Tender. That is not a word we often use these days. We hear violent, toxic, hateful, angry…and the list goes on. Hearing the words tender mercy right after that list is like salve to the soul.
The Christmas season is a time to reflect on and embrace the tender mercy of God. In Luke chapter one, Zachariah, the priest who was the father of John the Baptist, spoke the words tender mercy when he spoke after John was born. The story simplified is this: An Angel was sent. Zachariah spoke with doubt about the message and became speechless. Zechariah settled on the name the Angel provided when baby John was born and then could speak again. When he spoke, he spoke of both his son, and the one coming with tender mercy from God.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79 (ESV)
God’s tender mercy for us is the whole reason we have a Christmas season.
Pause and Ponder this. Father God in His tender mercy towards us, sent Jesus for us.
Even if you are not living right, His tender mercy is for you.
Even if you are angry with Him, His tender mercy is for you.
If you are anxious, worried, struggling, His tender mercy is for you.
Are you running away from God, ignoring Him, His tender mercy is still for you.
Are you battling illness, financial or relational struggles, His tender mercy is for you.
Do you feel like all is well and you are living your best life? Great, even in that, His tender mercy is for you.
If you are sitting in darkness, or in the shadow of death, His tender mercy is for you. Jesus came for you! Look to Him. Invite Him into your life and He will guide you in peace.
Tender mercy. Let those words rest in your heart today. Let them calm your mind and soul. Let them help you breathe and hope and enjoy today. Take a deep breath and thank God for His tender mercy. I pray that you feel it deeply and that it fills your heart today.
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