Rooted in Worshipنموونە

The View of God's Mercy

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Romans 12:1

Have you ever been to the top of a tall mountain? Many years ago, I hiked a trail in Alaska called the “Skyline Trail.” It is a rugged trail full of rocks and boulders, with portions that seem to go straight up into the sky. It might be better categorized as mountain climbing rather than hiking.

All the work is well worth it when you finally reach the very peak of the mountain. From the peak, the view is amazing! You can see forests, crystal clear lakes, vast untouched wilderness, and snow-capped mountains all around. You can literally see for miles and miles in every direction. It is truly a magnificent moment to take in God's glorious creation.

The crazy part about this hike is that many people stop just short of the top. They make it to a flat ridge section called “The Saddle” that sits just below the peak, but they stop there. Instead of getting the whole view, they settle for a limited perspective.

Romans 12:1 is a commonly quoted verse that may be familiar to you. Many times, the second part of the verse becomes the focus while skipping over the first part. Before Paul explains where we are headed, he begins by showing us the beautiful view. Don’t make the mistake of skipping the view!

Before we move on, let’s pause to take in the view.

“In view of God’s mercy”

The beautiful view of God’s mercy is what can motivate our worship. The word translated as “Mercy” here can include the deep feelings of compassion, pity, favor, grace, and mercy that God has for us. God is crazy about you!

The parable of the Prodigal Son provides an excellent example of the kind of mercy described here. In this parable, a son approached his father and demanded his inheritance money early. He was sending a clear message to his father that he wished his father was dead- or at least out of his life completely- because his father was standing in the way of his money. The disrespectful and ungrateful son then squandered the money on worldly pleasures. Starving and in the pit of despair, the son finally had the thought of home.

Jesus explained, “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants” (Luke 15:17-19).

Pause for a moment. Put yourself in the son’s shoes.

Have you ever felt unworthy to be called a child of God?

Have you ever felt like your past mistakes must have some impact on your current relationship with the Lord?

Have you ever approached your heavenly Father with your head down in shame?

Jesus told this parable so the son could say out loud what many of us have felt only in the depths of our hearts.

The shocking turn of events came when the son walked into the father’s view. “...while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).

• It was the father’s compassion that kept him looking toward the horizon.
• It was the father’s pity and mercy that allowed the son to come back home.
• It was the father’s grace that brought lavish love upon his filthy and undeserving son.
• It was the father’s favor that invited the son to rejoin the family and become an heir once again.

This parable is a reflection of God’s love for you. It offers a way to take in the “view of God’s mercy.” Your Heavenly Father is full of love and compassion. He will never leave you or forsake you. He will defend you. He will proudly celebrate you. You are his child!

Reflection:

After reading the passage in Luke today, have a conversation with the Lord. Instead of starting your prayer with something formal, try starting your prayer with “Dad,” “Daddy,” “Papa,” or another very personal term from your heart that you choose to call your Heavenly Father.