Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

SHIRLEY, GOODNEY, AND MARCY

One day, at the reading of the 23rd Psalm, and not being used to hearing the words in the format of verse six, a youngster heard “Surely, goodness, and mercy,” as “Shirley, Goodney, and Marcy” and wondered just why they would want to follow him around all the days of his life. This underscores just how easy it is for some to misunderstand in the best of environments, particularly if the reader does not observe punctuation. Little pauses of the lack thereof can mislead the hearer.

It is interesting to note that the Psalmist, King David, the author of the 23rd Psalm, lived under the economy of the Mosaic Law. He was keenly aware of the unbending austerity of Law, but he also knew much about grace and mercy, due to his unique relationship with the God of those attributes. Doubtless, he was immersed in the marvelous thoughts of these things as he penned those beloved words.

Some time ago, a lawyer friend of mine arose from our early morning coffee and announced his need to leave early. He was to substitute for a court judge that day. I remarked that I hoped he would show mercy in the cases before him. To this he replied that mercy has nothing to do with law. If mercy is introduced into a case it necessitates the setting aside of law. He was right of course, even as the Bible forthrightly states in James 2:13b. Judgment is on the basis of law; however, “. . .Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”

The Shepherd King began his writing of many psalms by underscoring the blessedness of the man who meditated in the law of the LORD day and night. Truly, the law of the LORD is holy and righteous, and much to be desired as it is “our schoolmaster that brings us to Christ.” Gal. 3:24. But rejoicing over and above the righteousness of the law is that rejoicing in the indisputable, consistent, and unparalleled goodness and mercy following those who sit at His feet all the days of their life. “. . . mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” We all do well to join the ranks of those who do not wish to receive what they deserve in life, (the judgment of law) choosing rather to bask in mercy, grace, and their goodness. This is our blessed privilege through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who paid the demands of law for us.

FOR THOUGHT: Have you ever heard anyone say, “All I want is what I deserve.”? Have you said that? Do you realize that all men are sinners, and sinners deserve the devil’s hell? When did you last pause and simply rejoice that you bask in the grace of the Loving God?