IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH.
5) The Desire of God for Mercy as the expression of Love.
So how is love expressed in our lives? How is the love of God shed abroad in our hearts? The Lord Jesus Christ, Yahshua Messiah Adonai, has risen from death, overcoming the consequences of sin and rebellion in Creation. His victory for man has secured dominion and reconciliation for all the Creation that was given into man's hand. The truth of his love reigning in Heaven and penetrating throughout Creation is bringing saving hope to all his creatures, all those who lay hold upon the innocence given to them by the Lord who proclaimed forgiveness for those who would receive it (by 'mere' faith). Having seen the mercy of the Lord who gave up glory to be shamed, violated and crushed by all of our guilt - as a race responsible for all the destruction in Creation - we must respond to his life, the life that gives us a new way to live without hurt forever.
In communication with our Father and the living Word of God by His Spirit we become vessels of paradise. The washing of his holy blood in every area of our lives, giving us life, breath, strength and nourishment seeks total sanctification in us. He will complete his work, and his mercy will become full in us, both as individuals and throughout all his created order. At the return of the conquering King at the end of this age, these last days, he shall abolish all evil, sickness and death. Everything will be cast into the lake of fire that has no place in his perfect will, our bodies will be consumed and only the new life, the new bodies of his perfected creatures will inhabit eternity. This is that great resurrection from death in this world, into the new life in the kingdom of heaven ( the new heaven and earth).
We are to live now in this life as creatures of the kingdom of God. The fruit of the Holy Spirit should pervade our lives. There is no room for self-justification, self-righteousness, complacency or selfishness. Our brothers and sisters, men, women and children around the world are suffering and dying, many in terrible ignorance and despair. Do our hearts grieve at the injustice and cruelty perpetrated by the economic and political system of which we are members? Do we seek to promote husbandry which follows God's design? Do we care for the welfare of people to whom the Lord has sent us with his good tidings? Do we understand the connection between violating God's laws in his Creation and harming the children of the kingdom that he wishes us to reach?
We have so much to learn, so much heart seeking to do. There is so much God wants to do in us, to transform us with love and mercy that we know not of. The way he expressed his love for us was in mercy, seeing our condition, our weakness, our lust, and identifying our need for rescue. He bore our sin our disease and death in a final sacrifice that broke the chains upon love in this Creation. Satan has no power over this love, this mercy, it is the power of God.
Lord help us to identify with you and your mercy as you gave your life, your body, your soul to share your power with your creatures. Let us look upon all creatures that you made with the care and concern with which you crafted them at the beginning - for your joy, not for the death that came from sin and evil. In Christ we have seen the end of sin. Let us now follow him in the life of the Spirit of Love, bringing healing, kindness and truth with our hands overflowing with Mercy.
Amen.