WEBVTT 00:00:00.720 --> 00:00:01.760 Something happened. 00:00:05.080 --> 00:00:09.919 Something happened in room 301 of the Kenosha County Courthouse. 00:00:11.519 --> 00:00:14.880 This was a few weeks ago, and I was there in support of someone. 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:20.300 But because of the lack of space in the courtroom, I was waiting out in the hall. 00:00:21.400 --> 00:00:26.039 And so, we got in there right around 9 a.m., and there was this mob of people, 00:00:26.039 --> 00:00:33.579 about 125, 150 people that had to make an appearance before the magistrate that day. 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:38.700 And as I observed these people waiting to go into the courtroom, 00:00:38.939 --> 00:00:41.679 I noticed that they were pretty quiet. 00:00:42.960 --> 00:00:44.519 There was a degree of anxiety. 00:00:45.980 --> 00:00:47.480 Maybe a little fear. 00:00:48.640 --> 00:00:53.179 People not knowing what awaited them as they had to take their stand before the judge. 00:00:53.179 --> 00:00:56.759 And at one point, the bailiff says, 00:00:56.859 --> 00:00:58.039 All right, everybody come in. 00:00:58.460 --> 00:01:02.759 And so, all 125, 150 people kind of moseyed in, 00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:07.159 and no room for supporters, so I had to stay out in the hall. 00:01:07.799 --> 00:01:08.960 Door closed. 00:01:09.400 --> 00:01:13.239 But over the course of time, what would happen is people would start to trickle out. 00:01:14.480 --> 00:01:16.700 People who had come before the judge. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:19.599 And something happened. 00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:23.879 They were coming out different than when they went in. 00:01:25.879 --> 00:01:27.339 They had encountered mercy. 00:01:29.939 --> 00:01:33.599 They were coming out relieved, happy, and giddy, most at least. 00:01:35.439 --> 00:01:36.579 They received mercy. 00:01:39.659 --> 00:01:42.399 Eventually, I was able to take a seat in the courtroom. 00:01:42.899 --> 00:01:44.259 I want to know what was going on. 00:01:44.260 --> 00:01:50.140 And what I would witness is the magistrate would call a person by name. 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:55.640 That person would walk up and stand in a very, like a pulpit, 00:01:55.820 --> 00:01:58.880 kind of thing like this in front of the judge. 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:02.640 The judge would then ask them to state their name. 00:02:03.060 --> 00:02:04.000 They would state their name. 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:11.039 And then the judge would go on to say publicly for all to hear what this person's violation was 00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:14.180 in the corresponding penalty, which was most often a fine. 00:02:15.500 --> 00:02:22.780 And then, the magistrate would ask the accused a very particular question. 00:02:22.780 --> 00:02:26.120 What do you plea? 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:29.180 Over and over and over again. 00:02:30.580 --> 00:02:35.500 Accused up, name, violation, penalty, what do you plea? 00:02:36.500 --> 00:02:41.860 And more often than not, depending how the accused answered that question, 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:46.180 what do you plea, would determine if they would receive mercy. 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:50.159 What do you plea? 00:02:51.300 --> 00:02:53.700 For those who had admitted their guilt, 00:02:55.620 --> 00:03:00.060 the magistrate found a way to reduce the penalty every time. 00:03:01.439 --> 00:03:04.240 For those who resisted and contested without warrant, 00:03:04.580 --> 00:03:07.319 and there was one particular creature who did, 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:10.560 there was no mercy. 00:03:10.560 --> 00:03:16.599 Everyone in the room is a violator. 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:18.900 We've all violated God's law. 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:21.379 We all stand accused. 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:24.340 And on that day before the great white throne, 00:03:24.460 --> 00:03:25.520 and it is coming, 00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:29.120 when we are standing face to face with our judge, 00:03:29.599 --> 00:03:30.500 the judge of all, 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:32.340 the question I want to ask you this morning is, 00:03:32.420 --> 00:03:33.219 what are you going to plea? 00:03:33.219 --> 00:03:33.259 What are you going to plea? 00:03:37.580 --> 00:03:39.659 Matthew 5, 7, Jesus says this, 00:03:39.659 --> 00:03:41.419 Blessed are the merciful, 00:03:41.659 --> 00:03:43.939 for they shall receive mercy. 00:03:47.159 --> 00:03:49.120 Do you want to find mercy on that day? 00:03:50.519 --> 00:03:52.400 Do you want to stand before the throne of God, 00:03:52.479 --> 00:03:53.379 before the judge of all, 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:54.819 without fearing condemnation, 00:03:54.939 --> 00:03:56.359 but anticipating mercy? 00:03:57.419 --> 00:03:58.479 Blessed are the merciful, 00:03:59.479 --> 00:04:02.300 for they shall receive mercy. 00:04:03.639 --> 00:04:05.759 As you read that in Matthew 5, 7, 00:04:05.859 --> 00:04:07.840 you may be asking yourself a question like this, 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:08.919 wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. 00:04:09.659 --> 00:04:11.060 What is Jesus saying here? 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:16.399 Because this doesn't sound quite right. 00:04:16.519 --> 00:04:20.139 Is Jesus saying that to receive mercy on that day, 00:04:20.219 --> 00:04:22.540 I must show mercy on this day? 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:25.379 For me to receive mercy then, 00:04:25.439 --> 00:04:27.300 I've got to be showing mercy now? 00:04:28.060 --> 00:04:29.000 Is that what He's saying? 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:32.180 Because that's starting to move in a direction 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:36.259 of kind of a salvation by works. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:40.000 I earn God's mercy by showing mercy. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:41.079 Is that what He's saying? 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:43.900 Because it kind of sounds like it, doesn't it? 00:04:45.620 --> 00:04:47.160 Well, He's not saying that. 00:04:49.120 --> 00:04:51.160 Our salvation is by grace alone. 00:04:51.420 --> 00:04:55.660 Our works of mercy certainly do not earn our salvation. 00:04:55.660 --> 00:04:57.840 They may evidence our salvation, 00:04:58.160 --> 00:04:59.240 but they don't earn it. 00:05:00.900 --> 00:05:03.900 So what's going on in this fifth beatitude? 00:05:04.980 --> 00:05:06.260 Blessed are the merciful, 00:05:06.500 --> 00:05:08.040 for they shall receive mercy. 00:05:08.180 --> 00:05:10.460 Well, here's what I want to help you see this morning. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:13.360 Those who are promised God's mercy 00:05:13.360 --> 00:05:14.980 in the future 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:19.760 have already received God's mercy now. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:23.959 For those who are going to receive God's mercy then, 00:05:24.939 --> 00:05:27.019 they've already received God's mercy now. 00:05:28.159 --> 00:05:30.159 And the way I want to help you see that 00:05:30.159 --> 00:05:31.060 from this passage 00:05:31.060 --> 00:05:34.039 is by asking and answering three questions. 00:05:34.480 --> 00:05:35.439 The first question is, 00:05:35.599 --> 00:05:36.459 what is mercy? 00:05:37.079 --> 00:05:37.819 We'll answer that. 00:05:37.920 --> 00:05:39.860 We're going to go to another spot in our Bibles 00:05:39.860 --> 00:05:40.480 to answer that. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:41.360 We're going to look at a parable. 00:05:42.439 --> 00:05:43.579 And then we're going to ask the question, 00:05:43.719 --> 00:05:46.899 who are the merciful then of Matthew 5-7? 00:05:47.579 --> 00:05:48.519 Who are they? 00:05:49.759 --> 00:05:52.219 And then, by way of closing, 00:05:52.899 --> 00:05:56.259 we're going to ask this question. 00:05:57.360 --> 00:05:59.959 What awaits the merciful? 00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:01.899 What awaits? 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:08.579 So, those who are promised God's mercy then 00:06:08.579 --> 00:06:12.480 are the ones who experience God's mercy now. 00:06:13.060 --> 00:06:14.339 So let's ask this question, 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:15.219 what is mercy? 00:06:15.740 --> 00:06:17.039 Well, this past week, 00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:19.960 I read some brilliant minds 00:06:19.960 --> 00:06:21.540 on this passage. 00:06:21.720 --> 00:06:23.100 And I read some brilliant minds 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:26.040 on the relationship between mercy and justice. 00:06:26.360 --> 00:06:29.400 Justice is the exacting 00:06:29.400 --> 00:06:31.300 of a punishment 00:06:31.300 --> 00:06:33.660 for a wrong done. 00:06:33.860 --> 00:06:35.060 That's what justice is. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:36.900 What mercy is, 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:38.640 is mercy is the relenting 00:06:39.520 --> 00:06:41.040 of punishment. 00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:43.480 It's not giving you what you deserve. 00:06:43.640 --> 00:06:43.860 And so, 00:06:44.180 --> 00:06:45.500 we can't think of mercy 00:06:45.500 --> 00:06:47.020 as existing in a vacuum. 00:06:47.819 --> 00:06:51.180 Mercy exists because justice exists. 