Matthew 9:13 NLT
“Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.””
This is key for all of us. Until we understand we are sinners and need a savior we will struggle and be okay in our sin. We will tell ourselves that it feels right and we deserve this or that. Mercy is given because God loves us but those who think they are righteous don’t want mercy because they want to live for themselves. Look at the people in this next town and how they struggle with Jesus healing these demon possessed men.
Matthew 8:28-34 NLT
“When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area. They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?” There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.” “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.”
Isn’t it strange how the people feared these men but wanted Jesus to go after He cast out the demons. So many of us want our fears gone but are afraid of what will happen if they are gone. All in all we fear truth and fully letting go of ourselves. We don’t want our sin to be a problem, we like living for our pleasures and it keeps us from the mercy God wants to show. And miss that God is our shield.
Psalms 7:10-11 NLT
“God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.”
When we understand how good God is and that He loves us and has put everything in place to save us, we can see the shield as help and it will deflect this worlds lies. Then mercy can be received and given to all people like God planned. Amen