Mercy for this Reason

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,  though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,  and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul never saw mercy as being for himself to relish and hoard. Certainly as its undeserving recipient, he knew its strong embrace, tender wash, and secure welcome, and never stopped being astounded, and grateful. But mercy changed him from seeing God’s gifts for himself alone. It opened his eyes to Him: His staggering generosity, compassion, and grace against his depravity, and His divine, wide purpose. It ushered in God’s glory as it would be manifest in his life and ministry and the world He allowed him to effect. Paul’s waste of a wretched life was transformed by mercy so Christ Jesus could be displayed in all His splendor through him. Paul could only give God the glory. (Romans 7:24-25a)

In the flesh our world revolves around us. We see circumstances in light of how they affect our comfort and plans, or what we can do to avoid or take advantage of certain aspects. Our prayers are often concerned with everything in relation to us and our universe of wants and abilities and dreams and loves and schedules.

But in Christ, we gain a loftier perspective on all things, here and above and beyond the now. We learn to see occurrences in light of eternity, and God’s gifts with a view for holy, heavenly purpose. The kingdom of my provincial world becomes the kingdom of the vast, infinite Lord when we orient ourselves around Him. (Revelation 11:15)

How does the rich fresh mercy of God affect us? Have we received its pursuing attention and cleansing unto salvation? If so, have we stopped there, relieved, complacent to rest, immune to its Spirit sway? Or do we daily recognize that but for the overflowing grace of God we would be lost and without hope, and therefore must respond to so lavish a love? If we truly understand the far-reaching power of Christ’s mercy to us, we will respond in wholehearted humility, gratitude, and surrender. We who have been captured for eternal life will want nothing more than to proclaim and exhibit that life in its splendid, Christ-like fullness for others to share.

How can we recenter our lives around Jesus? What priorities of time, affection, and focus can we allow Him to reestablish so in everything, everything, His character and beauty are displayed?

Lord, identify the places I have failed to reflect You, and reorder them by Your mercy unto Your renown, exaltation, and glory.