more on the mercy of the Incarnation

The Pharasees in the New Testement were the self-help authorities of the first century A.D. They didn't turn to God, they turned to rules and appearance management. They were a proud lot. Very proud. They didn't need anyone. Why would anyone think they’d need a savior- not to mention a savior born in poverty.

Thus begins the mystery of Christ. He came to experience it all. The stench of farm animals and the chill of the night air became the first sensory experiences for God in flesh. He knew all about bandits, debtors, cons and herdsmen. He knew how it felt to be rejected, mocked, followed and cherished. It’s so true that he came to experience life from the grand to the dubious. And he did it so that we could know that we are not alone. The journey from Bethlehem to Calvary cast God’s love like a net over the horizon of mankind. And I’m so thankful that I was captured by his mercy.

We’ve all encounter people who say, “Oh I don't need God's mercy. I don't need that radical grace. These are the people that find it impossible to get into the kingdom of God. They are convinced that they are better than most. They believe they can get by with a little slice of grace but certainly they don't need the supersized grace of the cross.

Martin Luther penned it thus:

“The gospel tastes best to those who lie in the straits of death, but the hardened class who live in their own holiness, build on their own works, and feel not their own sin and misery do not taste this food.”

When we come to the realization that we are all a mess without the tenderness and mercy of Christ, then we are saved and can sing, “He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love,”