The first time I saw the production of Les Misérables, I was blown away by the music and artistic talent I observed. Unfortunately, I didn’t really understand the story line until much later. As Nancy preached the week before last, she referenced Jean Valjean, a hardened prisoner who received the gift of grace from a merciful Bishop. In the light of this mercy, he is broken. By the Blood-bought mercy offered to him by the Bishop, Jean Valjean’s life was permanently and forever changed. He himself becomes a man of mercy. God’s mercy is beautiful — beautiful to the sinner who is willing to confront his own sin and self-insufficiency, and who is willing to be humbled.
Much like Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, all we like sheep have gone astray. Without a merciful Savior, we too are without hope. In Psalm 123 we see contempt and scorn addressed. Those who are filled with their own righteousness are doomed. Those who humble themselves are shown mercy. Nancy challenged us to examine ourselves and see what in our own lives may be tempted to feel contempt and scorn and how we can invite the Holy Spirit to deal with those feelings. We have opportunities to show mercy to others in a variety of ways. We are called to show mercy and not contempt; not putting ourselves above other, but rather investing into others the same mercy we have been shown by God.
This last Sunday, Allen preached from Psalm 124: Unless the Lord had been on our side. This song was sung as the Israelites took their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The word phrase “on our side” may not convey the true meaning. Perhaps a better way expressing this sentiment – If God had not come to our rescue. God is not a genie in our bottle to make our lives comfortable, but as His children, he does listen when we call out to him. Central themes in the Bible are salvation and deliverance. We read about God coming to save groups as well as individuals. Even when we make mistakes, God does not abandon us. We look at the lives of Noah, Moses, Joseph, Joshua, Daniel, David and so many other examples of people who trusted God and how He showed up for each of them at just the right time. Each of us has certainly had our share of problems and challenges. We have all likely faced desperate situations. In those times, we can call out to God and know that he is for us and will walk with us in any and every situation. We may feel our backs are against the wall and wonder, “Does God really care?” or “Is God really there?” These are common questions, and we may not feel we have the answers, but as Christians we can know that God DOES care and He IS with us, even when we don’t ‘feel’ or ‘see’ God. He has promised His children that He is always FOR us. Our natural eyes may not see the answer we are seeking, but we can be sure He has our backs. In Psalm 23, the Psalmist reminds us that “though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is ____________ us.” You can fill in the blank because you know His promise. You may not be OK today, and that’s OK. If you are OK today, I’m sure can remember some of the times when things weren’t going well. In hindsight, can you see God’s faithfulness?
This is my prayer. Pray it with me if you’d like: “God, I want to be honest. There are times when I’m a mess, and You don’t feel close. But I do want to trust You in good times and bad times. I want to trust that you know what’s best. I want to trust that you are with me even when I’m too ashamed to even call out to you. Father, there are so many around me who are suffering – maybe as a result of something they’ve done wrong or maybe just something gone wrong for no apparent reason. Help me be kind and in some way remind others that you do care. Use me to encourage and bring hope to others. And for the things I don’t understand on this side of eternity, please keep reminding me that a better day is coming. Your kingdom will one day come in fullness. As the old song says, “We’ll understand it better by and by,” so until that day comes, help me to pause often, look up, and be reminded that you are on our side – always. Amen.”
With you on the journey,
Jim Roberson
Pastoral Care Team, Liberty Vineyard Church
(678) 469-8156
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