Subscription Lists

The word mercy is an interesting and somewhat diverse word. It is used in a variety of ways, but all of them have a common thread. Inasmuch as we have undertaken to examine the implications of the fact that God is the Father of mercies (2 Corinthians 1.3), it is certainly a worthwhile endeavor to try to understand the word at the heart of our studies.

Sometimes the word was used to seek physical blessings such as healing or the restoration of normal functions such as eyesight or hearing. For instance, a blind man repeatedly called out to Jesus and asked Him saying, “Have mercy on me.” (Luke 18.38-39). In a similar manner, lepers called to Jesus beseeching Him for mercy (Luke 17.11ff). When Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, He asked His listeners who had been a neighbor to the wounded man. They responded correctly by saying, “He who showed mercy on him.” (Luke 10.37). Here we see that the term mercy was used frequently in asking a physical favor.

However, mercy was also used in what we might call a “doctrinal” manner. Micah identified mercy as one of the Lord's requirements for righteous living. “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6.8). In bemoaning Israel's apostasy, the Lord identified mercy as a forgotten ingredient for righteousness. “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And your judgments are like light that goes forth. For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6.4-6). Jesus cited this very verse during His ministry as proof that an action of David that might otherwise have been considered sinful, was acceptable to God (Matthew 12.7). To further demonstrate the necessity of mercy in the lives of believers, Jesus identified it alongside of justice, mercy and faith as the “...weightier matters of the law.” (Matthew 23.23).

Finally, mercy is also used in a more formal legal way. We still use the word in that manner when we speak of someone throwing himself on the mercy of the court or a similar phrase. Job exclaimed, “For though I were righteous, I could not answer Him; I would beg mercy of my Judge.” (Job 9.15). Again this displays the formal and legal usage of the word. In our next installment, we will continue to look at this aspect of the word as it relates to God and His dealings with man.

We can already see why the Holy Spirit used the plural of the word mercy in referring to God as the Father of Mercies. He holds the key to all these many, many blessing in His hand. He can bless physically, and He has the power to grant forgiveness and forgo punishment of the guilty. He also seeks to impress upon mankind the necessity of speaking and acting from a heart full of mercy. Deeds alone are not adequate before the Eternal Judge of the universe; He wants converted hearts, not just conforming hands!

Questions:

1. What is the common thread that runs through all usages of the word mercy?

2. What does it mean to throw oneself on the mercy of the court? What is implied by such an action?

3. What did Job recognize about His standing before God when he said he would not answer Him, but would beg for mercy?

4. Why do you suppose that mercy was identified as one of the weightier matters of the law?

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

A Needy Man Calls Out for Help Jesus Responds and Answers