mercy – CadreMen Press

Take Another’s Burden

Take Another’s Burden by Kirk Hunt

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Galatians 6:2-3 NKJV

Apostle Paul is quite clear that Christians should bear, or take on, someone else’s burden from time to time. We do this as proof that we love our neighbor as ourselves. In recent days, it seems that too many of God’s people love themselves too much to bother obeying Jesus’ command.

Have you ever held a door for someone? Have you ever helped lift or carry a package? Have you ever covered your nose and mouth when you sneezed or coughed? Then you have been, in a very small way, obedient to Christ’s command, best found at Mark 12:30-31.

Of course, doing so requires you to have some measure of love, humility, grace, mercy, and self-sacrifice in your makeup. You must stop and consider the situation and condition of someone else, for a few moments, to see a need. Finally, you must sacrifice your time, money, or talent to do what needs to be done.

All because Jesus commands you. Of course, you are happy to do so, because you are an obedient son or daughter of God. Right?

Too often, we are so haughty or high-minded we fail to think of others the way Jesus would. Would Jesus refuge a refugee, punish the poor, or insist on his own rights to the injury of others? Should you?

Think: Have I taken on someone else’s burden lately?

Pray: “Lord, help me to demonstrate Your love to my neighbors.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Who Showed Mercy

Who Showed Mercy by Kirk Hunt

So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”
|Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:36-37 NKJV
Please also read Luke 10:25-37

At the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Samaritans and Jew hated and despised each other. They even destroyed or desecrated each others’ Temples. Still, the Samaritan had more mercy and compassion on the Jewish robbery victim than either the Jewish priest or Jewish Levite.

The sanctimonious lawyer got the point of the parable. So did everyone listening to Jesus teach at the time. Are you listening now?

The priest and Levite of the parable were expected, if not obligated, to care for their distressed countryman. Instead, a hostile foreigner saved his life. Jesus made a blunt point about the nature of compassion, mercy, salvation, and righteousness.

Good Christians should reach out past the bounds of popular exclusions and exceptions. There will probably be cost or inconvenience. You may not like your neighbor, but that does not end your Godly obligation to assist or even safeguard him or her.

Jesus’ command at Luke 10:37 is simple, “Go and do likewise.” Put aside your rights, privileges, and comfort. Look around, in your own neighborhood, for men and women who need you to stop and have compassion. Your “do likewise” is here and now.

Think: I should show mercy even at the risk of cost or inconvenience to myself.

Pray: “Lord, help me to demonstrate Your love to my neighbors.”

A Gracious Answer

A Gracious Answer by Kirk Hunt

And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

2 Samuel 12:22-23 NKJV
Please also read 2 Samuel 12:13-23

In grief and guilt, David cried out to God. David sought an answer of grace and mercy from God. When David received his answer from God, he responded with worship and thanksgiving.

God always answers our prayers. We do not always like the responses we receive. Still, we get our answers from a loving, gracious, sovereign God. We should always trust that God gives us the best answers for our lives.

It can be hard to welcome a response of “Endure,” in the middle of pain and suffering. When His answer leaves us with loss or anguish, do you still respond properly to God? Like David, we must cultivate a mindset of trust and confidence in God, even when we do not like the answers.

God knows our tears and heartaches. Despite the answer He gives, He is responding to us with a father’s heart. Respond with thanksgiving and trust in God who loves us better than we can love ourselves.

Think: God always answers my prayers. Do I trust Him in that answer?

Pray: “Lord, help me to respond to Your answer with trust and obedience.”

You Lack Nothing

You Lack Nothing by Kirk Hunt

“For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He knows your trudging through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.” ’

Deuteronomy 2:7 NKJV

An entire generation of God’s people died, wandering in the wilderness. Still, like a tender Father with a favorite child, God cared for them the entire time. Even during their punishment, they lacked nothing.

Even at our worst, God gives His best. No matter how difficult the moment, consider that He is caring for you. You are His favorite. Even when you misbehave, He loves you more than you can know or understand.

He has always been, and always will be a holy God. Our sin and rebellion cannot always be excused through grace or dismissed by mercy. Never forget God is also a God of righteousness, judgment, and correction. Not even the most tolerant father can indulge misbehavior indefinitely.

