Zechariah 7:9 - Show mercy and compassion to one another

This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

Thus has the LORD of hosts said, 'Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother;'

Zechariah 7:9

Commentary

Zechariah was dealing with a nation that had corrupted their religious activities with self-interest. God's prescription for the religious abuse of Israel was to engage in humanitarian action. To show true salvation to people is to challenge them spiritually and minister to them materially. It's in the acts of justice, mercy and compassion that we exhibit God's goal to redeem his creation. To show true justice is to expose the corruption that we are all prone to. To show mercy is to lay down our quest for power. To show compassion is to enter into the lives of others to understand the brokenness of our world. This is the good news of God made visible.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

Psalm 49:15 - But God will redeem my life from the grave

But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me. Selah.

Psalm 49:15

Commentary

This Psalm deals with death, which is not a popular subject in our day. We don't want to talk about death until it is thrust upon us through the passing of a relative or friend. It's been well said that we never see a hearse towing a U-Haul. But even though we can't take it with us, the good news is that God takes us with Him! We feel so unfulfilled with the achievements of this world because this world was never meant to fulfill us. We were created to long for the One who redeems our lives from the grave and takes us to Himself.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC