A God of justice and mercy.
At first glance, a contradiction.
But, is it?
Sin aggressively demands its wages:
Death and separation.
God nods.
Yes indeed, Sin should be punished.
Reaping should follow sowing.
It is the law, it always has been.

But… but… but…
The thought of His own
Held hostage to sin
As it dishes out its punishment
Generously, Ruthlessly.
The thought of separation from His beloved
For all eternity.
His Father’s Heart grieves.
Is there another option?
Can both justice and mercy be appeased?

Then mercy speaks out.
Yes, justice will be served
It has to be dished out.
But, serve it to me instead.
Pile it on my plate.
I’ll take it on, all of it.
I’ll wipe clean your slate.

So He takes it on Himself.
The pain, the scourge, the death, the separation.
And it hurts, oh it hurts.
Thorns, not diamonds adorn His crown
Piercing Him in a thousand places.
Nails hold Him down and tear Him up.
‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani!’
The separation rips Him apart.
It is finished.

But…but…BUT…
That’s not the end.
For in the end, He conquers all.
From a cry of anguish to a shout of triumph.
Justice utters a sigh of satisfaction.
Mercy breathes a sigh of relief
Concurrence counters contradiction
A God of justice and mercy…
He is, and always will be.

Image Source here