The God Who Draws Near
The healing mercy of Jesus is for the sinful, the weary, the wounded, and the poor in spirit— anyone can get in on that!
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…” (James 1:27a).
The call to visit orphans and widows, those who are vulnerable and marginalized, is more than just a call to action—it’s a reflection of the very heart of God. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s compassion for the lowly, the hurting, and the forgotten. Psalm 68:5 calls Him the “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows”—the God who draws near to those in distress, offering comfort, justice, and mercy. This is who God is, and His heart moves toward the afflicted. In Deuteronomy 10:18, God is described as one who “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.”
James invites us to join God in this posture of mercy—to be present in the lives of those who cannot repay us, to move toward the afflicted as God moves toward us. This mercy, however, is not merely about doing good deeds or checking off a religious box. It’s about embodying the character of God Himself, reflecting His fatherly care and love to the world.
The mercy and grace of God flow down to the lowest point. His mercy alone explains why we are reconciled to God. It was not because we were great that God sought us out. It was not because we were impressive that God brought us near. The healing mercy of Jesus is for the sinful, the weary, the wounded, and the poor in spirit— anyone can get in on that! Only when we recognize ourselves as recipients of God’s mercy will we be eager to extend that mercy to others.
On the horizon…
Tomorrow Night at Immanuel - We are excited to start a new series this Wednesday night with Dr. Ray Ortlund called “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: For Today You Live.” Join us at 6:30 pm!