Mercy Merits                                                             Jan. 20, 2005

"But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice." These superficial legalists knew the letter of the text but not its real meaning. They ignorantly imagined that externally avoiding sinners was sufficient in itself, and made up for internally lacking sympathy for others.

Saul attempted to compensate for his disobedience by sacrifice. But the man after God's heart said, "Thou desirest not sacrifice..." David knew his God was a merciful God, and that mercy took precedent over personal sacrifices. You'll remember, our Lord was not impressed with the Pharisee's account of his sacrificial life, but did take note of the Publican when he wanted to talk about mercy.

My personal sacrifices can never make up for my lack of showing mercy to those around me. Showing mercy with cheerfulness is what cheers the heart of God.