REFERENCE SCRIPTURE: “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22.
FOUNDATION: Even as children of God, it is wise for believers to know some fundamental things about the world in which we live. 1 John 5:19 says, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” Apostle Paul noted in Ephesians 6:12, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV). In Matthew 24:12, Jesus foretold what evil will turn humans into: “Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others.” (CEV). In all of these, believers need the mercies of God more than anything else to survive this wicked world. God’s mercy is a product of His love (John 3:16) and compassion (Lamentation 3:22 for man.
As important as God’s mercy is, many believers do not understand its spirituality especially in the Post-Law era. The Post-Law era refers to the period immediately following the commencement of the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is worthy of note that there are points of departure between Judaism and Christianity. In other words, there are certain beliefs and practices that are lawful in Judaism but were not supported by the life Jesus lived and the Gospel He preached. Christianity is more of the life Jesus lived and the Gospel He preached than of religious doctrines. While Judaism supports the “eye for an eye” and “tooth for a tooth” doctrine; Christianity on the other hand teaches love, tolerance and forgiveness. Speaking in Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense]. 39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise].” (AMP).
It will take both faith and wisdom for a believer to accept that some belief systems and practice directions in Christendom have changed following the start of the ministry of Jesus. Alluding to this fact in Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, “Don’t suppose that I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning.” (CEV). For instance, while it was normal in the pre-Jesus era for people to pray to God for almost everything, it is no longer so, based on the Gospel that Jesus preached. Though not ruling out the importance of prayer in Christianity, the Gospel of Jesus laid greater emphasis on (1) Knowledge of the truth: John 8:32 (2) Obedience of God’s Word (John 14:23). In departing from Judaism to Christianity, most things believers pray in order to get have been reordered to be gotten through knowledge of the truth and obedience of God’s Word. This is why instead of praying for forgiveness, we are to forgive those who offend us so as to be forgiven (Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14). Instead of praying for blessings and long life, we are to honour our parents (Ephesians 2:2-3). Instead of praying for what we want people to do for us, we are to do to others what we want people to do for us (Luke 6:31). Instead of praying for mercy, we are to obtain mercy by being merciful to people (Matthew 5:7).
LESSONS
God’s Mercy is No Longer an Object of Prayer: In Psalms 51:1, David prayed thus: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” God is usually not bound by our prayers. He is however bound by our obedience. Jesus declared in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Why the departure from the old norm? Love, mercy and compassion are the nature of God. He wants us to be like Him (Matthew 5:44-45). It is in being like God that we can do what God does. As joint-heirs, we are unable to exercise the power Jesus has given us in Luke 10:19 because we do not have His nature.
CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between man reverencing God and attracting divine mercy. According to Psalms 103:11, “For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.” Do not pray for God’s mercy. Reverence God and be merciful to people who offend you and you will attract divine mercy.