mercy triumphs over judgment.

I've been reading Shakespeare this week. Not much, mind you [although I do intend that fact to quickly change], as I have really only just this week become aware of the great ideas written by this master of the English language and of the human plight.


The portion of Shakespeare I've been thinking upon this week comes from the Merchant of Venice, Act Four, Scene One. It was given to me at a sort of educational training meeting this week; although that description hardly suffices to explain. Perhaps soon I'll divulge more of what was discussed; however for now, I'll stick to Shakespeare.


In this scene, Portia is pleading not for justice on behalf of her friend, but for what triumphs over justice: Mercy.

"...though justice be thy plea, consider this:

That in the course of justice, none of us

Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render

The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much

To mitigate the justice of thy plea..."

I have heard this word "mitigate," but realized I wasn't quite sure of its entire meaning, which in this case means simply: "to lessen in force or intensity, as wrath, grief, harshness, or pain; moderate; to make less severe." [dictionary.com] 

I've spent a fair amount of time pondering over this plea for mercy, and especially this line, "to mitigate the justice of thy plea." There is of course justice; our God is a just God, as well as a holy God who cannot be in the presence of sin. Justice must be given; sin must bear its consequence. And yet His Word, which I believe to be Truth, states that "Mercy triumphs over judgment." [James 2:13] Romans 11:32, in speaking of the nation of Israel [and really referring to us all], says, "For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all."

The above verse led me to this conclusion: If we have no need of mercy, for what reason ought we receive it? Therefore, God in His knowledge has called us all sinners- it's a blanket statement that is absolute truth. There is not one who has not sinned; we have all fallen short of the glory of God. [Romans 3:23] He calls us all sinners and wants us so desperately to realize that truth; and He goes much further than that: He offers an escape. "That He might have mercy on all." Need we not simply call upon Him in truth and be saved? [Please read Psalm 143:18-19!] We recognize our sin and our need of mercy, we call upon Him, and we are saved. God Himself has made a way to lessen the consequence of our sin, and to fully remove our guilt - He has not merely mitigated His justice; the blood of Jesus bears its full weight.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4:16] Not only through His grace can we become recipients of such abundant mercy, but we can also be used as vessels of mercy unto others. For, how "blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." [Matthew 5:7]

Here is Portia's full speech; I really encourage you to read it and ponder it, and be blessed through this one man Shakespeare's understanding of mercy, which so aptly leads us to the Mercy Seat and Throne of Grace itself. Especially take notice of the "quality of mercy" [which we've received] as opposed to the attributes of justice [which we deserved]. My heart is filled with fresh and sincere gratefulness for the mercy of God through His Son Jesus Christ. May yours be blessed as well.

The quality of mercy is not strained.

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes

The thronéd monarch better than his crown.

His scepter shows the force of temporal power,

The attribute to awe and majesty

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;

But mercy is above this sceptered sway.

It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings;

It is an attribute to God Himself;

And earthly power doth then show likest God's

When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,

Though justice be thy plea, consider this:

That in the course of justice, none of us

Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render

The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much

To mitigate the justice of thy plea,

Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice

Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

-excerpt from The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare