Expect The ExtraordinarySample

Expect mercy

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

(Luke 1:76–79)

With a long-awaited son in his arms, I can imagine Zechariah tenderly singing this prophecy over him. Zechariah, and the people of Israel, expectant and hopeful for God to intervene in their suffering under the oppression of the Roman Empire. But God’s “tender mercy” is coming, bringing light and hope to those living in the shadows of crisis, natural disasters, war and death.  

Zechariah’s song, full of hope, salvation and forgiveness, should grab our attention as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth. But this idea of God’s magnificent yet tender mercy, grasped anew through human relationships, should challenge us, too. The tableau of Zechariah with his son reminds us to be compassionate, patient, joyful and full of respect for those who God has brought before us to care for. 

One of the things I value most about Tearfund's work across the world is that through our care for others we may also rediscover God’s tender mercy to us. 

Krish Kandiah, founding director of Home For Good