Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth
unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” (Psalm 25:10).
READ: Psalm 25:6-10
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith
he loved us,” (Eph. 2:4).
God is God of mercy. Mercy is one of His outstanding
attributes. It is not possible to separate God from mercy, even when He is
passing a judgement. He is able to demonstrate so much mercy because He has it
in abundance. He is rich in mercy. If you have something in abundance, it is
easy for you to give some out. Mercy and grace are somewhat similar. Mercy
ensures you are not paid in your own coin – that is, you do not get what you
deserve for a wrong deed. After a criminal is apprehended, tried in a court of
law and found guilty, setting such a criminal free is simply an act of mercy.
On the other hand, grace is receiving what you do not deserve. So, having one
automatically entails receiving the other. That is why ‘mercy’ and ‘grace’ are
sometimes used interchangeably.
“All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as
keep his covenant and his testimonies” (Ps. 25:10). God’s mercy is extended to
all of creation – both animate and inanimate objects (Ps. 145:9). This means
that if you take a cursory look at each of God’s creation, one common
denominator is the mercy of God. Moreover, Matthew 5:45 says of all creatures,
human beings enjoy more of God’s mercy—irrespective of whether they are
born-again Christians or not. This is why human beings are entitled to breadth
in clear air, benefit from the sun, the moon, rainfall, etc., irrespective of
whether they are at peace with God or not. As good as this may sound, it is not
enough. Hence, today’s reading tells us that if you do not want God’s mercy on
you to be limited to the level meant for all men, then you must take a step to
cultivate a personal relationship with Him. The moment you confess and forsake
your sins, and invite Jesus into your heart, that experience will move you to
receive a higher level of God’s mercy. From that moment on, you can enjoy God’s
great mercies in all you do. Whatever the level of mercy you enjoy now, you can
move even higher by receiving Jesus, keeping His commandments, and honouring
His covenant. This season you shall enjoy God’s mercies in Jesus name.
KEY POINT:
God is rich in mercy. The closer you are to Him, the more of
His mercies you enjoy. Show mercy!
Bible in One year: Num. 4-6
Without God's Mercy and Grace, we'ld have been extincted!Without God's Mercy and Grace, we'ld have been extincted!
ReplyDelete