Today’s reading:
Psalm 118:26-29
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For his mercy endures forever.” (v. 29)
Experiences show that when there is a repetition of something or of a word, especially in the scripture, it can mean: a warning; or a reassurance or a distinct pointer at God’s love. As observed by some commentators and observers of the word of God, it is interesting to read that the word “Mercy” is mentioned 274 times in the King James Version of the bible, and “mercies” mentioned 40 times. Furthermore, it has also been observed that the statement “for his mercy endures for ever” is repeated 5 times in our Today’s reading vs 1-29, while in Ps 136:1-26, it is repeated 26 times. It also occurs in other Old Testament books of the scripture – Chronicles, Jeremiah, Samuel, apart from other Psalms.
It is not difficult to see that these repetitions are not only deliberate, but are also designed to show forth one of the major characteristics of God, which is his “unfailing love”. Also, the repetitions connote his reassurance. The question is, what is “God’s mercy”? The general meaning of mercy includes: compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone who is within one’s power to punish; forbearance; a forgiving disposition; a love that responds to human need in an unexpected or unmerited way; clemency. “God’s mercy” is his gift to mankind, which is undeserved kindness and compassion. It is also a gift He gives to the repentant heart. It is an extension of his love, reflected in the cross of Christ, and a direct expression of his love towards mankind. It is important to note that God has the right to give or not to give his mercy to anyone. It is his sole right as the giver. He gives, not because one begs or cries for it, it is at his discretion, since it is unmerited. Gladly enough, God gives his mercy for different reasons and at different circumstances.
Generally, the Psalmists in many of their Psalms and also other authors acknowledge and express thanks and appreciations to God for his mercies (Ps 136; 1 Chro.16:8-34; 2 Chro.15;13; Jer. 33:11). Prophet Jeremiah in Lam. 3:22 confirms that it is through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. It is one thing for one to receive a gift, it is another for it to be short-lived or to endure. “To endure” means to last, to continue to exist, to bear or put up with without giving in or up. It is amazing to know that God’s mercy endures, and in fact, forever. This means it is for all time, it is eternal, endless, indefinite and above all, continuous. All the characteristics and attributes of God have been experienced by mankind to be unchanging and will be forever. For example, in Lam. 3:22-24, it is written that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is his faithfulness.
Let us trace from the incident of the fall of man in Eden, on to the choice of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob leading to the covenant and choice of Israel and the twelve tribes, through whom Jesus Christ came to the world to fulfil the reconciliation of man back to God, as the seed of the woman promised in Gen 3:14; and up till today, it can be said that it has been the mercies of God! It has not failed once, but has continued to endure and will endure forever, as written in the revelation to Apostle John in the book of Revelation. Having said all these, it is important and instructive that no one should abuse the mercy of God or his grace that has given mankind everything. Everyone needs to key into the sacrifice which Jesus made, accept it and make him Lord and Saviour. Then truly, God’s mercy will endure forever in such a life. It is confirmed in Ps. 32:10 that whoever trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. The mercy of God will endure forever for whoever remains in him, with unwaivering faith, in steadfastness, living Christ-like life and trusting the Holy Spirit for everything from God.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Our eternal Father, we can’t ever thank you enough for your mercies, and above all, that they will endure forever.
Precious Saviour, we appreciate your sacrifice and resultant salvation to mankind.
Lord, help us to live our lives for you and to cling to the Holy Spirit whom you gave to dwell in us, to lead us through life.
Lord, teach the church to show forth to the world the unending mercies of our God.
Father in heaven, please show your mercy upon our nation for your glory to be seen all over it, so that it will bring each one closer to you.
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