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JUSTICE AND MERCYThere was once a photographer who's difficult job it was to satisfy celebrities. He was an honest and outspoken man. One day when a particularly obnoxious and unattractive socialite asked him, when undertaking her portrait, 'to do her justice', he really spoke his mind. "Madam," he said, "it isn't justice you need, but mercy." No doubt the photographer was sacked for making such a remark, but the moment was his.Unfortunately it is not justice but mercy that most of us require. It is unforgivable that generally speaking we know what we should be doing, but frequently postpone the task. This applies in life, in duty, in responsibility, and in our spiritual walk. Mankind knows what is right and proper, but is reluctant to inconvenience or deprive itself in carrying that out. "Lord, make me better, but not just now," is the unconscious prayer of many who know that they are doing the wrong thing, but are enjoying it nevertheless. This applies to our relationship with God. There is a legend that is worth telling because it contains an important truth: The devil held a passing out parade at the evil spiritual academy one year. During the day he questioned three of his evil spirits. To the first he said, "When you get out into the world what are you going to say to the people?" "Oh," the evil spirit replied, "I shall tell them that there is no God." "That's no use," said the devil, "Creation tells people that there is a God. Not many will believe you." Then he said to the second evil spirit, "And what are you going to tell people?" "I shall say that there is not going to be a judgement" was the reply. "That's not much use," answered the devil, "Conscience tells them about judgement. Not many will believe you." Turning to the third evil spirit, he asked, "What about you?" "I shall tell people that there is a God and a judgement to come," answered the third evil spirit, "But I shall add that there is no hurry." "Excellent!" said the devil. "Many will believe that!" The devil does try to persuade people that there is no hurry about putting things right and turning to God, whereas the truth is that time is running out fast, and the time to respond to God's voice is now. Have a good week. Pastor Ron. A companion Bible study is available as page 2 of the weekly message. Click here for that study.
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