00:06:51.600 --> 00:06:53.020 And God is a God of justice. 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:55.500 I read other minds 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:56.560 on the relationship 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:59.120 between mercy and grace. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:01.680 Mercy and grace 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:04.360 both flow from the fountainhead 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:05.400 of God's love. 00:07:05.399 --> 00:07:08.519 God's mercy and God's grace 00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:10.319 represents God's loving response 00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:11.779 to sin and its people 00:07:11.779 --> 00:07:13.560 and its consequences. 00:07:14.479 --> 00:07:15.759 Martin Lloyd-Jones said, 00:07:16.179 --> 00:07:17.799 grace is especially associated 00:07:17.799 --> 00:07:18.579 with men and women 00:07:18.579 --> 00:07:19.479 in their sins. 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:21.319 Mercy is especially associated 00:07:22.239 --> 00:07:23.039 with men and women 00:07:23.039 --> 00:07:24.459 in the misery 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:26.339 resulting from their sin. 00:07:28.299 --> 00:07:29.839 John MacArthur talks about 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:31.599 grace dealing with sin itself 00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:33.120 and mercy attending 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:34.120 to the problems 00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:35.400 that stem from sin. 00:07:36.080 --> 00:07:37.439 Mercy deals with symptoms. 00:07:37.640 --> 00:07:38.879 Grace deals with cause. 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:40.140 Mercy offers relief 00:07:40.140 --> 00:07:41.100 for punishment of sin. 00:07:41.760 --> 00:07:43.740 Grace offers pardon for sin. 00:07:47.640 --> 00:07:49.060 These are all good things. 00:07:50.340 --> 00:07:51.379 But perhaps 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.580 an even better way 00:07:53.580 --> 00:07:54.700 to answer the question 00:07:54.700 --> 00:07:55.540 what is mercy 00:07:55.540 --> 00:07:59.500 is to listen to one of our Lord's parables 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:01.600 concerning mercy. 00:08:03.040 --> 00:08:04.300 Do you remember the parable 00:08:04.300 --> 00:08:05.139 of the good Samaritan? 00:08:06.439 --> 00:08:07.339 Maybe better yet, 00:08:07.459 --> 00:08:08.899 the merciful Samaritan? 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:12.300 Jesus used this parable 00:08:12.300 --> 00:08:14.680 to teach about mercy, 00:08:15.220 --> 00:08:15.980 the kind of mercy 00:08:15.980 --> 00:08:16.699 pleasing to God. 00:08:16.779 --> 00:08:17.879 So if you want to follow along, 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:19.459 I'm going to turn your Bibles 00:08:19.459 --> 00:08:20.560 to Luke chapter 10. 00:08:21.279 --> 00:08:22.279 I'm just going to summarize. 00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:23.480 I'm going to walk through it 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:26.040 because I want you to see 00:08:26.040 --> 00:08:28.199 something pretty. 00:08:29.500 --> 00:08:31.439 I want you to see mercy. 00:08:37.299 --> 00:08:38.379 As you're turning there, 00:08:39.820 --> 00:08:40.580 I just want to remind you 00:08:40.580 --> 00:08:41.259 that a parable 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:43.440 was a teaching tool. 00:08:44.399 --> 00:08:44.879 It teaches, 00:08:45.100 --> 00:08:46.220 it's a vivid picture 00:08:46.220 --> 00:08:47.700 to teach a point. 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:50.139 And Jesus is using this 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:53.600 very vivid story 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:54.919 to teach a point. 00:08:55.879 --> 00:08:56.539 Well, if you're there 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:57.639 in Luke chapter 10, 00:08:57.639 --> 00:09:00.100 there's a prideful lawyer 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:01.240 that tests Jesus. 00:09:01.319 --> 00:09:01.939 Now, I'm not saying 00:09:01.939 --> 00:09:03.740 that all lawyers are prideful, 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:06.480 but a particular lawyer, 00:09:06.939 --> 00:09:07.899 a prideful lawyer, 00:09:08.019 --> 00:09:09.580 tests Jesus with the question, 00:09:10.059 --> 00:09:12.259 how do I inherit eternal life? 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:15.939 Jesus replies, 00:09:16.980 --> 00:09:18.059 well, how do you read the law? 00:09:18.699 --> 00:09:19.120 Lawyer, 00:09:19.500 --> 00:09:21.120 love God with everything you got 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:21.960 and love your neighbor 00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:22.779 as yourself. 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:23.959 Jesus says, 00:09:24.079 --> 00:09:24.939 well, you're on target. 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:25.480 You do that 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:26.199 and you will live. 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:28.720 But the lawyer isn't done 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:29.679 testing the Savior 00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:31.539 and he asks a question 00:09:31.539 --> 00:09:32.220 like this, 00:09:33.159 --> 00:09:34.799 and who then is my neighbor? 00:09:37.199 --> 00:09:39.439 And Jesus takes that question 00:09:39.439 --> 00:09:40.799 and runs with it. 00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:43.679 And so Jesus is going to 00:09:43.679 --> 00:09:44.740 use this parable now 00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:46.459 to help us understand mercy, 00:09:46.460 --> 00:09:48.820 how to love your neighbor. 00:09:51.379 --> 00:09:52.980 So Jesus starts this parable 00:09:52.980 --> 00:09:54.080 talking about a Jew 00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:56.220 who is on his way 00:09:56.220 --> 00:09:58.019 from Jerusalem to Jericho 00:09:58.019 --> 00:10:00.500 on a road that was notoriously 00:10:00.500 --> 00:10:03.620 used by bandits. 00:10:04.180 --> 00:10:05.519 And this particular Jew 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:06.700 got robbed, beat up, 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:07.680 and left for dead. 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:09.560 And as it turns out, 00:10:09.620 --> 00:10:10.519 according to this parable, 00:10:10.639 --> 00:10:11.580 a Jewish priest 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:13.120 who was supposedly 00:10:13.120 --> 00:10:14.600 very schooled 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:16.240 in the law of God, 00:10:16.460 --> 00:10:18.560 a Jewish priest 00:10:18.560 --> 00:10:19.940 comes along on the road, 00:10:20.120 --> 00:10:21.720 sees his countrymen 00:10:21.720 --> 00:10:22.940 lying there in distress, 00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:23.780 and what does he do? 00:10:25.440 --> 00:10:26.519 He walks on by. 00:10:29.360 --> 00:10:30.519 And then there's another 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:31.700 Jewish official that comes, 00:10:31.780 --> 00:10:32.700 this time a Levite, 00:10:32.800 --> 00:10:35.680 another kind of Jewish leader 00:10:35.680 --> 00:10:36.660 in the community. 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:39.379 And that Levite 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:41.620 comes upon the same man, 00:10:42.800 --> 00:10:44.379 sees him in his distress, 00:10:44.379 --> 00:10:47.179 and what does he do? 00:10:48.799 --> 00:10:50.439 He passes on the other side. 00:10:52.299 --> 00:10:53.960 And so these two religious people 00:10:53.960 --> 00:10:55.799 don't give a rip. 00:10:57.200 --> 00:10:58.279 Maybe they had a prayer meeting 00:10:58.279 --> 00:10:58.600 to get to. 00:10:58.759 --> 00:10:59.820 Maybe they had a Bible study. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:04.240 Then Jesus goes on. 00:11:04.299 --> 00:11:05.539 A Samaritan comes by. 00:11:05.659 --> 00:11:06.460 Now what you need to know 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:07.259 about Samaritans 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:09.379 is that Jews saw Samaritans 00:11:09.379 --> 00:11:12.480 as ethnic half-breeds 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:15.179 who were in a perpetual state 00:11:15.179 --> 00:11:16.320 of impurity. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:18.460 And so, 00:11:18.980 --> 00:11:20.220 if Jews needed to travel 00:11:20.220 --> 00:11:21.460 from north to south, 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:23.399 they would not go through Samaria. 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:25.019 They would go around Samaria. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:26.799 That's what kind of sets up 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:27.539 the John 4, 00:11:27.679 --> 00:11:29.240 Jesus with a Samaritan woman 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:29.820 at the well, 00:11:29.939 --> 00:11:31.220 which is so amazing. 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:35.320 So this particular Samaritan 00:11:35.320 --> 00:11:38.519 comes upon this Jew 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:40.920 and sees the Jew. 00:11:42.440 --> 00:11:43.660 And unlike the priest 00:11:43.660 --> 00:11:44.860 and unlike the Levite, 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:47.600 the Samaritan has compassion 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:50.000 on this man who's been beat up. 