The Gift

 by Macy Johnson

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

(Luke 6:36 NIV)

 

At the suggestion of our son Jeff and I watched a Netflix documentary on World War II. One of the commentators had been captured by the Nazis. He was the survivor of a bombed tank in Northern Africa and told of the ordeal of his transport as a prisoner of war across the desert and the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival in Italy, he and his fellow prisoners were marched through villages to the prison camp.

 

Bystanders spit on them and kicked them, and women slapped them as they trudged by. All Nazi supporters were angry at these American prisoners, except for a small child. She boldly walked up to this hostage and handed him a peach. He brought it to his lips, cupped in his hands, and enjoyed the best fruit he had ever tasted. It was sweet hope in the midst of dark despair.

 

Jesus came to earth in the middle of the war of the human race. He invaded the small town of Bethlehem and was unnoticed by most. The citizens did not know their Savior had come. Some didn’t think they needed to be rescued from the oppression of their own sinfulness. The Messiah was the ultimate gift, the perfect expression of mercy. When I read of Jesus’ life on earth and can see God the Father in Him, I can learn how to be a gift like Him to others.

 

As my mother celebrates her 100^th earthly birthday in heaven, I thank my heavenly Father for her and all the amazing gifts He has blessed me with. He sends people to shine His glory through mercy extended exactly when we need it.    

 

I will in turn present the gifts of love and mercy to others today. I hope you will, too!