"HOW DARE YOU?" Many of us have heard this phrase and laugh or joke about it. In case you aren't familiar with it, let me refresh you. It was said by the infamous Greta Thunberg.
Greta, a Swedish activist, 16 years of age, gave an angry and emotional speech to hundreds of world leaders at the United Nations in New York City 2019, telling them their empty words and lack of action are a disgrace. "How dare you," she thundered to wide applause. What Greta did on a world stage we do, at least to a small degree, in our everyday lives. Why are we so quick to judge others? Aren't we all sinners? Why do we deserve mercy, or more importantly why do we seek mercy when we falter?
We are all sinners - at any given time we may forget that we may have done the exact same mistake but we're quick to engage ourselves in passing judgment on others.
We long for an authority figure, our parents, our friends, our family, others… to forgive us, who could be boundlessly merciful, who could understand that despite everything. Deep inside we did mean well, we were trying to be good, we would have loved to be better. It’s just that we’re messed up, we get carried away, or we’re entirely stupid – but, we’re so so sorry. We try to find such a merciful person and end up disappointed. In short, we are looking for Godly mercy in a sinful world.
We all desperately need God to look at us with a slightly severe and pained expression but then take us in His arms and say in a low kind voice, ‘I know, you have tried. I know you are good. You will always have my love. I do not judge like the others.’ We all long for mercy personified in another being, outside of us.
Can you tell me who comes to mind when you see this embodiment of mercy? I see it in Jesus Christ, my Lord, and my Savior.
Please pray with me: Mighty and Merciful Father, I am so thankful that you have called me to be your precious child. I thank you for being my loving and kind parent – who is never tired or ready to give up on me. Abba, I thank you for your grace and your mercy upon me. I will never take that for granted. Thank you, Yeshua, for your love and sacrifice and for your way that leads me home! Thy Holy name is hallowed forever and ever. AMEN.
GOD BLESS YOU.