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:51.899 This man in distress. 00:11:53.639 --> 00:11:55.120 And so the Samaritan stops. 00:11:55.800 --> 00:11:57.680 He binds up this man's wounds. 00:11:58.240 --> 00:12:00.379 Applies all sorts of healing ointments. 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:03.200 Somehow lifts him up on his beast. 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:04.779 Brings him to an inn. 00:12:05.220 --> 00:12:06.519 And takes care of him. 00:12:06.580 --> 00:12:07.639 And if that weren't enough, 00:12:08.279 --> 00:12:09.620 he spends two denarii. 00:12:09.919 --> 00:12:11.860 Which is like $300 to $400 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:13.539 our day. 00:12:14.439 --> 00:12:15.279 Spends that money. 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:16.480 Gives it to the innkeeper 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:17.419 and basically says, 00:12:17.500 --> 00:12:18.939 hey, use this money 00:12:18.939 --> 00:12:19.779 to help this guy out. 00:12:19.820 --> 00:12:20.659 If you run over it, 00:12:20.700 --> 00:12:21.480 put it on my tab. 00:12:21.799 --> 00:12:24.019 Because I am coming back. 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:26.279 And I want to know 00:12:26.279 --> 00:12:26.759 how he's doing. 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:30.519 So this is, 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.059 Jesus tells this parable 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:32.840 to this lawyer. 00:12:33.879 --> 00:12:35.179 And Jesus then looks at the lawyer 00:12:35.179 --> 00:12:35.580 and says, 00:12:35.679 --> 00:12:37.120 well, you tell me 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:38.960 who proved to be the neighbor. 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:40.539 The priest, 00:12:40.700 --> 00:12:41.200 the Levite, 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:42.080 or the Samaritan. 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:43.980 And the lawyer says, 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:46.399 the one who showed 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.299 mercy. 00:12:48.299 --> 00:12:55.719 That Jew didn't deserve 00:12:55.719 --> 00:12:56.899 any of the Samaritan's kindness, 00:12:57.120 --> 00:12:57.759 but he showed it. 00:12:58.359 --> 00:12:58.799 Jesus says, 00:12:58.839 --> 00:13:00.099 you go and do likewise. 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.740 What does it mean 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:04.339 to be merciful? 00:13:04.819 --> 00:13:07.299 What is mercy? 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:07.479 Mercy? 00:13:09.559 --> 00:13:10.159 Well, 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:12.179 mercy 00:13:12.179 --> 00:13:14.879 is to see someone in need 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:15.500 and help them. 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:18.519 Mercy is compassion in action. 00:13:20.360 --> 00:13:23.159 Mercy is Christ-like compassion 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:25.240 and action. 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:27.139 It doesn't ignore justice. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:30.559 It recognizes justice, 00:13:30.820 --> 00:13:32.759 but is merciful in the face of it. 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:35.399 Mercy is showing kindness 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:36.559 and help to people 00:13:36.559 --> 00:13:38.340 suffering from the fallout of sin. 00:13:40.039 --> 00:13:41.659 When you hear mercy, 00:13:41.659 --> 00:13:44.539 think compassion in action. 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:47.080 And to be merciful 00:13:47.080 --> 00:13:48.500 in a Christ-like fashion 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:51.299 is to be burdened 00:13:51.299 --> 00:13:52.419 for those people 00:13:52.419 --> 00:13:53.379 who are in distress. 00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:55.080 We see that in the Good Samaritan. 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:56.100 He saw this man 00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:57.860 and had compassion on him. 00:13:58.080 --> 00:13:59.580 He was moved by it. 00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:02.039 He had space in his heart 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:03.080 for this person 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:03.860 who was suffering. 00:14:04.299 --> 00:14:05.080 And then the Samaritan 00:14:05.080 --> 00:14:06.480 was inconvenienced. 00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:07.139 He stopped. 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:08.779 We don't know what his deal was. 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:10.840 Was he on a business trip? 00:14:11.159 --> 00:14:11.639 Probably. 00:14:12.940 --> 00:14:14.200 But he was interrupted. 00:14:14.200 --> 00:14:15.759 He took the time. 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:20.600 Mercy allows for interruptions 00:14:20.600 --> 00:14:21.160 of plans. 00:14:21.440 --> 00:14:22.940 And then this Samaritan 00:14:22.940 --> 00:14:23.940 bore the cost. 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:25.900 He dropped quite a bit of jingle 00:14:25.900 --> 00:14:27.220 to help this guy out. 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:30.400 He paid out of his own pocket. 00:14:32.560 --> 00:14:34.340 This Samaritan was personally involved 00:14:34.340 --> 00:14:36.080 with this stranger 00:14:36.080 --> 00:14:37.700 he just found on a road. 00:14:39.200 --> 00:14:40.440 He was personally committed. 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:42.040 He jumped right in. 00:14:44.040 --> 00:14:45.620 I mean, he was going to come back. 00:14:47.780 --> 00:14:49.320 And so when we ask the question 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:50.220 what is mercy 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:51.840 and we look at the parable 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:53.020 of the Good Samaritan 00:14:53.020 --> 00:14:57.620 we see that mercy flows 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:58.880 along lines that 00:14:58.880 --> 00:15:01.720 go beyond people's appearance 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:03.600 go beyond people's backgrounds 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:04.000 go. 00:15:04.800 --> 00:15:06.639 Mercy is unconditional 00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:07.899 in its application 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.899 to people in need. 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:15.320 Now what I find most intriguing 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:16.200 about the parable 00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:17.180 of the Good Samaritan 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:19.820 is when you start to compare 00:15:19.820 --> 00:15:20.700 the Good Samaritan 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:21.460 to Jesus. 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:23.960 The one who taught the parable. 00:15:25.680 --> 00:15:26.779 We see in Jesus 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:27.840 this burden 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:28.720 this compassion 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:29.720 Matthew 9 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:31.379 Jesus looked upon them 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:32.519 the harassed and helpless 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:33.720 like sheep without a shepherd 00:15:33.720 --> 00:15:35.899 and had compassion upon them. 00:15:37.820 --> 00:15:38.920 He had space in His heart 00:15:38.920 --> 00:15:40.879 for those who were suffering 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:41.860 the fallout of sin. 00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:43.860 Jesus was inconvenienced. 00:15:44.700 --> 00:15:46.240 He left His place in Heaven 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:47.420 to show us mercy. 00:15:48.220 --> 00:15:50.139 He didn't walk around us. 00:15:51.700 --> 00:15:53.460 He came and He knelt down. 00:15:55.019 --> 00:15:56.259 Think about it this way. 00:15:57.060 --> 00:15:58.460 The second person of the Trinity 00:15:58.460 --> 00:15:59.660 condescended 00:15:59.660 --> 00:16:01.160 and took on human flesh. 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:02.240 He became Emmanuel 00:16:02.240 --> 00:16:03.800 to meet us in our distress. 00:16:06.820 --> 00:16:08.080 He bore the cost. 00:16:08.420 --> 00:16:09.620 Jesus paid it all. 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:12.680 He paid the bill 00:16:12.680 --> 00:16:14.180 for our sins 00:16:14.180 --> 00:16:15.620 out of His pocket. 00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:19.420 He paid for our lives 00:16:19.420 --> 00:16:20.320 your life 00:16:20.320 --> 00:16:21.160 my life 00:16:21.160 --> 00:16:22.560 with His life 00:16:22.560 --> 00:16:24.860 and He paid with the currency of blood. 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:26.519 He paid it all. 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:29.120 He bore the cost. 00:16:30.199 --> 00:16:31.740 He's personally involved. 00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:35.079 What we learn from our Bibles 00:16:35.079 --> 00:16:35.620 is that 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:37.779 not only does Jesus save us 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:39.519 but then He sticks with us. 