The Hebrew people wandered the wilderness for 40 years. They were fed each day with manna. The garments they wore supernaturally lasted the entire time. Even their bodies were without wear and tear, until their mortal end.

No matter what you are going through, God is there, providing. No matter how long you have walked this path, God is near, caring for you. No matter why you are where you are, God loves you, so you lack nothing.

Think: God cares for us, so we lack nothing.

Pray: “Lord, help me to recognize and be grateful for Your care and provision.”

God’s Word The Second Time

God’s Word The Second Time by Kirk Hunt

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”

Jonah 3:1–2 NKJV

“Don’t make me tell you again,” is the exasperated admonition (or warning, or threat) every parent has said at least once to a beloved but recalcitrant child. Even God’s people are more child-like than we admit. God too often has to tell us the second (or third, or fourth) time.

At God’s command, the great fish had spit Jonah out on dry ground. God’s prophet likely smelled like fish belly, and he may have been spitting sand out of his mouth. . The storm and time in the fish had the desired effect of getting Jonah’s attention. The prophet listened when God spoke the second time.

There are reasons God has to repeat Himself to us. We can be too busy with our plans and agendas to listen to Him now. Our daily cares, concerns, or pains drown out His voice. Too often, our willfulness or disobedience leads us to knowingly ignore or disobey God.

God loved Jonah and patiently worked to get his attention. Thankfully, God loves us and patiently works to get our attention. Instead of reacting to us with justice and judgment, He responds to us with mercy and grace. God unfairly allows His children to misbehave and not pay the (full) cost they should.

Perhaps God is speaking to you the second (or third, or fourth) time. You should listen, this time. You should be obedient, this time. After all, God is demonstrating His great love for you, this time.

Think: When God speaks to me I should listen and obey every time.

Pray: “God, please help me to listen and obey every single time.”

God Speaks, Good Happens

God Speaks, Good Happens by Kirk Hunt

“Those who regard worthless idols
Forsake their own Mercy.

“But I will sacrifice to You
With the voice of thanksgiving;
I will pay what I have vowed.
Salvation is of the Lord.”

So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Jonah 2:8-10 NKJV

God’s prophet finally responded correctly. Jonah spoke his contrition, worship, praise and thanksgiving to the God of mercy and love. So God spoke and His prophet landed face first on the beach, alive and well (if chastened).

God is a god of mercy and love. God’s mercy refused to burn Jonah down on the dock. God’s love refused to let him drown in the sea. Then, as now, God loves all of His children, not just the well-behaved kids.

God is also a god of justice and righteousness. His righteousness refused to let Jonah be willful and disobedient. God’s justice delivered correction to His prophet for his sin and rebellion.

Spitting sand out of his mouth, Jonah stood, still a prophet of God and still loved by Him. No matter what you have done, God is waiting for you to repent. His correction is part of His love. His forgiveness is prepared and waiting for you.

Earthly fathers, imperfect as they are, love their wayward children. Father-God is perfect and His love for us is without limit or restraint. When will you go back to Him and repent? When will you accept what He has waiting for you.

Do your part. God will speak His part and it will happen for you. Never mind any sand you have to spit out.

Think: After I repent God will speak good into my life.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for continuing to love me.”

He Hears Your Voice

He Hears Your Voice by Kirk Hunt

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. And he said:

“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,
And He answered me.

“Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
And You heard my voice.”

Jonah 2:1–2 NKJV

Out of the boat and inside the fish, Jonah prayed. Finally, instead of rebelling, Jonah decided to talk with God. God had been waiting and listening all along.

Jonah’s naked rebellion could not have been clearer. God ordered him to walk east to Nineveh. Jonah sailed west to Tarshish. A less merciful God could have justly burned Jonah alive on the dock. God was not obligated to indulge Jonah’s resistance and revolt.

Too often we take our privilege with God for granted. Men and women respond to God’s commandments and direction with willfulness and defiance. Then we have the nerve to be surprised and offended when things do not go our way.

Are you ready to speak with God yet? Are you not tired of your fruitless attempt(s) to flee Him? Has His discipline not penetrated your willfulness yet?

God patiently waits for you to turn and speak with Him. Despite it all, He loves you. No matter what you did or said before, He is waiting for you to come to Him and speak.

Maybe you are angry. Perhaps you are scared. You might be confused. No matter where you are, stop and talk to Father-God.

