July 18, 2018: SOAP #3149: Isaiah 32-35; James 2

Scripture:  James (NIV) 2:12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Observation:  Interesting!  A law that brings freedom!  The emphasis of the Law, through the Ten Commandments is to define sin.  And since we have all sinned, the law brings condemnation.  But it is good to acknowledge that the same law that defined and judged sin also mercifully provided a way to be forgiven.  The law graciously accepted animal sacrifices in Old Testament days, looking forward to the perfect sacrifice.  It was in keeping the law that Jesus demonstrated the greatest action of love and mercy ever seen.   He lived without breaking the law, then died as though He had broken the law.  He did it as the necessary payment for those who had broken the law.

Application:  In perfectly keeping the law, Jesus set me free!!!  In breaking the law, I reap the wages of sin—death.  In keeping the law, including the sacrifice demanded for sin, Jesus provided me freedom from the penalty of sin.  With my sins covered by the sinless blood of Jesus, I am justified—made just as if I had never sinned!   I receive mercy!  I am free from the penalty of the law!  The law that once condemned me, now brings me freedom!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me to “speak and act” as one who generously gives mercy because I have received mercy in abundance.  Jesus provided me enough mercy to cover all my sins, and even more so that I can be merciful to all around me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!