World Unyielding

Mercy and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed.

Psalm 85:10

Who could have arranged such an intimate encounter of everlasting impact? None other than God Himself. All are found to dwell harmoniously in the person of Jesus Christ. Look to the humble beginnings of a manger—truth gloriously sprung out of the earth. But His glory was veiled. He grew up before the LORD as a tender plant. Righteousness looked down from heaven. Then, at a later time, the righteous God spoke, and the reality was declared: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ Glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, was dwelling in the land. Mercy and truth coupled, and we look on gladly. For truth alone condemns mankind. All have borne false witness—if not in word, then in deed. None have glorified God as is fitting for His image-bearers. But here is a man who stands alone in truth. He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.

Such a perfect life was not to condemn souls; it was to display the mercy of God and save them. Truth alone condemns unless mercy is shown. Are we not pleased to see them joined together? The voice of God thundered truth from Mount Sinai, and the people trembled. The people pleaded for mercy. Truth came down from heaven in Christ, and the great throng heard Him gladly.

Never have righteousness and peace been so closely tied as in Jesus. The prophesied Prince of Peace, the one in whom the LORD was well pleased for His righteousness’ sake, came to magnify His law and make it glorious. Full satisfaction of the righteous requirements of God’s holy law is found in Jesus. He was totally righteous. Without fault or blemish, He stands in a category of one. Righteousness looked down from heaven and fixed its focus on the perfect specimen—body and soul without sin. Full righteousness for us to marvel at.

Rejoice! God has brought peace to unrighteous souls. Tears wept over sin make the sight of our glorious Savior all the sweeter. In Christ, we are shown mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace. O my soul, cast yourself upon Him in whom God grants salvation. Hear what the LORD speaks. He speaks peace to His people—those very people clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ, having put faith in Him. His pristine record is put to their name. The penalty for their sinful folly was laid to His account. He suffered the full penalty.

There upon the cross, not one of these heavenly qualities was diluted in its excellency. No compromise was made. Mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace were all upheld. All converged on this sinless man. Though a sinner be unmerciful, deceitful, unrighteous, and full of hateful strife, God’s salvation is near to those who fear Him. Would I too be saved from the power of sin today? O my soul, behold Christ, and can you not help but be changed into His image? Be led by the Spirit and follow in the ways of mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, until you see Him face to face.