THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JUSTICE AND MERCY

I often think about the differences between the Old Testament ways and thinking of man and the teaching in the New Testament--and the striking contrasts. The 25th Psalm is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. The Psalmist is praying for his enemies to "be ashamed" and often we read in the Psalms as he prays for their destruction, confusion, and shame.

In the New Testament, Jesus ushers in a radical change with His teaching of "turn the other cheek", "forgive them who trespass against us", "love your enemies" and "pray for them that despitefully use you". No wonder they thought He was a false prophet--His words were so opposite everything they had become accustomed to hearing and being taught for hundreds of years. They had rehearsed and embedded a very different message--a type of What was to come. It was veiled to them. They couldn't see grace. They saw vengeance, so they awaited a Warrior Who would rescue them by destroying their enemies, rather than destroying the enemy and subduing sin within them. They wanted justice--not realizing that mercy is what they really needed.

When Jesus came with mercy, He was rejected because the gift of mercy was hidden to them behind hearts that were stuck on the outward--hearts that wanted to fight and have God make them victors in war. He brought them peace within--in spite of outward circumstances--they wanted less, to change the outward circumstances, while leaving the inside of the cup unclean. And, they missed the mercy and grace that was theirs, first.

Even, the Psalmist in his prayer started out focused on the enemy and his demise, but when his focus changed--and he saw his own heart, in need of mercy and pardon...He saw the lovingkindness and tender mercies of God.



 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. [Psalm 143:6]

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