Tag: mercy
God’s amazing mercy and wisdom!
Scripture reading for June 27: Romans 11
“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable are His ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:32-36
As we have been listening to God through the writings of Paul, we have been challenged to expand our world view to see God’s grand vision of showing mercy to all men and women, Jew or Gentile. All people are shut away from God through disobedience. The Jews have broken God’s law and covenant. The Gentiles have violated God’s laws known through conscience. Not one person has right standing before God through their own effort or works. We humbly come to God as debtors needing mercy and grace.
No religion of man or wisdom of man can add to what God has planned and accomplished in Jesus. God stands above all in wisdom. His ways are holy and just. He is merciful and mighty. He has created all things and all things belong to Him. He needs nothing but deserves all glory and honor forever and ever! His people can only fall down in worship and adoration at the free gift of salvation through Jesus the Christ. All creation owes its existence to the One Who created it all and holds it together by His powerful Word. All creation awaits the final revelation of God’s Glory in His Son as King of kings and Lord of lords!
How has God expanded your world view through hearing His Word? How have you responded to God’s revelation of His wisdom and mercy through Jesus Christ? Do you regularly worship God and gather with His redeemed people to expand your understanding of this Amazing God we know and love?
Prayer: Father God, I worship You and adore You as Creator, giver of the Good News, the Source of all wisdom and power. I have nothing to offer You, but my sincere praise, my heart as Your domain, and my feet to go into Your world and share Your Good news. To You be all glory and praise, now and forever. Amen.
“Son of David”
Scripture reading for March 27: Luke 18
“As He drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he came near, He asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”” Luke 18:35-41
Jesus always honors faith and Scripture teaches us that without faith, no one can please God. (Hebrews 11:6) As Jesus heads for Jerusalem for His final week on earth, He encounters this blind beggar who is sitting beside the road. This man had to rely on other’s generosity for his support and for description of what was causing a crowd to pass by. Those in the crowd told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. But the crowd’s pronouncement brought forth a shocking response of faith from this seemingly insignificant person.
The blind man cried out with unashamedly, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” This blind man had a revelation of Jesus’ divinity and connected Him with the promise in Scripture of a descendant of David Who would be the Jew’s Messiah and eternal King. (2 Samuel 7:8-13) The crowd tried to silence him but he persisted in his cry for mercy to the Son of David. His cry caught Jesus’ attention and Jesus invited him to come to him. Jesus asked what he wanted from Him, and the request for healing was immediately granted. Jesus responded that his faith had made him well! This caused great praise to God.
Have you ever sought Jesus for healing or help in an impossible situation? Have those you love or know told you to be quiet, your request is impossible? What do you want Jesus to do for you today? What are some insights that help you from this story told by Jesus?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending the “Son of David” as You promised in Your Word. Thank You for taking time to hear a cry for mercy, as I have also cried to You many times. Use me to encourage faith by sharing Your promises and crying out for mercy on behalf of the hurting. Amen.
Son of David!
Scripture reading for January 28: Matthew 20
“And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed Him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they received their sight.” Matthew 20:29-34
The world often looks down on those who are needy or handicapped. Those that have to beg for help or for a living are thought to be distractions or a bother to the important people of life. Our culture often shapes our world view and it was no different in Jesus’ day in the nation of Israel. But God takes notice of all people. He is no respecter of persons but honors faith whenever it is present. He is not bothered by our cry for mercy.
These blind beggars evidently heard that Jesus Christ was passing by. They had heard about the miracles of healing and the buzz concerning the possibility that this was the expected Christ. In faith, they called out respectfully to Jesus for His mercy on their life of darkness. They shouted and in spite of the crowds demand that they quiet down, continued to loudly call out to the “Son of David” for help. Jesus stopped and took time to inquire of their request. As they asked for open eyes, Jesus opened them promptly! What a miracle to behold!
Are you unashamedly calling to Jesus for the help you need? Have your circumstances or those people around you caused you to be silent and cry no more? Call out again as Jesus is near and full of mercy!
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your amazing mercy and response to those in darkness, need and misery. Use me to be their voice when they are silent and be Your hand extended in healing. Amen.
Lament over Jerusalem!
Scripture reading for August 16: Lamentations 1-5
Jeremiah composed a series of five funeral songs about the death of Jerusalem and the captivity of God’s people. As a pastor, this book is helpful to gain insight into the process of grief and helping families and individuals deal with death and loss. Grief takes time and energy to process. Mourning people go through stages ranging from disbelief and shock, to mourning and wailing, blaming others or God, to quiet acceptance and finally readiness to move on. God understands our grief and sorrows for His Son, Jesus, was a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. (Isaiah 53:3)
Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet because he had a tender heart of compassion for God’s people. (Lamentations 1:16) He had warned them faithfully of the coming judgment and destruction of Jerusalem. He had witnessed the destruction and now wrote to chronicle the grief process. Jeremiah was a lot like Jesus Christ, Who also wept over the city of Jerusalem as He saw prophetically the destruction that was to come upon it for their rejection of Him as their Messiah. (Matthew 23:37-39) God values tears so much that the Psalmist said He gathers them up in a bottle and records them on a scroll. (Psalm 56:8) Tears are a sign of compassion and were cried by Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb and again over Jerusalem.
In Lamentations 3, the prophet is recounting his misery and described it with images that bring Isaiah 53 and the crucifixion to mind. In the middle of his rant, he turned his thoughts to hope! (Lamentation 3:20-21) He remembered God’s steadfast love and great compassion. Jeremiah declared that His mercy is “new every morning” and that “great is God’s faithfulness”. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Because God was Jeremiah’s portion, he chose to wait for the Lord, Who is good to those who wait for Him and put their hope in Him! It is truly God’s mercy that gives us hope and leads us to repentance! (Romans 2:4)
This funeral lament ends with words of faith and hope and a prayer. God is sovereign and reigns forever. In His compassion, He would restore them as they prayed. Take a moment and offer a prayer of thanksgiving and trust in the Lord for His loving compassion today. His Son Jesus Christ wept over us and bore our sorrows and tears that we might live in His love and receive new mercies every morning!
“You, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long? Restore us to Yourself, O Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless You have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.” Lamentations 5:19-22
Sunday rest and reflection: mercy!
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings on this day of worship and reflection! God is to be praised for His mercy and long-suffering! As I think back on the nearly 500 years of history in the Kings and Chronicles, God surely was patient with His people! He suffered long with their stubbornness. He waited patiently for them to respond to His prophets and Word. He punished them, but still His mercy was extended to those who would listen and respond. They endured wars, captivity, famines, internal bickering and strife while God kept continually offering them His amazing grace! They only needed to turn to Him in repentance and call on His name and He would hear and answer! How long our God bears with us!
As I think about the day we live in, God is still offering the amazing grace of forgiveness! He is still suffering long and ready to extend His cleansing grace. All who call out to Him are heard! He still saves and delivers. He forgives sin, rebellion and strife when His people repent! He has sent His people out with a message of good news! God’s wrath has been satisfied with the blood of His own Son! Whoever believes can get in on it! What an amazing display of mercy available to all who will come to Him!
After the trials and tests of this life are over, God promises us full life with Him forever! This is extreme mercy! We who were His enemies are now brought near and given a full inheritance! The same God who foretold the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, tells us of a new heavens and new earth where we will dwell in righteousness with Him forever! Go and tell the Good News of God’s amazing mercy! Have a great week in Jesus Christ! Love in Him, Pastor John
Faith and hope in God Alone!
Scripture reading for October 9th: 1st Peter 1, Psalm 51, Proverbs 15l
1st Peter 1: 17-21 “And if you call on Him as Father Who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, Who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
God is the judge of all the earth and He has committed all judgment to His Son, Jesus Christ. Judgment will be impartial, with no respect for persons, positions, wealth or fame. All will be judged according to their deeds personally. The only ones able to pass through this judgment will be those who have asked God for mercy for their misdeeds or sins. He alone is able to pay the penalty for those sins and pardon us on the basis that we have by faith received His offer of mercy through the ransom paid–His sin-free blood! This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, made known to all in these last times. God raised His Son from the dead and seated Him on the throne. He knows His own and has blotted out the record of their sins, never to be remembered again! Amen!
Psalm 51:1-2 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!”
Prayer: Father God, have mercy on me, according to Your steadfast covenant of love and mercy through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Only You can forgive sin and wash me clean and purge the record of my sins. I receive Your gift of righteousness and the Holy Spirit to form me in new creation in the image of Your Son. My faith and hope are in Jesus Christ, Alone! Open my lips in Gospel praise!
Proverbs 15:9-10 “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness. There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.”
Faithfulness brings mercy!
Scripture reading for September 11th: 1st Timothy 1, Psalm 31, Proverbs 26
1st Timothy 1:12-17 “I thank Him Who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Paul begins his letter to his young ‘son’ in the faith by sharing about how he received Christ’s mercy, Paul considered himself the ‘foremost’ of sinners, because he persecuted God’s people and even had some murdered out of zeal for the law and ignorance of faith and grace. He was worthy of great punishment and rejection by God. But through Christ Jesus, Paul received grace and an appointment into God’s service. He came to realize that it was Christ’s primary mission to save sinners, even ones as bad as he was! Christ used the miraculous change in Paul’s life as an example to others and as a display of God’s perfect patience. All Paul could do, along with us, was worship the King of the Ages Who lives forever and ever! God’s faithfulness and patience brought Paul into His family and us who believe as well!
Psalm 31:3-5 “For You are my Rock and my Fortress; and for Your Name’s sake You lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for You are my Refuge. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing patience with me and the grace You have shown to all sinners throughout history. It is Your love and faithfulness that have brought me to a place of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. You have delivered me from pride and flattery as well as lying and violence. You are my King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God. You are worthy of honor and glory forever!
Proverbs 26:28 “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
The sudden return of Jesus!
Scripture reading for July 20th: Luke 17, Psalm 144, Proverbs 20
Luke 17: 22-27 “And He said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. But first He must suffer many thigs and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.”
Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus told them that the kingdom of God was coming in ways that normal observation could not reveal. It was an inside job, known only to those humble enough to repent and turn to Jesus, the Son of Man. Jesus pointed out to His disciples that there would be those trying to say that the kingdom was ‘here’ or ‘there’, but not to believe them. The return of Jesus Christ would bring the fullness of God’s kingdom to earth. This would happen suddenly, like a lightning bolt that lit up the sky from east to west! It would happen like the days of Noah, when normal life was proceeding and suddenly the flood came and destroyed all not on the Ark!
Psalm 144:5-7 “Bow Your heavens, O Lord, and come down! Touch the mountains so that they smoke! Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; send out Your arrows and rout them! Stretch out Your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, for the hand of foreigners, . .”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this instruction on the coming of Jesus Christ! I desire to see the fullness of the kingdom in the return of my Lord! I would pray with the psalmist, ‘O Lord, Bow Your heavens and come down!’ I long to see justice done on earth, as in heaven. I know that You desire to show mercy. Use me today to share the message of mercy You sent in Jesus Christ. Come, Lord Jesus!
Proverbs 20:22 “Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you.”
Good news: mercy and justice!
Scripture reading for June 30th: Luke 3, Psalm 130, Proverbs 6
Luke 3:15-18 “As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all saying, “I baptize you with water, but He Who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, to clear the threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn, but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” So with many other exhortations he preached Good News to the people.”
John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, created a stir among the people and religious authorities. His preaching called people to repentance and to baptism or washing of filth in expectation of the coming Messiah. This Messiah, according to John, would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. He would come to bring in the harvest of souls from the earth, symbolized by a winnowing fork, a tool that was used to harvest the wheat. The wheat would then be beaten on the threshing floor to remove the chaff. The Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, cleansing all sin and creating a new life. Sins would not only be forgiven, but consumed completely because Christ paid our penalty for sin. This message was “Good News” for sinners who were humble enough to repent!
Psalm 130:3-4 “If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your great mercy in sending Your Son to take the fire of judgment for broken law on our behalf on Calvary’s cross. Thank You for Jesus Christ, our Messiah, providing us with an inner baptism of the Holy Spirit and cleansing us with Holy Fire from Your altar of mercy. But for Your mercy, we would be consumed in the fire of judgment as chaff instead of gathered into Your Barn!
Proverbs 6:27-29 “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.”
Living worthy of the Gospel
Scripture reading for June 15th: Philippians 1, Psalm 119, Proverbs 26
Philippians 1:27-30 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”
Paul wrote a positive and encouraging letter to the Church at Philippi. He stated upfront, that God had begun a good work in them and would see it through to the Day of Christ. (1:6) Paul was in jail in Rome and faced uncertainty concerning his ultimate fate at the hands of the Romans. He knew that he could very well be executed and shared his heart about this possibility. But his pastoral concern was for the church. He wanted them to continue in the faith and stay steadfast, even as this would result in suffering just as he was. They were to have no fear of those afflicting them. This peace of God on their lives would bring conviction on their tormentors. God was at work and all who trust in Him will ultimately be kept safe!
Psalm 119:75-77 “I know, O Lord, that Your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promise to Your servant. Let Your mercy come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight.”
Prayer: Father God, You are faithful in all our afflictions, working all things for our good and salvation. Help me to live in Your peace in today’s afflictions and to pray for those who are tormenting me. Keep me from fear, evil speech, gossip, or judging others. Use my lips to declare Your love and Truth to those You send me to. My desire is to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my Lord.
Proverbs 26:20 “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.”