Tag: Matthew 9:13

Mercy Versus Sacrifice

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughtful ThreadsLeave a comment

Hosea 6:6  For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mercy versus sacrifice … just what does that mean? I was raised a Catholic, and sacrifice is a major tenet in their beliefs. What was the point of sacrifice in the Old Testament? It was to atone for sin, an act that sought to restore the relationship between man and God. These sacrifices were a way for people to express their remorse and desire for forgiveness through the offering of innocent lambs. If sacrificial lambs had been sufficient, then what was the point of God sending His own Son to be the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world? This act symbolized a transition from mere ritualistic sacrifices to the incarnation of divine mercy, highlighting that true forgiveness comes not just from the act of sacrifice, but from love, grace, and the ultimate sacrifice made for our redemption. It serves as a reminder that while sacrifices can demonstrate faith and repentance, it is the mercy that follows which completes salvation and offers hope for a renewed life.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Therefore, following a religion and all of its rules cannot gain entrance to Heaven! The only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ, who stands as the ultimate Mediator between man and God. Jesus frees His followers from sin; He secures their salvation and guarantees them a place with Him in Heaven, a promise that brings hope and joy to those who believe. God’s mercy is beautifully reflected in Jesus’ very entrance into this world, His perfect and sinless life so that He could die for our sins and offer us redemption. God’s mercy is revealed in the mere fact that He knew we could not live a sinless and perfect life, acknowledging our weaknesses and sinfulness, so He provided a way—through grace extended to us through faith. That is love … that is mercy! It is a divine gift that invites us to respond with a transformed heart, leading us to share this beautiful truth with others, encouraging them to seek the path that leads to eternal life with Him.

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:1-4  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  (4)  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Not all roads lead to Heaven, and one must be extremely careful in their choices. If you go by the most “popular” route, often filled with the allure of comfort and acceptance, you will never find the true way that leads to eternal life and true joy. Jesus wasn’t popular in His day; He was often criticized and is even less popular today, as society increasingly favors messages that align with worldly values over spiritual truths. One won’t get kicked out of school for wearing a t-shirt with Buddha on it, celebrated for its perceived inclusivity and tolerance. But if that t-shirt has a cross on it, the child will be sent home, and there will be a considerable uproar, reflecting the cultural clashes around Christianity. This is true for Christians and Jewish people. The slick Joel Osteen’s of the world and their “oily” lectures do not lead people to Heaven; instead, they merely serve to distract their congregations with a feel-good message, enticing them with promises of prosperity and happiness so that they think they are on the right path. These teachings often prioritize human comfort over Biblical truth. But what does Jesus say? Are we truly prepared to follow Him down the narrow path that may lead to trials and tribulations, or will we continue to seek the wide road that many travel, even when it leads away from His teachings? That’s a good question. Look what Jesus says about the two different paths:

Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  (14)  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Be leery, dear Reader! The only road to salvation and Heaven is through Jesus Christ! Any sacrifices you make before salvation are worthless and will not bring you closer to God. You can give up things during Lent, showing superficial commitment, but they will mean nothing in the eyes of God. You can be the best philanthropist on earth, generously donating your time, money, and resources, but such acts, while noble, will ultimately mean nothing if they are not rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. Once you are born again, however, God wants us to embrace the profound responsibility of showing mercy to others by sacrificing ourselves for their benefit. Just what does that mean? It means that you will think of the other person before yourself, prioritizing their needs and wellbeing above your own desires. You will show the love of Christ through your actions and sacrifices to the unbelieving world, embodying compassion and selflessness that reflects His teachings. Self-giving will not only transform you but will also touch the lives of those around you, revealing the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.

If you happened upon this post today, please take a moment to follow this link. It will walk you through the Scriptures that will show you how to be born-again according to the Scriptures. This journey towards being born again is not just a change in perspective; it is a transforming act that connects you with God, as a child with his parents. Won’t you take this opportunity to broaden your understanding and strengthen your faith as you delve into the wisdom contained within these Bible verses?

Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus – Day 12

On By KateIn Devotionals, Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled By JesusLeave a comment

Prophecy of Messiah:

Exo 33:19  And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

It’s a new day and it’s bright and beautiful on the outside. 😀 But how do you feel when it isn’t so sunny or beautiful? Do you rely on your circumstances to guide your emotions? I praise God that we don’t need to rely on our circumstances or ourselves to gain entrance into Heaven. It is only because of God’s love that we obtain mercy through Christ’s shed blood! God doesn’t have to show us mercy, but His mercy is displayed all throughout the Bible as it relates to rebellious Israel. We also see it in full when we accept His Son as Saviour and Messiah!

An example of His goodness is when He passes before us and He proclaims His Name in our hearts. He does this through someone He sends our way, or maybe even by watching church services online. He knows what it will take to open your heart to Him and He provides the perfect opportunities. It is at this point that we hear the plan of salvation and we accept it and believe it through faith. At that moment, we see His mercy and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God for His mercy upon my wicked heart! When my eyes were opened, it was as though a hundred pounds was lifted from my shoulders and I was no longer blind! The Bible, which was mumbo jumbo to me before that day, was now living and breathing. How exciting it is for me to discover God’s truths in its pages! Oh reader, I pray you have come to the same place and are born again and saved from the fiery pits of hell! If you are not, please, I beg of you, continue reading. Salvation can be found on this blog if only you will seek it! You do not want to experience the consequences of rejecting His mercy but instead be at the hands of His judgments.

We see that Jesus fulfilled today’s prophecy without a shadow of a doubt. In the Book of Luke, we learn that when Luke speaks of mercy, he is referring to Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah!

Prophecy of Messiah Fulfilled:

Luk 1:72  To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

Luk 1:76-79  And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;  (77)  To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,  (78)  Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,  (79)  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Mat 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Eph 2:4-6  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  (5)  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  (6)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Have you received Messiah’s mercy, reader? Have you experienced God’s forgiveness for your sins? The older you are, the more sins accumulate in your life. The more forgiveness is needed for those sins. Just as the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, much was forgiven in her life (Luke 7:44-48). Her repentance was evident; it was real and the Lord saw her heart and her need for salvation. Jesus Christ, the merciful, stands ready to show mercy. It is His nature to be merciful, loving and kind. No one else can claim this prophecy! Every human being reaches the end of his/her rope when someone sins against them repeatedly. But not the Lord Jesus! His mercies are plentiful and He is ready to forgive.

Psa 25:6  Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

Lam 3:22-23  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

What a beautiful picture! Have you experienced the Lord’s mercy? He will show you mercy if your heart is open to acknowledge your sin before Him. Jesus stands ready to forgive and save! Do you know Him personally or do you only know of Him? I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!