Mercy Not Sacrifice

I was reading Matthew 12 this morning and was stricken by Jesus' words in verse 7 that God desires mercy and not sacrifice. Jesus was addressing the Pharisees' criticism of His disciples picking and eating grain on the Sabbath. It is a well known fact that the Pharisees were well versed in the law, and were quick to point out when others did not follow it. This, of course, put them in the judgement seat, which was not theirs to occupy.

While it is a worthwhile endeavor to try to follow the law, we must also understand that NO ONE can follow it 100 percent, 100 percent of the time. The law was given to shine a light on my sinful nature and make me realize that without Jesus, I am totally lost. The law was not given that I should shine it on other people, for to do so implies that I believe my sins are less serious than those of others. God makes no such distinction, as indicated by the words in James that when we break one law we break them all. If I am interpreting properly, then my gossip or unkind words to someone are just as bad as murder or adultery,etc.

Strict observance of the law requires sacrifice. This can lead to works of the flesh. But what God desires most, according to Jesus, is that we be merciful to one another. I can tithe all I want, but if I speak cruelly to my children, my financial sacrifice matters little. I can attend three church services a day seven days a week, but if I speak ill of someone, my efforts amount to stubble. If I envy what my neighbor has, even a little, I have sinned. I am no better than someone who robs a bank, is a drug dealer or has multiple sex partners. It all breaks God's law.

When I reach an understanding of just how serious my sin nature really is and how desperately helpless I am to change it, I will finally understand just how much Jesus' sacrifice of His own life was. That was the only sacrifice that ever fulfilled God's purpose and the last one that will ever be required. When I understand just how much God has forgiven me for even those sins I thought were minor, I will finally be in a position to offer mercy and forgiveness to others. And that's all God wants. To do less is to undermine the significance of Jesus' death on the cross.

There is a reason why pride is such an abomination to God. It boldly proclaims that I am better than you are, and wrongfully claims for itself the judgement seat. The only position from which I can be of service to such a holy God is flat on the ground. From there, I can only look up to the One whom I love with all my heart....and will never be able to look down on my fellow man.