TOPIC: Unfailing mercies of God
TEXT: Psalm 85:6-7; Psalm 90: 13-14
INTRODUCTION: When men sin, they arouse the wrath of God which often lead to either discipline or affliction. The wrath of God that descends depends on the gravity of the offence and if corrections are made on time this fierceness can lessen. The evidence that people take to the correction of God is shown when they return to God in what is termed revival. Revivals start by God’s inspiration because He wants to show mercy to people. Man’s effort alone is not enough to full turn back to God and to abate His wrath, he needs God’s help.
1.The need for mercy: God has a purpose for all things. His omniscience knew man would sin and so purposed in Himself being a good God, and predetermined that His mercy, would never fail and would endure forever (Lam.3:22-23). By His nature, He shows unstoppable, limitless everlasting mercy even to those who don’t deserve it (Mic.7:18). The only thing that could have stopped God’s mercy is sin; but the bible says that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. An end to God’s mercy could also have happened in Jeremiah’s time when the chosen nation of God was full of sin, but God’s faithful love was not dependent on a person’s worthiness. After a time of discipline, His everlasting mercy and love healed His people (Jer.32:36-33:26). Basically, we need mercy because of sin. The children of Israel also in unbelief refused to enter the Promised Land and so when through discipline. The wrath of God is enough to wipe out men instantly because of sin. The soul that sins shall die and if God should mark iniquity who shall stand? (Ps.130:3). God tenders’ justice with mercy making it possible for us to at least have a lifespan of 70 years. It is left to us to make the best use of the time.
- The plea for mercy: The sons of Korah had to plead for mercy for Israel when they were undergoing the process of discipline. They had some level of repentance which lessened the fierceness of Gods wrath, so that they experienced some favor whereby Cyrus let some of them return to Jerusalem. However, the conditions were still rough for many of them, prompting them to plead that God should restore them fully. In the case of Israel at Kadesh Barnea, their unbelief was major failure that led to the greatest funeral march in history. Of the millions that started the journey, only two, Joshua and Caleb, of those who were above 20 years old, made it to the Promised Land. All the rest died of their unbelief. Though Moses interceded, on behalf of the people for mercy, he went the distance God required, and the distance he could not go he saw by faith. It takes God’s mercy to turn people to repent, and no amount of man’s righteousness could wash him from sin. God’s spirit initiates this process by inspiring watchmen to intercede to mediate this procedure (Hab.3:2). God promised to hear prayer and so will speak expectantly through this avenue to grant salvation to His people.
- The manifestation of mercy: As we plead for mercy, we should be expectant because God’s promise is that His mercy would not fail (Ex.32:12). It would manifest if there is genuine repentance. When this happens, mercy makes way for the people to see that God is true to His promise and imputed righteousness gives the peace necessary for fruitfulness. God’s glory dwells again in the land and the people become fruitful. God continues His work that He started, which is to make them possess the Land He gave to them. As they do this, God being with them if they turn not back to the way of foolishness, He will make them to rejoice and be glad. The coming generations will experience the beauty of God and the works of God in the hands of the fathers will be established.