HIS MERCIES ARE EVERLASTING
As this year draws to a close and we reflect on this past year and looking forward to celebrating Christmas with our families and friends, I would like to remind you that God’s Mercies are everlasting.
For so many people this time of the year can be a tough because we tend to review the past year in the light of all our mistakes, failures, and missed opportunities. But the gospel reminds us that the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is a bold and clear declaration of God’s abundant Mercy.
This is what Paul said to the church in Ephesus,
Ephesians 2:4-5 NKJV
“4. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
- even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”
David the psalmist says something so profound that it is almost too good to be true. He says that the Mercy of God is an everlasting Mercy!
Psalm 136 – A psalm of David
- O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
- O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
- O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever
- To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever
- To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. (KJV)
In this Psalm, David ends each verse with a powerful proclamation: “… For his mercy endureth for ever.”
I don’t believe he wrote this at the end of each verse simply because he had nothing else to say and wanted to fill space. There are three very important things I believe he wanted us to see. These were things that David had come to know long before he wrote this.
- That God is full of Mercy.
- That this Mercy endures
- That this Mercy is forever
Simply put, God’s mercy is His willingness, power, desire, and passion to treat you better than you deserve. And God is full of mercy. The psalm says: “Surely goodness, mercy and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life.” It is because of the mercy of God that Jesus paid the price for our freedom. Because God continually has mercy on you.
This mercy has the power to endure or take prolonged use or strain. It is designed to be leaned upon. We should live our lives to the full every day. You can live your life knowing that you can lean on and put trust in the mercy of God. This doesn’t mean stretch the limits and live as close to sin as possible. No, it simply means that as you go about your daily living, and things happen, you can lean your entire being on this mercy that God offers, regardless of circumstances. The everlasting mercy of God means that you and I can spend each day enjoying the blessings that have been showered on you. God is not waiting to hit you over the head with a big bat. He is ever ready to bless and show mercy.
And this mercy is not just for a day or a week or a month or a year, but FOREVER. There has never been a time, nor will be a time when God does not want to treat you better than you deserve.
Now you might say, “But you don’t know my past life, you don’t know the things I have done and still do.” My friend, His mercy is FOREVER and FOREVER. That includes past, present, and future. There will never come a time that God will not be willing, able, and powerful to treat you better than you deserve. Even in eternity to come, in the presence of God, He will be treating you better than you deserve.
So, when does the mercy of God run out or end? NEVER!
As the Psalmist himself puts is:
(Ps 103.17) KJV
“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear (reverence) Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children.”
In this time when we celebrate Christmas, let us put our attention on Jesus and even though you have regrets, because of failures or missed opportunities let us remember and be reminded of the revelation of this mercy and love of God. It is imperative that our hearts and mind be established and persuaded in His Mercy toward us.
Meditate and dwell on the Word of God (Jesus) and your relationship with Him, for His word becomes a natural part of who we are and what we believe.
