Dapedersen's blog

Mercy and Grace. Two powerful acts of God. Mercy is not being punished for things we have done and for which we deserve punishment. Grace is receiving good things and forgiveness which we do not deserve. Do people see Mercy and Grace in your life? Do you share the mercy you have received OR do you choose to refuse mercy to those in need. That is the power of this verse. Calling us to a higher standard. Showing mercy as we have seen God be merciful to us. Try it. Live it. Share it!

When you hear ‘meek’, what do you think of? Timid? Weak? Even cowardly? Not true. It is to have and then to maintain great strength that is under control. Jesus has great power. He used it wisely and for the good of others. He had the armies of heaven at His command yet He allowed Himself to be sacrificed for us. Follow His example. Be a servant to others that they may see the love of Christ working in you.

When Jesus looked into the eyes and hearts of the people in the crowds, he saw their needs. He saw their pains. He saw their hearts. That is why He spoke words of hope, comfort, compassion, gentleness, and more. He is still speaking to all of us who need to hear these words again and again. Be especially compassionate to those who mourn. Be there for them. Just be there in that moment to let them know they are not alone… Jesus is there with them. Reassure them of that!

Crowds followed Jesus. They saw miracles. They experienced healings of all kinds of sickness, disease, and physical pains. People came from far and wide to see and hear the words of this man of God. Jesus taught them with simple words. Words with some profound meaning. Words that still apply to us today. Words that start with ‘blessed’. Store up these in your mind and in your heart. They will be a blessing to you and to others as you share them often in life.

‘Immediately.’ ‘At once.’ ‘Straightway.’ These are the action words used in various translations to describe the disciples reaction to the call of Jesus. They made a decision. They then took quick action. They followed Jesus. How about you? Are you taking action? Are you putting Jesus first in your daily priorities? Are you leaving behind the temporary in favor of the eternal? It is not too late. Start today. Start now… immediately follow Him!

Jesus begins the process of choosing His disciples. He didn’t go to the temple to find the religious people… or the educated people… or the prosperous people. He began by calling fishermen… plain… ordinary… smelly fishermen. His call was simple. Follow Jesus to fish for people… to bring people into the kingdom of heaven…to help people who are hurting or lost. That was Jesus call then. That is still Jesus call to us today. Come and follow Him!