himself and his enemies. God does not have favourites, and his generosity has no bounds. Whether we are obedient or not, God offers mercy to us. And he offers mercy to those we think don’t deserve it.
Yes, God’s mercy never ceases to amaze. May we live in that mercy, that grace, and in turn live merciful and gracious lives, looking for God’s presence in the lives of others, particularly those, who in our judgement don’t fit the parameters. Seeking God’s mercy, experiencing God’s mercy, and practising God’s mercy will allow people, animals, and all of creation to join us on this merciful journey.
Thank you, merciful God, for your mercy and grace. Help us to live, ever aware of it in our lives and in the world around us. Amen.
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