Church names may indicate location and denomination (Ashburn Presbyterian), express theological ideas (Redeemer, Cornerstone, Trinity), or reflect the church's vision. A while ago, I saw one called Second Chance Church. I may not agree with everything the church stands for, but the name is intriguing. At times in life, we all need a second chance, a do-over. When we meet with God, there is always room for a turnaround, a second chance, and renewal. When I pray, I am often reminded of a statement by a former mentor I knew many years ago: “Thank God for his mercy and not for your righteousness.” It is a summary of a parable Jesus tells of seeking a second chance by asking for mercy.
Two people go to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee looks at the tax collector, farther from God, and is thankful that he is not like him, and grateful that he fasts twice a week and tithes beyond what others do. The tax collector respectfully approaches the Lord, pauses momentarily, lowers his gaze, and requests mercy. He is deemed justified due to his sincere appeal for mercy.
Strangely, we can, at times, delight in our righteousness. This pride in us is evident in our lack of mercy toward others. We can pray, fast, and tithe and not have an ounce of mercy toward others. It reveals that we have not fully received God's mercy. What a joy it is to know that God commends you when you ask for His mercy for forgiveness of sin, knowing there is nothing in yourself that deserves it. There is no need to compare yourself with others because we are all in need of his mercy.
Mercy is illustrated well in one of Shakespeare's often-quoted passages in The Merchant of Venice. “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest… It is an attribute to God himself. And earthly power doth then show likest God’s, When mercy seasons justice. Though justice be thy plea, consider this- That in the course of justice, none of us should see salvation." We must continuously be aware of our need for mercy, both in receiving and dispensing it.
The psalmist declares, "His Delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of the runner, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love" (Psalm 147:10-11). It is not my spiritual strength and effort in seeking God that is worthy of attention. I am seeking a holy and loving God as an expected natural response to my need for his mercy. May God reveal our need for grace, and may he overwhelm us with an outpouring of his tender mercy and forgiveness.
