Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
INTRODUCTION
In the first quarter of this year we have been considering the benefits of walking with God. So far we have considered the following: “Being known by God”, “Having access to God”, Enjoying the: “(Peace, Joy, Love) of God” and today, as we begin a new quarter, we will be considering “The Mercy of God”.
Mercy is underserved favour, it is a compassionate or forgiving attitude shown towards someone who deserves punishment or judgment. The mercy of God is an act of grace and love that encompasses understanding and compassion even when justice might dictate otherwise. The mercies of God are great according to 2 Samuel 24:14.
"David said to Gad, 'I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.'"
BACKGROUND
In 2 Samuel 24:1-2, King David ordered a census of Israel and Judah, and God was not pleased. 1 Chronicles 21:1 tells us that it was the instigation of the enemy. It says: “Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.”
God was displeased because a man only had the right to count or number what belonged to him. Israel didn’t belong to David; Israel belonged to God. (Exodus 30:12). And so God gave David 3 options for his punishment. Two out of the three options meant that Israel would either be at the mercy of neighbouring countries (as in seven years of famine) or attacked by enemies (Flee three months before your enemies). So he chose the third option, (Three days’ plague in the land) - This would mean the death of some in Israel, but anyone could be struck by this plague – rich or poor, influential or anonymous, royal or common. He chose this option because he knew that God was far more merciful and gracious than man.
This brings us to the first summation, that there are two categories of mercy, God’s (Divine) Mercy and Human Mercy.
PART 1: GOD’S MERCY
1. God’s Mercy is in Abundance
Ephesians 2:4-5 says: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
As a matter of fact His mercy is so plenteous, it fills the whole earth and goes beyond the heavens in height. (Psalm 119:64) “The earth, O LORD, is full of Thy mercy: Teach me thy statutes.”
2. God’s Mercy Never Comes to an End
To keep us alive, God renews His mercy day by day, because none of us really deserves to live due to our numerous sins. Lamentation 3:22-23 says: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Just imagine if God’s mercy one day comes to an end, what will be the fate of man? But thankfully, the mercy of God upon us lasts forever, (Psalms 106:1) “Praise ye the LORD . O give thanks unto the LORD ; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.”
3. God Delights in Showing us Mercy
He enjoys being merciful and hence forgives easily. None of us deserved to be saved and live eternally but for the mercy of God. (Micah. 7:18) “Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy”
God’s Mercy Manifests in:
1. Forgiveness of Sins: Walking with God allows individuals to experience His mercy through the forgiveness of sins. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
2. Protection and Deliverance: Those who walk with God often experience His mercy through protection and deliverance from harm. Psalm 91:4-5 affirms this: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day."
3. Renewed Strength and Comfort: Walking with God enables individuals to experience His mercy through the renewal of strength and comfort in times of difficulty. Isaiah 40:31 states, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
4. Guidance and Wisdom: Those who walk with God receive His mercy through guidance and wisdom in making decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
PART 2: HUMAN MERCY
Matthew 18:23-34 tells us about the parable of the unforgiving servant. Verses 32-34, reveals God’s expectation “32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt"
James 2:13 says “For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment”
We are expected as humans, not just being recipients of God’s mercy only, but to be merciful to others as well. Walking with God, requires that we become like Him. (Luke 6:36.)
Mercy obeys the law of harvest: if you sow mercy, you will reap mercy. If you show no mercy you will receive none. Each time you let offences committed against you go unrevenged you will inherit a blessing. Besides, being merciful is a sign that you are a true Son of God. (Matthew 5:7)
Showing mercy doesn’t always come naturally. So how can we be merciful as we walk with God? By:
1. Being patient with people: How do you become more patient with your kids, spouse, coworkers, or friends? Ask God for His wisdom. The Bible says in James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is . . . peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy” (NLT).
2. Helping anyone around you who is hurting: You cannot love your neighbor as yourself without being merciful. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it” (GNT)—and “do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:8 NIV).
3. Giving people a second chance: When somebody hurts us, we normally want to get even or write that person off. But the Bible says, “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others . . . Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV).
4. Doing good and being kind to those who hurt you: Mercy is giving people what they need, not what they deserve, because that’s what God does with us: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back . . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36 NIV), Jude 1:22-23 says, “Show mercy to those who have doubts . . . even though you are afraid that you might be stained by their sinful lives” (GW).
You’ve got to be more interested in winning people to Christ than in winning the argument.
OBTAINING MERCY
1. Approach God’s throne with confidence in the Blood: Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
2. Show Mercy to Others: Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
3. Cry Out for Mercy: Luke 18:35-38 “As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
CONCLUSION
When we walk with God, we become candidates of this plenteous mercy of God! (Psalm 103:8). “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” We receive forgiveness of sins when we repent, we experience protection and deliverance from harm, we received renewed strength and are guided by His wisdom.