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:41.000 What He starts 00:16:41.000 --> 00:16:41.639 He finishes. 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:45.439 He will sanctify us completely. 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:47.679 Surely He will do it. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:48.539 He is faithful. 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:55.019 He's personally involved. 00:16:55.179 --> 00:16:56.959 It doesn't get much more personal 00:16:56.959 --> 00:16:59.159 than when God in the flesh 00:16:59.159 --> 00:17:01.179 dies in your place 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:02.139 for your sin. 00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:05.059 It's that personal. 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:09.259 So when we ask the question 00:17:09.259 --> 00:17:10.220 what is mercy 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:12.159 you know what we need to do? 00:17:13.579 --> 00:17:14.599 We need to ask the question 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:15.119 no, no, no, no. 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:16.339 What is... 00:17:16.339 --> 00:17:17.359 it's compassion and action. 00:17:17.439 --> 00:17:17.939 We get it. 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:19.019 But it's really 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:20.399 who is mercy? 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:24.559 Jesus is mercy incarnate. 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:26.319 Jesus is compassion and action. 00:17:27.859 --> 00:17:28.859 The Good Samaritan 00:17:28.859 --> 00:17:30.259 was Jesus in disguise. 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:33.019 When we think about mercy 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:33.980 we think of Jesus. 00:17:34.819 --> 00:17:35.639 He was compassionate. 00:17:35.819 --> 00:17:36.740 He was inconvenienced. 00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:37.779 He bore the cost. 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:39.980 He's personally involved. 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:40.899 He's committed to us 00:17:40.899 --> 00:17:41.859 all the way through. 00:17:42.299 --> 00:17:45.359 So what is mercy? 00:17:45.359 --> 00:17:45.439 Mercy? 00:17:45.979 --> 00:17:47.259 It's compassion and action. 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:48.959 Who is mercy? 00:17:49.459 --> 00:17:49.899 Jesus. 00:17:50.899 --> 00:17:51.339 Jesus. 00:17:52.679 --> 00:17:53.839 And so for us 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:55.500 who are to be the merciful 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:58.419 we are to be Jesus-like. 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:01.299 Blessed are the merciful. 00:18:02.359 --> 00:18:03.719 So who is mercy? 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.459 What is mercy? 00:18:04.679 --> 00:18:05.619 Compassion and action 00:18:05.619 --> 00:18:06.819 and we see it clearly 00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:07.939 in the person of Jesus. 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:09.279 Let's move to the second question. 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:11.659 Who are the merciful 00:18:11.659 --> 00:18:12.799 of Matthew 5-7? 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:14.599 So we've stepped out 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:15.539 of Matthew 5 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:16.299 the Beatitudes 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:17.460 to look at mercy 00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:18.200 in Luke 10. 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:18.899 Now we're back 00:18:18.899 --> 00:18:20.159 in Matthew 5-7. 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:21.819 Blessed are the merciful. 00:18:22.899 --> 00:18:23.940 Who are the merciful? 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:27.819 Now over the last month 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:28.659 I have sought 00:18:28.659 --> 00:18:30.700 to help you see 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:32.200 that the Beatitudes 00:18:32.200 --> 00:18:34.440 are not some kind of 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:36.159 random gathering 00:18:36.159 --> 00:18:37.500 of Jesus' sayings 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:38.919 with no particular order. 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:40.680 but in fact 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:42.279 Jesus very intentionally 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.320 arranged them. 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:45.759 There was purpose 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:46.460 in the order. 00:18:47.060 --> 00:18:48.259 They build off one another. 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:50.519 So if that is true 00:18:50.519 --> 00:18:52.340 they build off one another. 00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:54.920 The Beatitudes 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:59.620 inform who the merciful are. 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:01.920 There's more to be said 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:02.680 of the merciful 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:04.200 than just those 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:05.279 who show mercy. 00:19:05.279 --> 00:19:09.539 The merciful 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:12.019 are also 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:13.359 the poor in spirit. 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:16.399 They've declared 00:19:16.399 --> 00:19:17.359 spiritual bankruptcy 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:19.460 but they've experienced 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:20.319 God's mercy 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:21.319 in their distress. 00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:22.559 God bailed them out. 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:24.200 They didn't deserve that. 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.000 The merciful 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:26.759 are those 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:27.819 who mourn their sin. 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:28.879 They have been 00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:29.899 so distressed 00:19:29.899 --> 00:19:31.160 over their sin 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:32.660 that they can cry out 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:33.339 for mercy 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:34.179 just like that 00:19:34.179 --> 00:19:35.740 that tax collector 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:36.439 in the parable 00:19:36.439 --> 00:19:37.339 in Luke 18. 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:39.159 Have mercy on me 00:19:39.159 --> 00:19:39.679 a sinner. 00:19:39.819 --> 00:19:40.519 That tax collector 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.139 wouldn't even lift 00:19:41.139 --> 00:19:42.199 his eyes to heaven. 00:19:45.679 --> 00:19:46.559 And God 00:19:46.559 --> 00:19:47.480 is merciful 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:48.699 to those in distress. 00:19:49.059 --> 00:19:50.079 They find their comfort 00:19:50.079 --> 00:19:52.059 mercy in Christ. 00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:53.179 The merciful 00:19:53.179 --> 00:19:53.980 are also 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:55.339 those who are meek 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:56.740 who are humble. 00:19:58.740 --> 00:20:00.199 Out of God's mercy 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:02.779 God shows 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:04.940 the meek 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:06.340 who they really are 00:20:06.340 --> 00:20:07.600 in the grand scheme 00:20:07.600 --> 00:20:08.259 of things. 00:20:09.080 --> 00:20:10.080 They're not the center 00:20:10.080 --> 00:20:11.019 of all things. 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:12.340 God is. 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:14.680 And so the meek 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:15.580 are fully aware 00:20:15.580 --> 00:20:16.960 and gladly yield 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:17.559 to God 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.740 his rightful place. 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:21.160 And God 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:21.840 in his mercy 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:22.680 deeds them 00:20:22.680 --> 00:20:23.200 a parcel 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:24.100 on the new earth. 00:20:25.519 --> 00:20:25.840 Blessed 00:20:25.840 --> 00:20:27.299 are the meek 00:20:27.299 --> 00:20:27.980 for they will 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:28.759 inherit the earth. 00:20:28.759 --> 00:20:30.940 The merciful 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:31.539 are those 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:32.000 who hunger 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:32.579 and thirst 00:20:32.579 --> 00:20:34.099 for righteousness. 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:36.180 To do God's will. 00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:38.500 To be Christ-like. 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:40.099 Does it 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:41.759 make any sense? 