Rhino Reciprocity
A cheeky bird hitching a ride atop a rhino is a fascinating, perhaps humorous, image.
"Known as an oxpecker," the Rhino Recovery Fund reports:
[This] little bird maintains a reciprocal relationship with Africa’s white and black rhinos. Even the bird’s Swahili name means 'the rhino’s guard.' Oxpeckers feast upon the insects, parasites, and ticks that agitate rhinos, liberating the horned giants of these tiny pests.
The birds also serve as an alarm system for the poorly-visioned rhino. When danger approaches, the oxpecker creates a commotion, promptly warning the rhino of an approaching threat, like lions or hyenas. A recent study found that rhinos who enjoy the company of oxpeckers are more likely to avoid getting shot by poachers. As with any other threat, oxpeckers sound the alarm to an approaching human, increasing the chance for a rhino to avoid poachers.
This relationship between the rhino and the bird speaks of a reciprocal relationship and action, not a transactional one. When the Holy Spirit prompts us to show mercy, to minister to or care for another, it is a blessing to both them and us. Specifically, the mercy and grace of God liberates and protects us from evil desires, actions, words, and the Lord’s judgment.
Disciples of Jesus who appreciate having experienced His mercy and grace, then extend His mercy and grace to others.
God's mercy and grace are gifts to be received and extended, not based on conditional, transactional exchanges.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10, ESV).
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matthew 5:7, NIV).
Simon the Leper
"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper." (NIV).
Jesus dined at Simon the leper, evidently, he was a healed leper. I'd like to think a leper healed by Jesus. But he had to have been healed of his leprosy or he could not have been hosting a "party." Yet he was still known as "Simon the leper."
He was healed but once a leper always a leper
A leper's life was difficult not just because of the leprosy but maybe more so because leprosy was believed to be a curse from God. It was believed that a leper was a leper because of some heinous sin in their lives and they were under God’s judgment. But when Jesus heals He heals completely
Are we guilty of the same thing?
Once a drug addict, once an alcoholic, once an unwed mother, once an illegitimate child, once a divorcee…
He’s Simon the leper.
Once a liar, once a thief, once an adulterer… God forgives but we never forget.
We must receive all those who Jesus receives.
With the exception of…, if you can answer that go back to God and ask Him which of your sins he is still holding against you.
The High Cost Of Justice
Belinda Geary For The Daily Mail Australia, writes:
A man who has been to five different courts and racked up a $100,000 legal bill over a $250 speeding fine said that after a four year battle he still won't rest until 'justice' is served.
Mustafa Al Shakarji, from Townsville, Queensland was pulled over and fined $250 for speeding in March 2012 after a police radar allegedly detected him doing 28 kilometres over the speed limit.
But the pharmacist, who immigrated to Australia from Iraq in 2002, insists that he was not speeding and is determined to continue to fight until the courts give him justice.
Now, after going through five different courts and losing a final appeal the determined driver said he will be the first person to take a speeding fine all the way to Australia's High Court.
Everyone one of us is counting on one of two things when we face our Maker. We will either be seeking justice or mercy. Those who insist on justice will receive God's justice, which requires a just punishment for every transgression. However, those who repent and seek mercy will receive God's mercy, which promises all the joys and rewards of heaven.
What most people want, what they insist on as a matter of principle, is justice. And just like Mr. Shakarii, they are determined to take their case all the way to the highest court to get it. If you are one of those who insist on justice, be forewarned. It will be far more costly than you imagined.
"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:13).