Fear and Mercy

Luke 1:50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
 
“MERCY” and “fear” don’t seem right together, do they? Wouldn’t it make more sense if Mary had said, “His mercy extends to those who love him.” How does mercy extend to those who fear God?
    Here’s one example: Did you ever refuse to do something your dad wanted you to do with him? Did he walk away thinking, “My child does not honor me.” Did you walk away satisfied you decided what you would do? Perhaps you said to yourself, “I won that one.”
    But you didn’t. Oh, you got your way, but your self-focus melted away a part of your relationship with your father. You showed no respect and honor, no “fear” for his authority and position as head of your family. You lived opposing your dad; yet, you remained living in his house. You still believed he would help you in the future regardless of your disrespect.
    This type of relationship with your father continued for years. You obeyed him on your terms. You might have even told your dad, “I love you. I honor you.” But you didn’t act that way. Even so, your dad was merciful to house you, to clothe you, to feed you, to instruct you and even still to love you. Then one day a crisis came, and you needed your dad’s help. “Dad, can I have some money to pay the doctor?” But his response surprised you. “No, my child. You have rejected me too many times. You have no fear of my authority over you, no respect when I ask for your obedience. You will have to solve your problem on your own.”
    Dad is out of mercy for you, his wayward child. He asked repeatedly for you to obey him. But you said, “When I decide, I will obey.”
    This is what happened repeatedly with the Jews as God called them to obey. Mercifully, he gave them countless ways to worship, respect and obey him. He taught them of his justice, but they always thought, “We’ll do as we please. God will take care of us when we really need him.” Ultimately though, as the Jews continued to dismiss God’s authority, he removed himself from their presence. Without God’s mercy, they suffered horribly.
    In his justice God will condemn our sin. Fear his justice and remember that in his mercy, God has sent a Savior. Yes, fear God. He is absolute over your life. If you prefer your own way, he will send you away from his presence. Fear – honor, worship – Jesus, the Way, and the Lord God will be merciful to draw you near to him forever.
 
Prayer: Father in heaven, you are just and true. As I call Jesus, “Lord and Savior”, I rejoice that your “mercy extends to those who fear you, from generation to generation.” Amen.