God's Mercy in Our Pain

Scripture: They said, “Moses permitted us to write divorce papers and send her away.” But Jesus told them, “He wrote this command for you because of the hardness of your hearts. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:4-9

Observation: As an attempt to entrap Jesus in his teaching, the Pharisees ask a question about divorce. Does God allow it? Jesus effectively gives the answer that ... God did write a law that allows divorce, but that is not his will for our lives.

By stating this, Jesus is calling out an important aspect of God's mercy. God wants what is best for all of us, and what is best is to receive love according to God's plan. However, there are times when someone else will disobey the Lord, and we are not necessarily to remain on a certain path when others are creating earthly pain along that path. Therefore, while the Lord has rules and laws and plans and purposes, he also IS love. In that love, his mercy is upon those under the weight of earthly matters, and under the pain of others' sins.

Application: This topic may be confusing, however the context of God's love makes sense to me. God loves everyone - including me - enough to allow for a path toward a wonderful life when others have created hardships and attacks and pain for us. I have seen how this applies to so many people.

The Lord wants us all to obey him, and in so doing to experience a wonderful life. However, he knows there are those who reject his direction, and he makes a way forward for us anyway. That way includes faith in Jesus, where even our own shortcomings and mistakes can be overcome through faith and forgiveness.

For me, this lesson holds true, as I have found joy in life despite hardships caused by others. The Lord provided a way, and every step I take may not comply with the Lord's every word, but he keeps me going in the right general direction.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love and your mercy. I continue to seek your direction in life. Your love manifests in so many ways, including forgiveness and understanding beyond reconciliation. I love you, my Lord and my God. Amen.