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.579 I hope it does 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:43.619 that when 00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:45.019 the spiritually bankrupt 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:46.599 are given 00:20:46.599 --> 00:20:47.200 the kingdom 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:48.420 and then when 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:49.500 those who mourn 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.579 are comforted 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:51.579 when the meek 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:52.539 recognize 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:53.779 who they are 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:55.359 that their affections 00:20:55.359 --> 00:20:56.259 that their desires 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:56.940 start to 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:58.340 now move along 00:20:58.340 --> 00:20:59.480 with what God's 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.320 desires are? 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:02.180 They start to 00:21:02.180 --> 00:21:03.320 hunger and thirst 00:21:03.320 --> 00:21:04.000 for the things 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:04.720 of Christ? 00:21:06.460 --> 00:21:07.799 Does it make sense 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:08.160 then 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:09.519 that those 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:10.340 who've been changed 00:21:10.340 --> 00:21:11.340 by God's mercy 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:12.440 will now 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:13.860 want to show mercy? 00:21:15.860 --> 00:21:16.799 That's what we see 00:21:16.799 --> 00:21:17.460 going on here. 00:21:17.580 --> 00:21:18.140 The merciful 00:21:18.140 --> 00:21:19.460 are those 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:20.180 who have already 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:21.640 received God's mercy. 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.400 That's what we see 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:24.940 from the Beatitudes. 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:26.539 They have already 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:28.140 experienced God's mercy. 00:21:28.340 --> 00:21:28.820 They've already 00:21:28.820 --> 00:21:30.440 experienced God's blessing. 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:31.660 The merciful 00:21:31.660 --> 00:21:32.580 are citizens 00:21:32.580 --> 00:21:33.279 of the kingdom. 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:34.820 The merciful 00:21:34.820 --> 00:21:35.660 are Christians 00:21:35.660 --> 00:21:37.519 who have received 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.680 mercy themselves. 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.180 And so, 00:21:39.320 --> 00:21:40.440 who are the merciful? 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:41.740 Well, 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:42.519 if we're understanding 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:43.120 the progression 00:21:43.120 --> 00:21:43.960 of the Beatitudes, 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:44.259 right, 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:44.779 the merciful 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:45.360 are those 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:45.980 who have already 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.480 been shown 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.160 God's mercy. 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:48.920 They're citizens 00:21:48.920 --> 00:21:49.480 of the kingdom. 00:21:51.620 --> 00:21:52.500 They've received 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.180 God's mercy 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:53.660 in abundance. 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:57.900 But they're also 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:59.480 people who 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:01.120 show mercy. 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.779 Having received 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:03.440 God's mercy 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:04.140 in Christ, 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:06.340 the merciful 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:07.660 hunger and thirst 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:08.279 to show 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.580 Christ-like mercy. 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:13.720 Here's another way 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.400 to think about it. 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:17.120 Back to the Good Samaritan. 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:18.180 If Jesus is the 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:19.840 ultimate Good Samaritan, 00:22:20.340 --> 00:22:21.120 if Jesus is 00:22:21.120 --> 00:22:22.480 mercy incarnate, 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:26.700 if He showed 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:28.039 us mercy, 00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:29.880 we are to be 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:30.539 Christ-like 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.460 in showing mercy 00:22:31.460 --> 00:22:32.099 to others. 00:22:32.440 --> 00:22:34.759 It just makes 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.700 logical sense. 00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:37.140 We're made right 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:37.740 with God. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.640 He shows us mercy. 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:40.700 And now, 00:22:40.819 --> 00:22:41.519 we show mercy 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:42.220 to others. 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:43.940 We love our neighbors 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.819 as ourselves. 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:46.900 We're to be 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:48.480 good Samaritans 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:49.079 Samaritans 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:49.839 to those 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:51.240 around us 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:52.079 in distress. 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:53.279 And I don't know 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:54.539 where your mind 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.259 goes to 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.240 those in distress. 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.339 Maybe you think 00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:59.180 of homeless people. 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.839 Maybe you think 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:00.500 people who 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.460 come here 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.140 and are seeking 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:03.140 some kind of help. 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:04.079 You don't have to 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:04.559 go there. 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:06.140 It's true. 00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:08.480 But start thinking 00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:09.620 just in terms of 00:23:09.620 --> 00:23:10.779 who's in distress 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:11.860 from the fallout 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.360 of sin 00:23:12.360 --> 00:23:14.000 under your own roof. 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.480 Your spouse? 00:23:16.099 --> 00:23:16.759 Your children? 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:16.879 Children, 00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:18.720 start in your home 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.599 and work out. 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:21.400 Look for the lonely. 00:23:21.579 --> 00:23:22.440 Look for the isolated. 00:23:22.619 --> 00:23:23.740 Look for the overwhelmed. 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:24.599 The frail. 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:26.879 Those who are experiencing 00:23:26.879 --> 00:23:27.879 the hardship 00:23:27.879 --> 00:23:29.259 of sin 00:23:29.259 --> 00:23:29.940 in their life. 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:30.480 Whether it's 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.440 their own decisions 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:33.140 or other people's decisions 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.920 or systemic sin 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:36.299 or the fallout 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:37.500 of living under 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.960 a world 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:39.940 that is 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:42.379 burdened 00:23:42.379 --> 00:23:43.900 and groaning 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:45.799 because of sin. 