“Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psa. 85:10) Truth demands justice WILL, but mercy demands hope. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, Truth said, “They shall die,” but Mercy said, “I love them.” Oh, HOW WOULD GOD RECONCILE TRUTH AND MERCY for they both had a responsibility toward man? TRUTH is what is necessary for man to know THE HOLINESS OF GOD, but MERCY would be necessary for man TO KNOW THE LOVE OF GOD. Where did they meet? IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST, God would provide mercy, making the vilest sinner feel hope, and He would provide truth, through His spotless character. Jesus is the perfect balance of mercy and truth.
“…the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. And set her in the midst, they said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery. Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him…Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground (He wrote each of their sins on their heart)…So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is WITHOUT SIN among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” (John 8:3-9) This woman is guilty, the Lord says to her, “Where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?” She answers, “No man, Lord.” MERCY says, “Neither do I CONDEMN THEE,” and TRUTH says, “Go, and SIN NO MORE.”
Remember this, MERCY RESCUES AND TRUTH PROTECTS. WITHOUT TRUTH, LIFE WOULD BE LAWLESS; WITHOUT MERCY, LIFE WOULD BE HOPELESS!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham