Bible Passage(s): Psalm 136

Memory Verse: “And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” Exodus 33: 19

I like Macmillan English Dictionary’s definition of mercy. It says “mercy is the act of forgiving someone or not treating them severely, especially someone who have the authority to punish”. When I consider the mercy of God, I see this definition as being inadequate to describe it. The mercy of God towards us is unsearchable and no one can fully understand and imagine the length, depth and breadth of it! Despite man’s continuous disobedience, always going his own way, God still makes His mercy available without measure.

I do not think there will be any man left on earth if we are to judge man based on his ways and the extent of man’s evil in the world. But our sovereign God does not consider our past; He continues to make His mercy available to us.

The Psalmist, whilst recounting the mercies of God has this to say: ‘‘Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.’’ Psalm 136: 23 – 25

I met someone who asked “when can you not forgive someone?” I replied we can never stop forgiving people who have wronged us, because even in our lowly undeserving estate, God continues to forgive and have mercy on us. His mercy endures from generation unto generation. He never relents or stop being merciful! The Lord’s sovereignty is paramount in His dealings with people. God can do whatever He wants, yet He responds with mercy and grace to our human frailties and foibles. We are therefore to emulate Him!

In the memory verse to this message, God says to Moses ‘I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. That is, no matter who you are or how far and deep you have gone in iniquity, His mercy and grace is still available to you. He gives water to all flesh, despite the wickedness of many. He makes the air available in abundance to all without discrimination! I wonder why some do not fear and worship God, but still continue in their wicked ways? We all need to retrace our steps and not take the mercy and grace of God for granted. As Apostle Paul asks in his letter to the Romans, chapter 6: verse 1 – What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? He immediately answered – God forbid!

I therefore enjoin you my dear reader, do not take the mercy and grace of God for granted. This is because, even if we escape ‘judgement’ or repercussions in this world, we shall be called to account in eternity. How then can we be so foolish to exchange the short ephemeral world with an eternity where there is no end! It is our choice to make. So if you have not given your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, but still continue in your wicked ways, I invite you to choose life, goodness and righteousness today, so that you can live with Him in His paradise where there is no sorrow, suffering and chattering of teeth. Please pray the prayer at the end of this message and you will have the assurance of being a child of God with the full benefits as His beloved. Find and begin to attend a Bible believing and Bible preaching church so that you may grow in your new faith. It is well with you.

The Lord bless and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace, now and forevermore. Amen.

Prayer: Lord, I know I am a sinner. I confess my sins today and ask that you forgive me. I surrender my life to your sovereignty and accept Jesus Christ your Son as my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my life and make me yours, in Jesus name I pray. Amen

Throughout this month and for the rest of the year, the mercy and grace of the Lord shall be with you. His presence shall go with you and He will give you rest on every side in Jesus mighty name.