Today’s Reading:
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For his mercy endures forever” (v. 1)
The Scripture is full of mention of the mercies of God, and one of such popular verses is " Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed" (Lam. 3:22). No wonder, God is referred to by Apostle Paul as the " Father of mercies" (2 Cor. 1:3). Mercy is defined as compassion that forebears punishing, even when justice demands it; also, it is giving compassion or pardon to those that deserve punishment; showing kindness to those who don't deserve it.
One of the greatest characteristics found in God's nature is his mercifulness (Ex 34:6). Throughout the scripture are evidences of God's mercy to his creation, starting from Genesis, in which it is recorded that God showed mercy to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and even promised same to their future generations. This was made evident in the lives of the Israelites, right from their release from bondage in Egypt, and throughout the wilderness journey, when Moses was instructed by God to build a covenant Ark, on which sat God’s "Mercy Seat", and the Ark was placed in the Tabernacle. In the New Testament days and till now, mankind has been enjoying the special mercy of God, which came through the sacrifice of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Through God's compassion and kindness, the punishments due to us, including that inherited from Adam and Eve, were borne by Jesus. We have been and continue to be pardoned, forgiven, washed and set free from our sins. This is because of the mercies of God that lasts (endures) forever. This is the expression and extension of his love towards mankind.
In continuation of show of His mercies, believers can boldly approach the Throne of grace and obtain mercy from God (Heb 4:16). David, who got and appreciated God's mercies in various areas of his life, spoke of the “multitude” of the tender mercies of God (Ps 51:1-2). Also, in Ps.103:4,8, David mentions that God crowns with tender mercies, and that He is merciful, gracious and abounding in mercy. Prophet Micah expressed that God delights in showing mercy and Apostle James confirms that God's mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:13). God himself confirmed to Moses, while giving him the Ten Commandments, that He keeps his mercy for thousands and from generation to generation (Ex. 34:7). Above all these, mercies will last (endure) forever with mankind, as David confirmed that it is from everlasting to everlasting. We enjoy the mercies of God in the various spheres of our lives- physical, emotional, financial and most importantly, spiritual. For instance, David asked from God, and received God's mercy when he sinned (adultery), and asked for his transgression to be blotted out, his iniquity and sin to be washed out and to receive cleansing (Ps. 51:1-2). God's mercies make him to intervene in our physical situations, apart from the spiritual, especially in the area of healing of the body.
Who then qualifies to receive the mercy of God?
These include those who have and know God and are known by him. These are those who have accepted his Son who reconciled mankind with him, those "born again"- who have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (John 3:16). Also, those who fear God will receive His mercy (Ps 118:4, Ps 103:11,17). Those who confess and forsake their sins will receive mercy (Prov. 28:13). God has mercy on those who wait for him, especially because He is a God of justice (Is. 30:18). Others who also receive the mercies of God are: those who call him in their distress (Ps 118:5), those who are saved from trouble, those who have confidence in him, those who depend on his strength, those who affirm that they shall not die, but live to declare his works, and also the righteous (Ps 118:8,14-17).
One of the assurances that believers would enjoy the mercies of God forever, comes from the gift of eternal life in our souls and spirits. In return for God's mercies that would endure for us forever, we need to give him thanks continuously. David was a great worshipper and a thankful soul. We, like him should give thanks to God, for He is good, and his mercy lasts (endures) forever (Ps. 118:1).
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we confess and confirm that you are merciful.
Father, lead those who are yet to accept Jesus and therefore, your mercies, to do so by the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
Lord Jesus, as you have saved us, please continue to guide us to be worthy of the Father's mercy.
Father, may your mercy continue to flood us and prevail for us forever.
Father, please wake the Church up to be worthy of your mercy and to bring the lost souls to enjoy same.
Father let our nation continue to enjoy your mercy, for the sake of the elect.
Comments