Feb 10, 2011 The Mountain of Mercy
Originally posted on March 28, 2007
Kneel down on the shore, be thirsty no more,
Go under and be purified.
Steve Hindalong and Derald Daughterty
The Mountain of Mercy
The last week of Jesus’ life is called Easter Week, Holy Week, and Passion Week. This year I see it as Mercy Week. I like this name not only because we at Grace are studying Romans 12:1 and the mercies of God, but also because I have come to see each day of this special week as another ascending level up the mountain of mercy where Jesus died for us on the first Good Friday.
Jesus knew how the week would end. He first hinted, then plainly told His disciples that He was going to be handed over for crucifixion. Each day of that week he prepared his disciples by giving them promises and assuring them that they would never be alone. Then, on Friday morning, He took up His cross, climbed the hill, submitted to the executioners, and died the death of mercy.
Mercy is the right word to use for Jesus’ death because the effect of His death was to bear the wrath of God against our sin. He cleansed us of our sin and delivered us from the miserable state of separation from God due to sin. The death of Jesus on the mountain of mercy was a great rescue of sinners from sin.
The Sunday morning after Jesus died He arose from the dead. It was the resurrection of Jesus that convinced the disciples that the place of His death was indeed a mountain of mercy. When they saw Him alive they understood that in Him is life for those who were once dead. In Him is light for those who were once in darkness. In Him is peace for those who were once the enemies of God. They understood that they did not deserve life, light or peace, but that Jesus granted these in mercy.
Preparing for Mercy Week
The week of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter is approaching and we want to be ready. We could use any week of the year to remember the cross and resurrection of Christ, but we won’t unless we purpose to do so. So, purpose to prepare and remember with us.
This Sunday at Grace you will receive a devotional guide to follow during the week. This guide is designed to lead you to Christ and to build your love for Him.
You will also receive the schedule for the week, which will include times for worship and prayer.
We encourage you to invite people who need to hear the gospel to the Good Friday and Easter services.
Pastor Scott