They Got Caught
SUNDAY, October 18
Exodus 32:1-14
Imagine the children of Israel dancing around the golden calf when Moses entered the scene. The frivolity of the moment came crashing to a halt when they recognized their sin. It was time to ’fess up.
The sin of the idol was their biggest collective transgression yet. Moses stepped in between an angry God and the people who had just forged the calf. God had every right to act swiftly and with devastating impact. Their complete destruction as a rebellious people did not deserve mercy.
The true mercy at work during a people’s betrayal is on God. Moses stood as their last chance before destruction. He appealed to God by reminding God of his character. And God remembered. Mercy is not tied to Israel’s—or our—performance. It rests in the hands of a God who chooses to stand on his promises.
Prayer
God, your grace and mercy each day turn our lives around. Amen.
Come To My Aid
Monday, October 19
Psalm 106:1-6, 43-48
I know I often feel rotten inside when I account for something I might have done wrong. The good news is God remembers his mercy. That does not give me permission to mess things up with my life, but it certainly reminds me that when I do hit a major speed bump, I am not alone.
At other times, when I am trying to justify my own actions, I realize that my consistent sin is not a marker for faithful living. It is what it is. Sin.
The psalmist drives home the point to help me remember that God comes to our aid. I cannot begin to contemplate how he remembers his promises to me. God sees our need. He hears our prayer. Out of his mercy he remembers his covenant and comes to our aid.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for finding me in my worst moments. Without you I am lost. Amen.
We Trustes, He Saved
Tuesday, October 20
Isaiah 25:1-9
It would be interesting to watch a video from heaven where a content creator uses the day to profile God and his activity. I think we might be surprised.
I was raised with a concept of an angry God. He was like an angry father just waiting for me to come home and smash me like a bug for my wrongdoing.
If Isaiah were the content creator named above, he paints a different picture altogether. God is our tower of refuge. God interacts with his people not out of anger, but in love. Mercy shows up as the force that overcomes our sorrow like shade from a tree in the hot summer sun.
I find God’s character intriguing. It is rooted in his reliable attributes, thankfully not in my activity or because I deserve it. It is love.
Prayer
God, even though the world may rage around us, help us remember we are safe in your loving care. Amen.
Accountability
Wednesday, October 21
Ezekiel 18:14, 25-32
It seems that we live in a time where many feel they are always right. Their own approach to living does not necessarily give them the space to consider their own mistakes. This is the approach Israel followed. Ezekiel calls them to turn, repent, and live.
God wants to see transformation in the hearts of those who believe. True mercy as reflected by the heart of God suggests that rather than giving us a free pass to sin, God calls us to turn, find new life, and live it.
The Israelites couldn’t see it any other way than their own. They missed the invitation to be accountable to God. Instead, we see them argue with their Creator. Ezekiel’s words point them into a new direction.
In his mercy, God invites us to turn from our sin, be transformed, and live.
Prayer
Change my heart, O God, and hold me close to you in all I do. Amen.
The Interpersonal Side Of Mercy
Thursday, October 22
Philippians 4:1-7
Paul greets the Philippians, then immediately addresses the conflicts that were brewing among them. He shows them how mercy between people can take center stage. Mercy is the intentional glue that peace can bring because of prayerful and gentle cooperation.
Paul urges them, “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (v. 5, NIV). Mercy holds the community of believers together. It is a way of life we sometimes forget in the face of our personal anger.
Paul invites us to fill our days with joy. He suggests taking everything to God in prayer and letting him do our heavy lifting for us.
Imagine living in a community where God’s peace prevails, our anxieties are reduced, and we are full of joy because we let God handle that for us.
Prayer
Lord, may others see our joy in the lives we live to your kingdom purposes. Amen.
Mercy As A Way Of Life
Friday, October 23
Philippians 4:8-9
True mercy is not meant to be ours alone. It is not meant to be possessed by the individual. It is best applied in living a life that allows mercy to shape our minds and our actions.
I am amazed that God is so open to helping me turn my life into something I cannot even imagine. I could begin to replace bad habits with better habits. I can start to recognize and celebrate God’s presence in my life every day.
If there is truth to the statement that we move in the direction of our most dominant thought, mercy as a way of life might best serve us as that focal point. It would lead us to all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. The resulting integration introduces the peace of God into our lives.
Prayer
Lord, bring peace to our lives through your presence as we live out your mercy. Amen.
The Legacy Of Mercy
Saturday, October 24
Psalm 78:1-7
When did you first hear about Jesus? Did someone tell you the story with their words and also with their life? Maybe a friend helped you craft a new understanding about a relationship you never had before.
Mercy tells the story of God’s love. As God’s story unfolds, it becomes a legacy of remembering God at work in our lives. It is the way our trust and confidence find roots growing in the love of God.
Not only do we celebrate the impact of what God is doing in our lives, we make certain we share those stories together, so the next generation will hear and be able to trust God as well. Our best work is passing on the legacy we received to others.
Prayer
God, use me as your messenger to share the story of your love. Amen.
