God said to Jonah:
You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow… And should I not have concern for the great city of Niniveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left – and also the animals?
Jonah 4,10f
Jesus told a story (Luke 10,25ff):
A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the inn-keeper. "Look after him," he said, "and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."
Jesus is this man full of sympathy, compassion and mercy. He will not leave us injured, wounded and half-dead, lying on the side of the road. He takes mercy on us. He comforts, heals the wounded heart and takes us in his strong arms. He is not indifferent to our well-being! He helps instantly. And he does not help only a little bit, but he makes sure that everything is really alright. That is his work for us, a work that never ends. Each and every morning he is there, pouring oil and wine, anointing us for the new day. He is a wonderful, sympathetic, loving, patient and friendly Lord. He takes mercy upon us. And what about us? How often don’t we toss others mercilessly into hell? How often do we see that someone really needs help? How many harsh words do we have for others? How focused are we on the faults of others? And Jesus? Jesus is saddened over our mercilessness, because he loves the others just as much as he loves us.
He takes mercy on man and beast. Sometimes we suffer inconsolably because of a tiny matter, and forget about the suffering of the masses. How wonderful that God is greater than our thoughts and feelings!
Thank You, Jesus, You are the man of mercy! Yes, I need Your mercy every day! And I want that mercy for my fellow man and all living creatures; – fill me with mercy and compassion! So that the merciless legality and petty judgment can disappear from my heart!
Bible study for today: Ephesians 2, 1-10