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:51.900 If we are to be merciful 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.879 like Christ 00:23:52.879 --> 00:23:55.460 then there's going to be 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:55.900 some things 00:23:55.900 --> 00:23:56.980 that will be true of us. 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.039 We're going to be 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:00.859 burdened for those 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:01.819 in distress ourselves. 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:04.299 And so our hearts 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.259 will be 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:06.400 compassionate 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:07.579 to others in need. 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:07.899 So, 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.639 are you making 00:24:09.639 --> 00:24:10.579 space 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:12.559 in your heart 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:14.019 for people 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:15.139 in need? 00:24:16.139 --> 00:24:16.839 Is there 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.679 space 00:24:17.679 --> 00:24:18.359 in your heart 00:24:18.359 --> 00:24:18.799 for that? 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.299 Are you willing 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.279 to go there? 00:24:21.939 --> 00:24:22.659 Are you willing 00:24:22.659 --> 00:24:23.980 to open yourself 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.519 to that? 00:24:26.139 --> 00:24:26.919 But not only 00:24:26.919 --> 00:24:27.939 is there need 00:24:27.939 --> 00:24:28.759 for a space 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.259 in your heart 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:30.240 to be burdened, 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.019 there's got to be 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:32.539 space in your schedule. 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:36.480 You're going 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:37.339 to be inconvenienced 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:40.259 on a daily basis. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:43.039 To show mercy 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:44.019 takes time. 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.399 It's not going 00:24:47.399 --> 00:24:48.799 to mesh well 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:49.440 with your 00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:50.639 present daily 00:24:50.639 --> 00:24:51.279 arrangement 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:52.019 usually. 00:24:52.819 --> 00:24:53.019 I mean, 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:53.759 think about it this way. 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.980 Jesus was on his way 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:56.159 to Jerusalem 00:24:56.159 --> 00:24:56.779 and he had to go 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.519 through Jericho 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.319 and this is at the end 00:24:58.319 --> 00:24:59.420 of his days. 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:00.980 And he's walking 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.680 up to Jericho, 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.539 two blind men 00:25:02.539 --> 00:25:03.340 start calling out 00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:03.600 to him, 00:25:04.100 --> 00:25:04.380 Jesus, 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:05.080 son of David, 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.200 have mercy on me. 00:25:07.100 --> 00:25:07.700 They say it again, 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:08.060 Jesus, 00:25:08.320 --> 00:25:08.940 son of David, 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:10.000 have mercy on me. 00:25:10.580 --> 00:25:11.019 And Jesus' 00:25:11.180 --> 00:25:11.880 disciples are like, 00:25:12.299 --> 00:25:12.340 shh, 00:25:12.340 --> 00:25:14.180 shh, 00:25:14.180 --> 00:25:14.400 shh, 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:14.460 shh, 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:14.500 shh, 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:15.500 shh, 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.420 we're on an itinerary 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:16.860 here, buddy. 00:25:17.580 --> 00:25:18.640 Got to get to Jericho. 00:25:18.820 --> 00:25:19.120 Sorry, 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:19.700 no time. 00:25:19.820 --> 00:25:20.600 Jesus hears them 00:25:20.600 --> 00:25:21.660 and he says to them, 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:22.580 what can I do for you? 00:25:23.360 --> 00:25:24.240 What can I do for you? 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:24.820 That can wait. 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:27.140 You're asking for mercy? 00:25:27.360 --> 00:25:28.160 I give mercy. 00:25:28.320 --> 00:25:29.039 How can I help you? 00:25:29.600 --> 00:25:31.560 Jesus restores their sight. 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:35.360 It wasn't on the agenda though. 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.960 So for us to be Christ-like 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.460 in our mercy, 00:25:39.580 --> 00:25:40.500 we're going to be burdened, 00:25:40.580 --> 00:25:41.680 we're going to be inconvenienced, 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:43.100 we're going to bear cost. 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:43.940 It's going to show up 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:44.539 in our budget, 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:45.360 both personal 00:25:45.360 --> 00:25:46.360 and church budget. 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:48.500 It shows up. 00:25:49.160 --> 00:25:50.060 Money will be involved 00:25:50.060 --> 00:25:51.000 in helping those people 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.420 in need. 00:25:53.100 --> 00:25:54.320 We've got to make space 00:25:54.320 --> 00:25:54.980 for mercy. 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:58.500 Many of you right now 00:25:58.500 --> 00:25:59.720 may be asking the question, 00:25:59.880 --> 00:26:00.099 well, 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:01.759 how does that work? 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:03.740 How much do I give? 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.700 How do we do that? 00:26:05.880 --> 00:26:06.500 What do I do 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.420 when someone comes up 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.620 and asks me for five bucks? 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:09.460 What do I do? 00:26:10.440 --> 00:26:11.339 I'll come back to that 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:11.779 in a second. 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:15.579 But we're at a bare cost. 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:16.599 It's going to show up 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:17.480 in our budgets. 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:20.519 We've got to make space for that. 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:24.180 Like Christ, 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:24.639 we're going to be 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:25.980 personally involved with people. 00:26:26.500 --> 00:26:27.819 There's just no substitute. 00:26:29.059 --> 00:26:30.299 When we come across 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:31.180 people in need, 00:26:31.319 --> 00:26:33.400 there is no substitute 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:36.019 for personal relationship 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:37.059 with them. 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:37.460 None. 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:38.639 No substitute. 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:40.759 To pony up next to them, 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:41.259 to say, 00:26:41.619 --> 00:26:41.779 hey, 00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:42.700 how can I help you? 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:44.160 I might not have 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:44.779 all the answers, 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:45.680 but I can walk with you 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:46.059 through it. 00:26:48.160 --> 00:26:49.319 You've got to make space 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:49.819 for that. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:54.700 We see it in Jesus. 00:26:55.619 --> 00:26:57.299 Having received God's mercy, 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:59.720 we now show mercy. 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:01.160 We are burdened 00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:01.980 to inconvenience. 00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:02.920 We bear costs. 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:04.139 We're personally involved 00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:05.400 because it's like 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:06.519 the Good Samaritan. 00:27:07.379 --> 00:27:08.500 Because it's like Christ. 