Date: Friday, 8th March, 2024
Text: Psalm 103:8-11
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
Apart from Justice another essential Christ mentioned is Mercy. It can be defined as compassion that forbears punishment even when justice demands it.
When God was eulogizing himself in the front of Moses, he described himself as “The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6-7
In today’s text the Psalmist describes God’s nature this way, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” Psalm 103:8-11
Mercy triumphs over judgement. For example, the thief on the Cross deserves to end up in Hell but because he repented and asked for mercy, he was forgiven and even though he suffered physical pain, shame and punishment, he was set free from eternal punishment. Christ tempered justice with mercy- Luke 23:39-43.
In some occasions, however, mercy can be denied and previous forgiveness withdrawn; if the recipient of mercy fails to extend mercy to others- Matthew 18:21-35. The word of God says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7. Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful- James 2:13.
May you be a recipient of God’s abundant mercy this day in Jesus name.
Prayer Nugget: Father, I will not take your mercy for granted. Please, grant me grace to always extend your mercy to others in Jesus name.