Matthew 5:7; Psalm 73

Matthew 5:7
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

The Beatitudes could be said to define the ideal Christian. They give us high standards for which to strive. Let's review the Beatitudes we have seen so far. These first 4 seem to be directed to our inner selves.

• Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

The next one, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy," seems to direct our attention to how we treat others. Exactly what is mercy? "Grace" is the fact that God gives us what we don't deserve, and "mercy" is the fact that God does NOT give us what we DO deserve. And so we might say that when we show mercy, we are withholding vengeance which might be or might seem to be deserved. We don't worry about "getting back at" anyone. When we show mercy, we are showing forth one of God's great attributes.

Psalm 73

In vv. 1-14, the psalmist, Asaph, tells us that he has been discouraged when he saw wicked and ungodly people prosper. They often seem healthy and strong and free from troubles even though they are hateful and disrespectful toward God and His people. 

What example does Asaph set for us when we may have the same thoughts?

• He goes to the Lord! God's Word plainly tells us that the final destiny of the wicked is destruction. vv. 17-20
• He confessed his sin of bitterness and acknowledged that it separated him from God. vv.21-22
• He remembered God's promises. vv. 22-18
• God is always with us. v. 23
• He holds us by the hand. v. 23
• He guides us with His Word. v. 24
• He will take us as believers to heaven. v. 24
• God is everything to us. v. 25
• Our flesh and heart may fail, but God is our strength forever. v. 26
• He is our refuge. v. 28

For our meditation:

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." vv. 25-26