Monday: Mercy
The Gospel for Every Day
Each day, we slow down to align our hearts with God’s Rhythms of Grace.
This series, we examine the portrait of the Extraordinarily Ordinary Christian Life.
This week, we meditate on the theme of Mercy throughout Scripture.
Today’s Scripture
Any doubt of God’s mercy is silenced by the cross. This stunning passage depicts a mocked, suffering Jesus still praying for his enemies and extending mercy to a criminal.
Reading slowly, let God convict you by his truth and overwhelm you by his grace in Christ.
Luke 23:32-43
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Gospel Meditation
Prayerfully meditate on the Scripture you just read using the rhythm Look Up, Look In, Look Out:
Look Up: What does this reveal about God?
Look In: What does this reveal about me?
Look Out: Where is Christ leading me today?
Closing Prayer
Inspired by Luke 6:27-36
God of Mercy,
You are kind to the ungrateful and the evil
You bless the undeserving, of which I am one
Help me to extend mercy to the most difficult
By the transforming power of the Holy Spirit may my generosity, love, and mercy make it obvious that you are my Father
So others may encounter merciful Jesus, in whose name I pray,
Amen
