20151121 MERCY VS RULES

MERCY VS RULES

Matthew 12:1-8 At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them.  (2)  But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, "Look, Your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath."  (3)  Jesus said to them, "Haven't you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?  (4)  He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat.  (5)  And haven't you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath?  (6)  I tell you, there is One here who is even greater than the Temple!  (7)  But you would not have condemned My innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.'  (8)  For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"

I’m reminded of the cowboy who retired after many years on the range. He moved into a city and attended a big city church. His fanciest clothing consisted of a clean pair of faded jeans and a plaid shirt which he wore with his customary cowboy boots. As he was leaving after his first visit the pastor shook his hand and said, “I’m so glad you were able to join us today for service and I hope you will return, but would you do me a favor?”

The cowboy politely indicated he would try.

The pastor went on, “Would you ask the Lord what the proper attire is for attending worship here.”

The cowboy promised he would do that. The following week he returned to the same church wearing the exact same clothing. Again, on the way out the pastor shook his hand and said, “I’m so glad you came back, but I thought we agreed you would ask the Lord what the proper attire is for attending worship here.”

The cowboy replied, “Yes sir, we did and I did indeed pray and ask the Lord this week.”

The pastor smirked and asked, “And what did the Lord tell you?”

To which the cowboy replied, “He said He didn’t know because He has never been here.”

I’m so grateful for the mercy that our Heavenly Father has shown us and shows us daily. It is important to note that the ceremonial and dietary laws were given to show us that we all fall short of God’s glory. No one was able to keep all the law except Jesus and He is Lord, even over the Sabbath.

We all have preferences in life. Some of those preferences we feel very strong about. We might even be willing to fight for them, but should we? There are things in the scriptures that are non-negotiables, but those aren’t usually what we fight over.

God’s desire for us is that we would be merciful as He is merciful. I love the way that the NLT puts this… Hosea 6:6  I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know Me more than I want burnt offerings.

Father in heaven, fill us with Your amazing love, Your mercy, Your grace. Remind us when we are getting caught up in our preferences and putting them above people. Help us to walk in holiness, but to do it with much love. In Jesus Holy and precious name, AMEN!!!