Friday, June 29, 2018

"Lord, have mercy"

"And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me". [Mark 10:47]

From the Greek word eleison [eleos], mercy is defined as compassion [or pity] that is given to another mired in great affliction. The blind Bartimaeus says to the Lord, "Have mercy on me". For he knew that he was helpless without a cure. Nothing from within or from the world could reverse the affliction that he faced. Yet the Lord had answered his call and thus proceeded to grant mercy on him. "Go your way; your faith has made you well" [Mk10:52]. By the compassion of our merciful Lord, Jesus not only brought to him a sight restored, but Bartimaeus was brought to faith in Christ Jesus.

Pleading for mercy in Luke 17:13, "Jesus Master, have mercy on us". The ten lepers were faced with an irreversible affliction that no one could cure. Yet by the mercy of Christ, he sent them to the priests and they were cured. "Rise go your way; your faith has made you well" [Luke 17:19].

By the mercy of God, we pray the same words. Through the merciful work of Christ upon the Cross and empty tomb, we pray in His peace. But , also "for the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God and for the unity of all". And for those in "this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise", we pray that the Lord may "help, save, comfort and defend us" [Div Setting I, 152] Lord, have mercy. Amen.

Kyrie Eleison, "Lord have mercy".

We pray and thank the Lord for all that He has done in our lives. Though we fall short and confess that we are "poor miserable sinners", our merciful God sees our curse-filled condition and sends His Son to be our redemption, paying the price so that we may have life in His name. Setting us free, we, with the Lepers and Bartimaeus [and many more] thank the Lord for His gracious and loving care. Therefore, by His mercy, we walk in the newness of life, covered by the blood of the Lamb for the forgiveness of our sins.

May His mercy continue to grant you comfort and peace in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And may His mercy continue to lead you to love and serve in the mercy of Christ!

A blessed July to you all!

✝️ Pastor Jeong  

The full newsletter can be found here:
http://www.faithmoorpark.com/files/pdf/2018/2018-07-Newsletter.pdf

Faith Lutheran Church • 123 Park Lane • Moorpark, CA 93021 • (805) 532 1049 • Send Email