67. Desires to show mercy.

"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'"(Matthew 9:13/ Hoshea 6:6) Jesus surprised the Pharisees with his choice of disciples because he chose those whom they wouldn't choose! They were critical of Jesus when they saw him dinning at Matthew's house, with other tax collectors and sinners, that they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"(9:11) This is what Jesus once said about the petty (trivial) minded Pharisees: "You (even) give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill, cummin ( the smallest of garden herbs and seeds) - But you have neglected more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former." (Matthew 23:23) Are we 'petty' minded Christians? If we are more concerned about the harmony of our songs, the perfect order of service , the ambience of our meeting place,etc.. instead of practising compassion and mercy, then we are being 'petty' minded ! But "blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy."(Matthew 5:7) If not 'judgement without mercy will be shown to everyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement.' (James 2:13) So it is not optional but imperative that we be compassionate and merciful to others, just as he was to us and he desires it more than our sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. Amen.