00:27:11.379 --> 00:27:13.019 The merciful are those 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:14.779 who have already received 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.559 God's mercy 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:17.700 and are seeking to show 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:19.400 God's mercy to others. 00:27:20.519 --> 00:27:21.039 Now, 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.660 if you are not burdened 00:27:22.660 --> 00:27:23.940 for those who are suffering 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:24.960 the fallout of sin, 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:27.259 if you're not willing 00:27:27.259 --> 00:27:28.240 to be inconvenienced, 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:30.519 if you're unmerciful 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:31.200 with your money, 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:33.400 if you're unwilling 00:27:33.400 --> 00:27:34.740 to get personally involved, 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:36.240 the question you need 00:27:36.240 --> 00:27:37.420 to answer this morning 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:38.119 is this. 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:40.660 Have you received 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:42.539 God's mercy in Christ? 00:27:42.539 --> 00:27:46.180 Do you know what He's done 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:46.579 for you? 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:50.180 Have you experienced 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:51.759 His kindness 00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:52.819 in His mercy? 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:54.639 He came for you. 00:27:56.579 --> 00:27:57.680 These words of Jesus 00:27:57.680 --> 00:27:58.799 pose a real challenge 00:27:58.799 --> 00:27:59.119 to us, 00:27:59.139 --> 00:27:59.519 don't they? 00:28:02.399 --> 00:28:03.440 They really get at 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:04.539 the self-righteous too. 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:09.079 All citizens 00:28:09.079 --> 00:28:10.119 of the kingdom of heaven 00:28:10.119 --> 00:28:10.799 show mercy. 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:12.159 Do you know why? 00:28:13.500 --> 00:28:14.799 Because all the citizens 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.779 of the kingdom of heaven 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.839 have received mercy. 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:18.879 The kingdom of heaven 00:28:18.879 --> 00:28:20.200 is a kingdom of mercy. 00:28:20.700 --> 00:28:22.039 And the king of heaven 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:22.619 himself 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:24.720 is mercy incarnate. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.680 Now, 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:31.840 I want you to imagine 00:28:31.840 --> 00:28:32.640 in your mind 00:28:32.640 --> 00:28:33.660 a line. 00:28:34.940 --> 00:28:35.980 We're going to call it 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:37.860 the mercy spectrum. 00:28:39.060 --> 00:28:40.140 And on one end 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:40.720 of the line 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:41.900 is the word 00:28:41.900 --> 00:28:42.820 merciful. 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:45.240 And on the other end 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.840 of the line 00:28:45.840 --> 00:28:46.400 is 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:47.900 merciless. 00:28:49.279 --> 00:28:50.420 Where do you fall? 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.940 Think in terms of 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:53.299 burden, 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.200 compassion. 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:55.759 Think in terms of 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.640 inconvenience. 00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:59.060 Think in terms of 00:28:59.060 --> 00:29:00.200 bearing the cost. 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.560 Think in terms of 00:29:01.560 --> 00:29:03.640 being personally involved. 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:05.180 Where do you fall 00:29:05.180 --> 00:29:06.080 on the spectrum? 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:08.680 Where do you want 00:29:08.680 --> 00:29:09.299 to move? 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.680 Where do you fall 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:15.539 on the mercy spectrum? 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.539 We've all got 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.400 ground to take. 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:21.340 Now, 00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:22.039 you may be asking 00:29:22.039 --> 00:29:23.120 yourself another question. 00:29:23.880 --> 00:29:24.779 Where do I start? 00:29:25.920 --> 00:29:26.720 Where do I start? 00:29:26.900 --> 00:29:27.620 Start in your house. 00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:28.240 Start in your home. 00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:29.000 Start with your kids. 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.120 Start with your spouse. 00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:31.920 Look for opportunities 00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:33.259 to show mercy to them. 00:29:34.060 --> 00:29:34.980 To meet them. 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.460 To help them. 00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:37.340 To show kindness 00:29:37.340 --> 00:29:37.860 to them. 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:40.460 Not to bring the lumber. 00:29:41.340 --> 00:29:41.980 Not to put them 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:42.660 in their place. 00:29:43.340 --> 00:29:44.039 You probably already 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:44.480 know that. 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.799 How do you show mercy? 00:29:49.799 --> 00:29:50.620 Where do you start? 00:29:51.060 --> 00:29:51.980 Start with those people 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:53.060 immediately around you. 00:29:53.060 --> 00:29:53.880 That's where you start. 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:56.320 They will be experiencing 00:29:56.320 --> 00:29:57.480 some kind of stress, 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:58.500 distress from sin. 00:30:01.260 --> 00:30:01.820 Now, 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.440 maybe you need 00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:03.880 helping, 00:30:04.060 --> 00:30:05.520 help thinking about 00:30:05.520 --> 00:30:06.640 how to show mercy. 00:30:07.320 --> 00:30:07.720 So, 00:30:07.800 --> 00:30:08.880 back to the question of, 00:30:09.280 --> 00:30:09.640 all right, 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:11.200 I'm over at, 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:12.120 you know, 00:30:12.620 --> 00:30:13.520 common grounds. 00:30:13.800 --> 00:30:15.160 Some person comes up to me 00:30:15.160 --> 00:30:16.260 and asks for five bucks. 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:17.020 What do I do? 00:30:17.820 --> 00:30:18.540 What do I do? 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:20.279 Well, 00:30:20.319 --> 00:30:21.000 there's a couple things 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:21.740 I want to help you with. 00:30:22.859 --> 00:30:24.200 If you go online, 00:30:24.839 --> 00:30:26.460 if you Google the words 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.720 helping without hurting, 00:30:27.899 --> 00:30:28.779 it's going to bring you 00:30:28.779 --> 00:30:29.859 to a video series. 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:31.680 It is outstanding. 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:32.440 So, 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:33.519 helping without hurting, 00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:34.399 it's put out by 00:30:34.399 --> 00:30:35.480 the Chalmers Center. 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:37.319 It's based out of St. Louis. 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:38.579 And, 00:30:38.940 --> 00:30:40.619 those six videos 00:30:40.619 --> 00:30:41.480 will give you 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:43.240 a very helpful introduction 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:46.000 to wise mercy. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:47.839 how to respond 00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:49.539 in those kind of moments 00:30:49.539 --> 00:30:50.099 where you feel 00:30:50.099 --> 00:30:50.940 put on the spot. 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:52.380 So, 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:52.900 go there. 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:54.140 Another option is 00:30:54.140 --> 00:30:55.079 this book, 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:56.039 Same People 00:30:56.039 --> 00:30:57.200 When Helping Hurts. 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:58.059 This is another 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:59.640 outstanding resource. 