Judgement and Mercy

Read Habakkuk 3:1-2

Big news today. She's at it again. Lindsay Lohan is back in jail and rehab after being sentenced by a judge a couple of days ago. For one who just turned 24, she has already seen more and done more than most Americans and that's not a positive statement. But, she is a Hollywood celebrity, should we expect any different?

What a sad commentary for a group of people who we wrongly hold up as role models and heroes. Yet, when they do something wrong, we seemed shocked and surprised, then, anger. What causes me the greatest amount of consternation though is when any of these "fallen" people receive an ounce of mercy, too many "good Christian" folk are outraged. Do you remember the uproar of O.J. Simpson's verdict? Too many wanted to be the judge, jury, and executioner when all the facts they were getting came from the nightly "rag news."

Today's scripture can hold me to a level of humility. As we read the first couple of verses, we first see Habakkuk asking for God to do again what had already been done generations before with the people of Israel. They, being God's chosen people, we think of all the great things God did for them. But let's not be too quick here; God punished them as well when they failed to follow God's ordinances.

It is easy for us to ask God to bless us as we have seen others blessed by God. But with blessing comes responsibility. We are called to a higher level of displaying love and hospitality, a deeper conviction and expectation for doing what we know is right. When we fail to meet those standards, we are held to a higher level as well.

But, thank God, with judgment comes mercy. We love to mete out judgment, when it is doled out on others, but cry out for mercy when judgment comes to lie at our feet. Thank God, mercy is available to all. Even to others. Even to you. Even to me.

Godspeed,
Tim