In Other Words---Waiting with Eyes of Mercy

"I do not know that the prodigal saw his father,
but his father saw him.
The eyes of mercy are quicker than the eyes of repentance.
Even the eyes of our faith is dim compared with the eye of God’s love. He sees a sinner long before a sinner sees Him.”

~C.H. Spurgeon~
(from sermon based upon the Prodigal Son)

Once upon a time she lived in a dynamic faith walk. She shared her faith. She prayed. She participated in deep conversations with other Christians and helped to sharpen them as iron sharpens iron.

But then something happened. She misstepped. Disappointment crowded in around her when the church did not take her side in an issue. Church attendance stopped. Time with Christian friends stopped. Anger and bitterness set in. She continued to claim that her private prayer life was rich. She stated that she was "closer to God" than ever. But the fruit was missing. The joy was gone. Fellowship all but ceased. Finally there was nothing.

Her friends waited and watched. They prayed. They watched some more. So eager for reconciliation. For years they watched. They could see her on the horizon a time or two. Running out to greet her, the wished to welcome back into fellowship. But the step of repentance had proven too difficult. She pushed them away, content to remain in the distant. Their hearts for mercy are real. They continue to wait. They continue to pray.

If the friends can wait with eyes of mercy, how much more mercy does the Father's eyes have? He watches and waits as well. Even as He can see into the hardened and frightened heart, He waits. He longs to redeem. But sometimes, repentance is long coming.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
~Matthew 7:9-11~
(emphasis mine)

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
~Romans 5:15~
(emphasis mine)

Father help me to be the friend, waiting with eyes of mercy. And when I need to repent, draw me quickly to repentance. I don't want to dwell away from You. Because of your cleansing and saving blood....Amen.

In Other Words this week is hosted by Heather at Mumblings of a Mommy Monk. Please join us there. I know you will be blessed.