Like any good father, He is waiting for His beloved child to talk to Him. The creator of the universe is waiting for you to speak. Here and now is a perfect time to let Him hear from you.

Think: When I get tired of my rebellion, God is ready to listen.

Pray: “Lord, thank you for listening to me.”

Prepared Belly

Prepared Belly by Kirk Hunt

Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah 1:17 NKJV

The fish, large enough to swallow a man (or woman) whole, met Jonah at the appointed time and place. The belly, prepared by God, gave an intimate residence to God’s prophet. For 72 hours, Jonah had the time and opportunity to consider who is in charge of whom.

Moses stood before a burning bush. Elijah heard a still, small voice. An angel appeared to Gideon. To men and women who are not resisting Him, God speaks and they give their attention readily. For those who resist Him, God creates circumstance that command your attention.

Keep in mind that resisting God is not the same thing as rejecting God. Jonah, as a prophet had accepted his calling from God. Still the prophet decided to be disobedient and resistant to God’s will. Jonah decided he did not want to be obedient regarding Nineveh, but did not reject God altogether. Jonah wanted his own way and to retain his place and privilege with God.

In the belly of the fish, God gave Jonah the time and space to consider his decisions and choices. God prepared a place and (cramped) space for Jonah to remember who is in charge of creation. Under God’s gracious discipline, Jonah remembered that mere men ought to obey God the first time He speaks.

God’s discipline helps us remember who is supposed to obey whom. The prepared belly of a circumstance is from God’s love and grace. Take the opportunity to end your resistance to hear and obey Him.

Think: Does God have my attention? How might God command my attention?

Pray: “Lord, I want to listen and attend to You, when You speak to me.”

Fear And Reverence

Fear And Reverence by Kirk Hunt

So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.

Jonah 1:15–16 NKJV

Jonah hit the water and everything changed. The murderous storm instantly dissipated. The howling wind became a whispering breeze. The towering waves that threatened to smash the hull vanished. God’s demonstration of His naked power and command over creation invoked fear and reverence from the sailors.

Fear can be defined as “profound reverence and awe especially toward God.” The sailors watched someone switch off a major tempest like flipping a switch. That is not the action of a mere man or an accident. The God who can do that has my awe, for sure.

Father-God loves us like a father. Like any good father, He is often gentle and tender with us. But God so much more than a mere father.

God’s power over all creation demands our awe. His holiness deserves our reverence. The level of awe and reverence you feel toward our all-powerful God should be overwhelming at times. Call it fear if you must. The sailors would.

They responded, the way I hope you respond, to seeing God’s power at its most unrestrained. Reverent worship and awestruck adoration is the only reasonable response to all that God is and can do. With a little more fear of God in his life, Jonah may not have wound up overboard.

Think: Does God have my reverence? Does God have my awe?

Pray: “Lord, You are worthy of all of my awe and reverence.”

Calm Your Storm

Calm Your Storm by Kirk Hunt

Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.

Jonah 1:14–15 NKJV
Please also read Jonah 1:1–17

Rank pagans trembled while God’s prophet stood in calm stillness. The deck pitched violently as the storm continued to rage, threatening the lives of all aboard. To restore calm, all the sailors had to do was throw a man overboard.

Jonah, a prophet of God, had attempted to flee from his calling and assignment. God had sent him to Nineveh (see northern Iraq) but Jonah willfully tried to sail to Tarshish (far eastern Mediterranean). The storm that enveloped the ship was only a small reflection of God’s judgment and displeasure with his disobedient man.

What task has God given you? Are you working toward your assignment or trying to run away? Following God’s purpose will lead to calm and peace. Sin and rebellion will generate storms and turmoil in your soul. And the people around you may have to suffer along with you.

God’s purpose is rarely the easy way, but there is always joyous calm on His path. His love for us is great and He wants us to experience the blessings of obedience. And there is love in His correction. He will patiently and lovingly discipline you as long you think it is necessary.

Father-God loved Jonah too much to let him continue in sin and disobedience. The sailors were ready to be obedient and save the ship and their lives. Finally, Jonah decided he was ready to throw his sin and rebellion overboard. Are you ready for calm in your soul?

Think: What do I need to throw overboard to restore God’s calm in my life?

Pray: “Lord, help me throw distraction, sin and error out of my life.”