Saturday, October 3, 2015

Justice Meets Mercy

When a crime is committed, victims seek justice. In the courtroom, the witnesses are heard. The hope is that justice shall prevail. The jury deliberates. The verdict is announced. The judge declares the sentence. The whole system claims to render justice. 

Justice is not always served in the judicial system. Justice comes from a higher court where God Himself is the Judge of all mankind. Conscience bears witness to the day when justice shall not fail. All of us shall give account unto God.

There was a day centuries ago when justice met mercy. It was on a hill outside of Jerusalem. Jesus suffered and died for sinners like you and me. Justice demands eternal judgment for all who have sinned. Justice was served at the cross of Jesus when He paid the full price for our sins. Believers now receive mercy, because justice was served for us in Christ crucified.

Do you want justice or mercy? Justice says, "Because you are guilty breaking God's law, you deserve eternal judgment." Mercy says, "You are guilty, but Jesus took your judgment at the cross." Justice was served on your behalf, that you may receive mercy. Justice meets mercy at the cross of Jesus, "who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised for our justification" (Romans 4:25).