Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year to All
Hope this New Year will find you well and happy in Christ Jesus!
As I've previously written, I'm researching the subject of Godly mercy for a book that I'm writting about the subject. Maybe it's time that I write down what I've found out so far.
Currently, I'm looking at the Old Testament writings about mercy. Some verse, while they don't specifically mention mercy, they do mention concepts closely related to it, such as Micah 6:8, "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
This is what I've come up with so far (with the help of some study aids). Micah 6:8 tells us to remember that God has shown us what is right and good, and in return Jehovah "requires" us to act justly to one another, to "love kindness", and walk in humility before God.
It seems to me the "act justly" is the hardest part of this commandment. We as human beings are well equiped to accuse and curse those whom we see as sinners, but when it comes to our own sin, we turn a blind eye. This is not what God intends however, because this is in direct violation of his requirement to walk humbly before Him. Acting completely justly would entail earnestly examining our own actions and thoughts to see if we have sinned in any capacity even remotely simular to that of the sinner in question, and then showing compassion even when discipline is needed. Sometimes that act of discpline hurts the sinner in the short run, but is meant to pursuade them not to do the act again, or something more dire and destructive might happen to them is not in the physical, than supernatural. If not in the immediate world, than in the eternal. This is an ultimate act of mercy; to show the sinner that their actions deserve a more severe punishment than what they are getting right now. All of this must come with humility, since Christians must always consider that they too were once condemned by the law, but now dwell in Christ's love and mercy.
I'll try posting more on the subject in the upcoming days and weeks a head.
Love in Christ to all my Brother's and Sister's.
As I've previously written, I'm researching the subject of Godly mercy for a book that I'm writting about the subject. Maybe it's time that I write down what I've found out so far.
Currently, I'm looking at the Old Testament writings about mercy. Some verse, while they don't specifically mention mercy, they do mention concepts closely related to it, such as Micah 6:8, "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
This is what I've come up with so far (with the help of some study aids). Micah 6:8 tells us to remember that God has shown us what is right and good, and in return Jehovah "requires" us to act justly to one another, to "love kindness", and walk in humility before God.
It seems to me the "act justly" is the hardest part of this commandment. We as human beings are well equiped to accuse and curse those whom we see as sinners, but when it comes to our own sin, we turn a blind eye. This is not what God intends however, because this is in direct violation of his requirement to walk humbly before Him. Acting completely justly would entail earnestly examining our own actions and thoughts to see if we have sinned in any capacity even remotely simular to that of the sinner in question, and then showing compassion even when discipline is needed. Sometimes that act of discpline hurts the sinner in the short run, but is meant to pursuade them not to do the act again, or something more dire and destructive might happen to them is not in the physical, than supernatural. If not in the immediate world, than in the eternal. This is an ultimate act of mercy; to show the sinner that their actions deserve a more severe punishment than what they are getting right now. All of this must come with humility, since Christians must always consider that they too were once condemned by the law, but now dwell in Christ's love and mercy.
I'll try posting more on the subject in the upcoming days and weeks a head.
Love in Christ to all my Brother's and Sister's.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Merry Christmas one and all
I'd like to take this time to wish one and all in blogger land. This has got to one of my favorite time of year. I've had many wonderful memories of Christmas traditions. One of the fondest memory involves putting up the Christmas tree. My mom, dad and I, along with my brother and sister would dutifully make our way to the woods to cut down the best tree. My father usually scoped out the best ones in advance, but would always let the family pick out the one that we wanted. With a lot of labor, my father and brother would inch their way under the tree and cut the trunk. Later, again with a lot of effort, they would drag it to the living room and place it in the stand.
One year while decorating the tree, I asked my mom why we celebrate Christmas with a tree. This is what I learned: the evergreen color symbolizes everlasting love God had shown to us on the first Christmas. He sent His Son to the world to save us from sin and eternal damnation. The string of lights reminds us of the Light of the World came into a place full of darkness and despair. The angel we placed on the top bough represents the Heavenly Host sent to proclaim the Word becoming flesh to save the world. The tree itself also tells us that eventhough He came as a Baby gentle and loved, He would grow to die and horrible death, forsaken by His friends, so that all whom believe would have eternal life with Him.
Curious, I asked, why did we give gifts each year. She told me of the Wise men who gave gold, frankincense and myrrh to the child Jesus. Gold is for His Kingship, frankincense represents His everlasting preisthood, and myrrh tells of the sacrifice He would make for us all. I would later consider them
Please, tell me of your memories of Christmas. They can be anything you'd like to see posted.
God Bless!
One year while decorating the tree, I asked my mom why we celebrate Christmas with a tree. This is what I learned: the evergreen color symbolizes everlasting love God had shown to us on the first Christmas. He sent His Son to the world to save us from sin and eternal damnation. The string of lights reminds us of the Light of the World came into a place full of darkness and despair. The angel we placed on the top bough represents the Heavenly Host sent to proclaim the Word becoming flesh to save the world. The tree itself also tells us that eventhough He came as a Baby gentle and loved, He would grow to die and horrible death, forsaken by His friends, so that all whom believe would have eternal life with Him.
Curious, I asked, why did we give gifts each year. She told me of the Wise men who gave gold, frankincense and myrrh to the child Jesus. Gold is for His Kingship, frankincense represents His everlasting preisthood, and myrrh tells of the sacrifice He would make for us all. I would later consider them
Please, tell me of your memories of Christmas. They can be anything you'd like to see posted.
God Bless!
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