Message: Betrayal and Judgment: The Intersection of Mercy, Truth, and Justice (05/03/'24) -Message

Message: Betrayal and Judgment: The Intersection of Mercy, Truth, and Justice In the twilight of treachery, where shadows merge with the onset of night, a poignant scene unfolds. Judas, cloaked in the guise of loyalty, approaches with a kiss, uttering, "Hail, Master!"—a greeting that carries the weight of impending betrayal. In response, Jesus, the personification of grace under betrayal, questions with deep-seated sorrow, "Friend, why are you here?" This encounter not only marks a tragic moment but also exemplifies the painful meeting of mercy and truth. Parallel to this, the prophetic voice of Micah resonates with a stern warning against corruption and deceit. He portrays a society rotten with injustice—where the wealthy wield violence and deception as their tools, ensuring their coffers remain full while the spirit of the community starves. The divine response is as harsh as it is inevitable: a life filled with emptiness, a futile grasp at satisfaction, all culminating in destruction by the sword. These narratives, separated by time and testament, converge on a singular truth: in the shadow of divine justice, mercy and truth meet—sometimes in a kiss of betrayal, other times in the stark reality of judgment. This dance of divine balance is both a reflection of celestial order and a reminder of the consequences woven through the fabric of our choices. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 3, 2024)