Day 13: Mercy In Agony
Leo Riveria (Luke 23:32-43)
One of the most remarkable moments of vulnerability that I remember from Ps Bill Johnson was when his wife Benny passed away. Just days after her passing, he stood in front of the church and said something that was just too deep then as it is now. He said something like this (I'm paraphrasing):
“In Heaven, I know I will worship the Lord forever, I'll be in front of his throne for eternity worshipping in Joy; therefore HERE AND NOW it's the only opportunity that I get to offer something to Him as an offering, in the middle of my experience of deep annoying pain.”
Then I was just thinking; Was there ever a deeper or more annoying pain than the one Jesus went through at the cross?
The whole scene is full of deep emotions. Being ridiculed, mocked, hit by those he came down to save, feed, heal? A mother losing her son, friends losing their best friend, their master; the very light of the world was hanging on that cross; the earth was covered in darkness that day, but in the midst of this madness, the darkness didn't overcome.
It didn't overcome, not because it didn't strike with all its power, or because it didn't use its most despicable resources, but because Jesus, till His very last minute on earth, displayed absolute Love with no logical explanation. Forgive them cause they know what they are doing.
When I'm in pain, I react to whatever or whoever caused my pain. That's our immediate answer. Reacting to pain can have many different outcomes, none of them are really good.
Mercy in agony is something deep and revealing of the Nature of God. It lifts our souls; displays love, mercy, and understanding when I may feel that I have the right to punish,
revenge, when my understanding might be blurry due to my emotions. Mercy in agony is a response, not a reaction. And a great filter when I'm in pain is to be able
to ask ourselves;
Am I responding or am I reacting?
Am I reacting out of the pain of my heart, or am I reacting out of the pain of my ego?
How can I step out of my own perspective to see the perspective of God in specific
people, circumstances or situations?
Activation
Determine what issue or circumstance in your life needs Mercy to be extended to. Something that has been like a stone in your shoe, not letting you move forward or to advance without pain or discomfort, especially towards people who haven't been honourable to you. People that have mistreated you, offended you, hurt you.
And just pray.
Lord, I renounce the offence, the hurt and the pain that __ has caused me (or is causing me) I lay it down before you.
I give up my right to remain offended, wounded, frustrated against __ person or ___ circumstance.
I can see with your eyes, and I can forgive with your Heart. I can extend mercy and forgiveness towards others and towards myself cause that's who you are, full of mercy,
goodness, forgiveness and redemption.
In Jesus name