His Mercy In The Face Of Judgment
By Lauren Stein, Session Elder
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13)
Growing up, I often misunderstood the Ten Commandments as being a 10-point assignment on which I could earn a passing grade. I subconsciously assumed that as long as I abide by most of the commands, then I am good to go. I mean a 7 out of 10 is still a passing grade, right?
But that is not how the commandments work. James 2, verse 10 says that “whoever keeps the whole law but fails at one point has become accountable for all of it.” There is part of me that balks at that idea. It seems unfair that I can abide by nine commandments and yet it isn’t enough. It is an uncomfortable thought to think that I am as guilty and as sinful as someone who has killed another person.
The truth is that that uncomfortable thought is the foundation of the joy and good news of the Gospel. My inability to earn salvation and eternal life underlines my need for a Savior in Jesus Christ. If I could earn salvation by abiding by most of the commandments, then that would minimize the sacrifice of Jesus’ life on the cross.
When God gave Israel the Ten Commandments, He was promising His provision and explaining the obligations that Israel would need to uphold. It described how they would be loyal to God, honor Him with their time, and worship Him with their lives. I think God knew that Israel and all of humanity would fall short of these commands. He knew that on our own, we could never fulfill these obligations, and because of that, a penalty would need to be paid. He knew that would be necessary because He is a righteous judge.
But He is also gracious and merciful, so He had a plan. He would send His only begotten Son to pay the penalty. With His blameless life, Jesus fulfilled the obligations of the Ten Commandments. With His death, Jesus paid the penalty owed by humanity. By fulfilling both the obligations and the penalty, He freed us to receive the full provision and protection of God the Father. This understanding that I am deserving of judgment, but I have been given grace and mercy, is what compels me to both evangelism and good works.
James 2:12-13 reminds us that in all that we do or say, we need to remember that all are accountable and judged by the same law. It can be easy to become focused on how others are falling short. It is easy to see what is in front of us without ever looking at what is inside of us. But the Bible is clear. We are to show mercy just as we have been shown mercy. In the following verses, James continues on to describe the relationship of faith and works. While our good works cannot earn us eternal life, it should be done out of the overflow of gratitude that we feel for His mercy in the face of judgment.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus as a living sacrifice for my sins. Your mercy overwhelms me and rest in that. I pray that every word and deed would come out of the overflow of gratitude in my heart. Make me aware of where You are at work in the world and how I can join You in Your Kingdom work. Amen.
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