We've spent this week looking at different aspects of Christ's kingship.

And today we'll explore how the Lord is merciful in nature toward us and the world. May you come to

treasure the mercy of God in your life as we take time today to explore it. He is

truly so good to us and it's fitting for us to celebrate

him in all of his goodness. Welcome to the First of Team Podcast. Our verse for today comes from Matthew 9 verse

for today comes from Matthew 9 verse 13.

Scripture says,

go and learn what this means.

I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the

righteous, but sinners. The Ministry of Jesus is laden with acts of mercy.

From acts of healing and forgiveness,

to Meals shared with those entirely undeserving of his attention.

His heart was filled with mercy for his people.

Have you ever thought that God might delight is showing you mercy?

Have you ever thought that He might actually enjoy stepping into your world

and offering that which you are wholly unworthy of.

Does a good father loathe the times he needs to step in and forgive a child?

Does a good father always force his kids to toe the line of

perfection and offer only harsh words when they inevitably fail? The very coming of Christ was an act of mercy. We who were left to try and find relationship

under the law discovered our inability to live up to God's standards.

When left to live by our own strength, we quickly reveal ourselves to be made of dust. But Jesus is coming demonstrated a part of

God's heart we still find hard to believe today. God's desire is to step into the lives of his children and offer compassion and forgiveness

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