Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Sabbath, January 9, 2016
The Bible tells of story about a king whose servant owed him a lot of money. The bill was so hefty that it was impossible for the servant to pay. The king obviously was not happy, and thus he commanded that the servant and his wife and children be sold until he figured out how to pay his debt. The servant begged for mercy and the king compassionately forgave him.
Ironically, the recently forgiven servant went and found a fellow servant who owed him a pittance. Unbelievably, he choked the fellow servant and commanded him to pay the debt. When he could not pay the debt, the forgiven servant commanded that he be taken to prison until he could pay.
When the king learned what happened, he sent for the forgiven servant. He reminded him that he had been forgiven a much larger debt because he begged for it. Was it fair that he should behave this way toward his fellow servant for a pittance of debt, when he had been forgiven for a mountain of debt?
Then it happened: the king commanded that the ungrateful servant be taken to jail and be tortured, because he obviously did not appreciate the king’s mercy, which he demonstrated by mistreating his fellow for a much smaller offense.
The story continues: that this is the way God, the King of the universe, will handle those of us who do not forgive/have mercy (toward everyone) from our hearts.
God loves to be merciful toward us. He is abundant in mercy and truth. It is our privilege, not our right, to receive mercy. Therefore, having received God’s abundant mercy, we should consider it a privilege to show mercy to others. After all, whatever anyone has done to us pales in comparison to the sins we have committed against God.
Today’s Scripture Promise:
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7).
Today’s Marching Orders:
Seek out people to forgive today. Show compassion and mercy for Jesus’ sake.
