TEXT: LAMENTATION 3:22–23 KJV
[22] It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.
Discussions:
Today’s topic is an aspect of God that cannot be fully understood through teaching alone but through personal experience. If there is anything we need from God at any given time, it is His mercy. This is more valuable than anything anyone could ever receive from God.
Mercy can be defined as a system God created that causes Him to intervene in any situation without any obstruction whatsoever.
King David understood this so well, and Isaiah recorded it as “the sure mercies of David” (Isaiah 55:3). David committed an error that could have led to his downfall, yet God covered his sin because He is merciful.
God’s mercy is totally undeserved. It has nothing to do with what you did or did not do. It is simply mercy.
“For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” — Romans 9:15
When mercy speaks, the consequences of one’s actions no longer prevail. Jesus prayed for Peter before he denied Him because He had mercy on him, yet mercy did not speak for Judas Iscariot.
It is fair to say that mercy is not fair.
Jesus gave us the parable of the prodigal son, showing how the father welcomed his son back home after he had squandered all his inheritance. Technically, he deserved rejection, but instead, his father celebrated his return with a feast.
The parable of the vineyard workers is another illustration of God’s undeserved mercy (Matthew 20:1–16). The vineyard owner paid those who started work at the third hour (9:00 a.m.), the sixth hour (12:00 noon), and the eleventh hour (5:00 p.m.) the same wages. Those who had worked since 9:00 a.m. complained, but his response was remarkable:
“Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.”
Jesus, who knew the mind of God the Father, told us these parables so that we might understand that God’s mercy is all we truly need in life. Our greatest desire should be to remain in right standing with God.
May the Lord show us mercy in Jesus’ name. No matter how far you have gone or how difficult your situation may be, all you need is God’s mercy. Run to God and ask Him for mercy.
It is important to note that as wonderful as God’s mercy is, it must not be taken for granted. God does not want us to continue in sin and keep returning to Him for forgiveness without repentance.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” — Romans 6:1–2
We can attract God’s mercy by opening our hearts to Him in prayer, honestly expressing our feelings, and asking Him to show us mercy concerning every situation. Speak to God as a Father and not merely as a Judge. As we humble ourselves before the Lord, may we obtain mercy in His sight, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer focus:
Oh Lord, please have mercy on me today.
Light Up Christian Fellowship
