The next king over Judah after Rehoboam died was his son, Abijam. His life was summarised as “his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem.” This is an illustration of God’s mercy, that a king could reign over Judah for the sake of a promise made to David, a position not based on merit. Similarly, we are part of God’s household, despite our sins, through God’s mercy shown in the sacrifice of His son.
In Mark 15 we read of that sacrifice, of the humiliation and torture Jesus endured. But we also read of the inspiration that act gave to those around him. The centurion came to realise that Jesus was the son of God. Joseph of Arimathea made a public stand for his beliefs. So let us also be inspired by Jesus’ life and sacrifice, to make a stand for our beliefs, and help others realise the mercy of God.