Mercy is not something God has, but something God is.
– A.W. Tozer.
I think that every good Christian knows the song written by Richard Smallwood “His mercy endures forever”. The inspiration for the lyrics of this song, Richard got from Psalm 118:1 (or perhaps Psalm 106:1). But have you ever given deep thought to the lyrics? What does it mean His mercy endures forever? The answer for that question we will find in today’s Bible Reading from 2 Chronicles 7.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional focus verse is from the Book of 2 Chronicles 7:3. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Romans 16:19: Be Wise In Your Obedience
The Mercy and the Fire of the Lord
After King Solomon has finished building the House of the Lord, he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, and he prayed. This Solomon’s prayer is recorded in 1 Kings 8:22-53 and in 2 Chronicles 6:12-42. It is quite a prayer, isn’t it?
In his prayer, King Solomon praised the Lord God for keeping all His promises given to Abraham, to Moses, and to David. At the same time, Solomon remembered many warnings that God has given as to what would happen if the nation should turn away from God. His prayer became a prayer for repeated forgiveness and restoration in response to repentance and confession (The Henry Morris Study Bible commentary).
Thereafter, when Solomon finished his prayer, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices. Thus, God heard the supplication of the king and the glory of the Lord filled the house (2 Chronicles 7:1). However, brothers and sisters, do not confuse the Fire of the Lord and His Mercy with the heresy of the modern movement of the “strange fire”. The Fire of the Lord is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).
Mercy, Fire and Jesus Christ
Just imagine the great King Solomon kneeling on his knees before all the leaders of the nation of Israel, spreading his hands out to heaven and praying a magnificent prayer. It must have been a heart-stirring sight… and humbling too. Moreover, imagine the King of kings our Lord Jesus Christ spreading out His hands to heaven… hanging on the cross. The dry land thirsty for righteousness soaking up His precious blood. The blood that was shed for yours and my transgressions. But God is Good, His Mercy endures forever! Accept the invitation of Jesus Christ – repent!
The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrifice that God the Father has provided for Himself. This is the perpetual forgiveness for the multitudes of sins. That is why His Mercy endures forever.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- What do these words mean for you, “His Mercy endures forever“?
- Are you humble enough to pray to God for your forgiveness?
- Are you humble enough to pray for the forgiveness of others?
Related Posts
- The Light Of The Lord God Will Reign Forever
- As Priests, Let Us Offer Our Sacrifices Of Thanksgiving
- Patience in the Ministers of God
- God’s promises
- A Spirit of Justice
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, we praise and glorify Your name, oh Lord God. Indeed, Your Mercy endures forever. And we give thanks to You, oh Father, for sending Your son our Lord Jesus Christ to suffer on the cross in our stead. The fire came down from heaven and consumed the offering of Jesus Christ. We thank you, Lord Jesus, that by Your mercy and grace You have pardoned us for the many transgressions that we are guilty of. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue reproving and guiding us according to the will of our heavenly Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.