GOD DELIGHTS IN MERCY

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Today’s Reading:

Micah 7:18 – 20

“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity………. Because He delights in mercy” (v. 18)

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The word “Mercy” can be said to be a common word in the Scripture, as it can be found in almost all the Books. This is not surprising because it, no doubt, applies to all people, in all nations, in all generations and for all situations and circumstances of man. “Mercy” means - forbearance towards someone who is in one’s power; compassion for the unfortunate; clemency. While mercy can be given or shown between men, it is however, largely associated with God more than men. It is a good thing regarded as derived from God. No wonder Paul in 2 Cor. 1:3 acknowledged God as the “Father of mercies”. There are so many evidences in the Scripture that portray God truly as a merciful God. It is not surprising that Prophet Micah, in Mic 7:18, summed up God’s acts of mercies and said it is because “He delights in mercy”.

To delight in something or someone means - to have or take great pleasure in it or in him/her; to be pleased greatly or enjoy extreme satisfaction from something or someone. What are the basis for God to delight in showing mercy to mankind? These include the fact that He is truly the Father of all mercies, playing the roles of a perfect father. Another reason is found in his basic nature and characteristics which include; love, perfection, compassion, forgiving and very closely related is his mercy (Luke 6:36; Ex 34:6-7; Ps. 116:5). Interestingly, God delights in showing his mercy because He remembers that man is dust (Ps. 103:14). Above all, his mercy is from generation to generation, from everlasting to everlasting (Ps. 103:17) and endures forever (Ps. 118:1-4). It is beneficial to highlight in the Scripture, those areas in which God demonstrated his delight in showing mercy to man. In our text today, Micah points out some as: pardoning of iniquity; passing over transgressions; not retaining his anger; subduing iniquities; casting of sins into the depths of the sea and having compassion in general (vs 18-19). Others from Psalmists include: forgiveness of iniquity or sins (Ps. 103:3); deliverances from destruction, enemies, calamities (Ps. 103:4); restoration (Ps. 126:1); return from captivity (Jer. 33:11); healing of diseases (Ps. 103:3); covenants sworn to past generations (Mic. 7:20).

Apart from God’s delight to show mercy to mankind in general, the Scripture points to specific people who God loves to demonstrate his delight of great mercies. These include: those who fear him (Ps.103:11, 17); generations of those who fear him (Luke 1:50); generations He has sworn to (Mic. 7:20); those who call upon his name or him with clean hearts; and those who trust or have confidence in him. Prophet Jeremiah recalled to his mind that through God’s mercies they were not consumed (Lam. 3:22). Given the situations and happenings of these times, it must be because of the delight of God to show mercies, that we have all survived till now. Glory to his name!

CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI

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Prayer:

1. Father, right from creation, you had and have continued to show mercy to mankind in general.

2. Father, your mercy towards mankind resulted in your gift of Christ, and we thank you for helping us accept him.

3. Precious Lord accept our praise, worship and thanksgiving for what your mercy has given mankind (life and forgiveness).

4. Father, please continue to delight in showing us mercy.

5. Father help the Church to see and appreciate your delight to show us mercy and help it to play its roles towards You.

6. Father show your delightful mercy on our nation and the world.