00:31:00.400 --> 00:31:01.619 I've got three copies 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:02.220 of this 00:31:02.220 --> 00:31:03.799 and I'd be glad 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.619 to hand them out 00:31:04.619 --> 00:31:05.039 to anybody 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:05.839 who would like one 00:31:05.839 --> 00:31:06.940 at the end of the service. 00:31:08.180 --> 00:31:08.680 So, 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:09.380 you want help 00:31:09.380 --> 00:31:10.220 in showing mercy? 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:12.099 People have gone before us 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:14.420 and have done 00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:16.340 some very careful thinking 00:31:16.340 --> 00:31:17.100 about it. 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:20.900 Who are the merciful? 00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:24.080 Those who have been shown 00:31:24.080 --> 00:31:25.259 God's mercy 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.680 and who are seeking 00:31:26.680 --> 00:31:27.680 to show 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:29.320 God's mercy. 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:30.759 Compassion and action. 00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:31.880 I want to close 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:32.759 with this question. 00:31:34.200 --> 00:31:35.039 What awaits 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:36.240 the merciful? 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:37.920 What awaits 00:31:37.920 --> 00:31:39.100 the merciful? 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:41.039 In Matthew 5-7 00:31:41.039 --> 00:31:41.500 we read, 00:31:41.800 --> 00:31:42.500 Blessed are the merciful 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:44.519 for they shall receive 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:45.880 mercy. 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:49.079 Brothers and sisters, 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:49.859 God has already 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:51.259 shown His mercy 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:52.279 to you in Christ. 00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:54.519 You didn't get 00:31:54.519 --> 00:31:55.200 what you deserved. 00:31:56.599 --> 00:31:57.680 He paid it all. 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.740 And He continues 00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:03.619 to show His mercy 00:32:03.619 --> 00:32:04.119 to you 00:32:04.119 --> 00:32:05.640 and He will show 00:32:05.640 --> 00:32:06.799 His mercy to you 00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:08.559 on that particular day, 00:32:08.740 --> 00:32:09.799 that great and final 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:10.740 day of judgment. 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:13.880 We will all 00:32:13.880 --> 00:32:14.940 stand before 00:32:14.940 --> 00:32:15.859 the judgment seat 00:32:15.859 --> 00:32:16.500 of Christ. 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:19.039 But you have 00:32:19.039 --> 00:32:19.680 nothing to fear. 00:32:22.019 --> 00:32:23.480 For your judge 00:32:23.480 --> 00:32:24.539 is also 00:32:24.539 --> 00:32:25.480 mercy 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:26.319 incarnate. 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:29.359 The one who sits 00:32:29.359 --> 00:32:30.120 upon the throne 00:32:30.120 --> 00:32:34.259 has already been 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:35.059 burdened for you. 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.420 The one who sits 00:32:37.420 --> 00:32:38.160 upon the throne 00:32:38.160 --> 00:32:40.040 He's already 00:32:40.040 --> 00:32:40.980 been inconvenienced 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:41.480 for you. 00:32:42.519 --> 00:32:43.360 The one who sits 00:32:43.360 --> 00:32:44.120 upon the throne 00:32:44.120 --> 00:32:45.460 already bore 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:46.580 the cost for you. 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:47.380 The one who sits 00:32:47.380 --> 00:32:48.200 upon the throne 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:49.440 has been personally 00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:50.519 involved with you 00:32:50.519 --> 00:32:51.279 from the beginning. 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:55.160 He's the one 00:32:55.160 --> 00:32:55.700 who sits upon 00:32:55.700 --> 00:32:56.120 the throne. 00:32:57.480 --> 00:32:58.460 Mercy incarnate 00:32:58.460 --> 00:32:59.300 sits upon the throne. 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:00.200 Jesus sits 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:00.840 upon the throne. 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:03.980 And so if He 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.779 were to ask you 00:33:04.779 --> 00:33:05.480 on that day, 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:08.640 what do you 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:08.940 plead? 00:33:10.799 --> 00:33:11.400 If you were 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:12.059 to ask me, 00:33:12.240 --> 00:33:12.559 Michael, 00:33:13.079 --> 00:33:14.079 what do you 00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:14.420 plead? 00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:16.900 There's only one 00:33:16.900 --> 00:33:17.799 word that will 00:33:17.799 --> 00:33:18.579 come to your mind. 00:33:19.940 --> 00:33:20.480 And only one 00:33:20.480 --> 00:33:21.160 word will come 00:33:21.160 --> 00:33:21.819 off your lips 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:22.339 and it will be 00:33:22.339 --> 00:33:22.980 with a whisper. 00:33:24.620 --> 00:33:24.920 Jesus. 00:33:26.819 --> 00:33:27.220 Jesus. 00:33:27.220 --> 00:33:27.339 Jesus, 00:33:27.380 --> 00:33:28.220 Jesus, 00:33:29.180 --> 00:33:29.539 you are my 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:30.200 only plea. 00:33:31.960 --> 00:33:32.860 You are my 00:33:32.860 --> 00:33:33.559 only plea. 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.519 the only hope 00:33:34.519 --> 00:33:35.200 I have before 00:33:35.200 --> 00:33:35.700 this throne 00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:36.279 is you. 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:39.119 What awaits 00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:39.759 the merciful? 00:33:41.339 --> 00:33:42.440 More mercy. 00:33:43.339 --> 00:33:44.220 What awaits 00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:44.839 the merciful? 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:46.839 Mercy incarnate. 00:33:48.399 --> 00:33:49.279 We fear not. 00:33:50.759 --> 00:33:51.299 If you were 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:51.759 to ask, 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:52.659 what do you 00:33:52.659 --> 00:33:52.919 plea? 00:33:53.039 --> 00:33:53.579 And we say, 00:33:53.740 --> 00:33:54.079 Jesus, 00:33:54.599 --> 00:33:55.240 He says, 00:33:55.440 --> 00:33:56.779 enter the joy 00:33:56.779 --> 00:33:57.319 of your 00:33:57.319 --> 00:33:57.839 master. 00:33:59.839 --> 00:34:00.740 What awaits 00:34:00.740 --> 00:34:01.319 the mercy? 00:34:01.940 --> 00:34:02.519 The merciful? 00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:03.440 Mercy. 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.279 Those who are 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.139 promised God's 00:34:07.139 --> 00:34:08.000 mercy in the 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.500 future have 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.460 already received 00:34:10.460 --> 00:34:11.440 God's mercy 00:34:11.440 --> 00:34:12.759 in the present. 00:34:13.759 --> 00:34:14.239 And so, 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:15.300 we show mercy 00:34:15.300 --> 00:34:16.500 to all 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:18.460 because Jesus 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:19.679 is mercy 00:34:19.679 --> 00:34:20.340 incarnate. 00:34:21.059 --> 00:34:21.500 Let's pray. 00:34:23.259 --> 00:34:24.199 God in heaven, 00:34:25.079 --> 00:34:27.420 we are in 00:34:27.420 --> 00:34:28.219 constant need 00:34:28.219 --> 00:34:28.759 of mercy. 00:34:28.760 --> 00:34:28.820 mercy. 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:31.800 And we want 00:34:31.800 --> 00:34:32.480 to be merciful. 00:34:34.100 --> 00:34:34.720 God, 00:34:34.760 --> 00:34:35.120 would you do 00:34:35.120 --> 00:34:35.740 the work in 00:34:35.740 --> 00:34:36.060 us? 00:34:37.120 --> 00:34:37.880 Would you 00:34:37.880 --> 00:34:39.420 make us 00:34:39.420 --> 00:34:40.060 merciful? 00:34:41.380 --> 00:34:42.100 Thank you 00:34:42.100 --> 00:34:42.700 for the promise 00:34:42.700 --> 00:34:43.580 which lies ahead 00:34:43.580 --> 00:34:45.040 that we have 00:34:45.040 --> 00:34:46.180 a merciful judge 00:34:46.180 --> 00:34:47.240 waiting for us. 00:34:48.680 --> 00:34:48.900 God, 00:34:48.940 --> 00:34:49.620 we rest in 00:34:49.620 --> 00:34:49.940 that, 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:51.300 knowing that 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:51.860 we bear 00:34:51.860 --> 00:34:52.660 His righteousness. 00:34:53.540 --> 00:34:54.340 In Jesus' 00:34:54.540 --> 00:34:54.740 name, 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:55.680 amen. 00:34:55.680 --> 00:34:55.780 Amen. 00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:55.820 Amen. 00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:55.860 Amen. 00:34:55.860 --> 00:34:55.880 Amen. 00:34:55.880 --> 00:34:55.900 Amen. 00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:55.940 Amen. 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:55.980 Amen.