HIS MERCY PREVAILS
Exodus 34: 3 – 9
Mercy is often defined as “refraining from harming offenders, a disposition to forgive or be kind, a blessing”. It is easy to give others their due when they have wronged us. But it is quite another thing to deny our rights and conveniences and preferences and feelings for the well-being of another. Mercy is not giving to another what they deserve. It demonstrates God’s grace in action by putting the needs of another above the needs of self. Without doubt, we often overlook the times we fail to give mercy and the times that we overlook God’s mercy on us. We are however, quick to admit our hurt when someone doesn’t show us mercy for our wrongdoing.
God is a merciful God. But unfortunately His mercy is sadly abused by man. God is not obligated to provide mercy neither are we a people who deserve mercy. By this we must understand that mercy is not earned. On the contrary, we are very much undeserving of God’s mercy. It is therefore important that we realize that his mercy is a token of his goodness and graciousness towards mankind. Another important factor about God’s mercy is that it is everlasting. Psalm 103:17 assures us that “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” Those who receive God’s mercy in this world will have it forever.
We must however take caution not to abuse God’s benevolence towards us. His mercy is not a license to continue in sin. Thomas Watson said that “To sin because mercy abounds is the devil’s logic.” Never fall into the trap of the devil to trivialize God’s mercy.
MEDITATION: “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)
